Are you tired of watering your lawn and garden by hand? Installing a DIY sprinkler system for your lawn can save you time, while watering your greenery more efficiently. There are many different types of sprinkler irrigation systems that can be installed in a lawn and garden. Here are seven steps to installing your own DIY sprinkler system.
Step 1: Planning
During the planning stage, you need to make sure to get any necessary permits that your city or state may require. Make sure to also have the utility companies come out and check for buried cables, such as gas, cable, electrical, etc… This will ensure that there are no accidents along the way.
There are also a couple of things you can do to prepare for the DIY sprinkler system. Make sure to calculate the total area using a measuring tape. This will help you determine were your sprinkler heads should be installed. Also, measure the water pressure, and determine the coverage that each sprinkler head will cover. It’s a good idea to make a diagram on paper of where each sprinkler will be, the dimensions – pipe lengths, sprinkler head locations and what types of sprinklers are to be used. Flags can be used as placeholders for location of each sprinkler head until installation begins.
* Special Tip: Make sure that each sprinkler head’s coverage overlaps a little to ensure that there are no dry spots in the yard.
Step 2: Access to Water Line
The easiest DIY way to connect the water line to your DIY sprinkler system is to connect to an existing faucet. This involves tapping into the main water line, which requires the installation of an anti-siphon valve. This helps with preventing brackish water, fertilizers or lawn chemicals from entering the main water line.
Step 3: Digging the Trenches
The trenches should be dug 6 inches to 8 inches deep with sides at a 45-degree angle. Placing sod to one side and soil to the other when digging makes refilling and patching the trenches easier. Renting or borrowing a trench digger, rather than digging the trenches by hand, makes this task much faster and easier.
Step 4: Installing the Manifold Valves
Dig a hole slightly bigger than the manifold valve box. Next, place the box in the ground. Attach one end of the manifold valve assembly to the main water line. Tighten clamps to secure it in place.
Step 5: PVC Pipping
Now, it’s time to install all the pipes that are needed for the DIY sprinkler system. You want to use 3/4-inch PVC pipe. Connect the PVC pipe to one end of the manifold valve. Lay out all the pipe along the main trench area. Use “tee” connectors for pipes that run off the main water line. Using the location of each flag you used as placeholders for the sprinkler heads, attach risers using a 90-degree connector. Now, glue each section together using a thin and smooth layer of the adhesive.
Step 6: Installation of Sprinkler Heads
The sprinkler heads should be selected based on the irrigation needs of your lawn, landscape and garden areas. Flush out the water line in order to clean out any debris. Install the sprinkler heads onto the risers. Make sure that the sprinkler heads are level with the soil. Fill in the trenches with the sod and soil.
Step 7: Installation of Control System
Length and frequency of the water is controlled is best controlled by using a timer system. Connect all the wires as indicated on the instructions. If you’re not good with wires, hire a certified electrician to avoid any accidents or problems. Make the final connection to the main water line. Check to see if each sprinkler head is working properly and to ensure even water coverage in all areas of your lawn and garden.