Planning a Sprinkler System

Preplanning Requirements

• Before beginning the planning process, check with the local city planning or building department to find out if you require a building permit for a sprinkler system. If so, obtain one from the department before starting construction. Laws usually require you to map out the underground utilities throughout your lawn lawn as well, according to Lowe's. Therefore, contact local utility companies, such as electricity, gas and water, to find out where the utility lines lie under your lawn before digging.

Water Pressure and Flow Rate

• Prior to purchasing pipes and irrigation systems, you must measure your home's water pressure. Purchase a water pressure gauge from a local home improvement store, and place it over an outdoor faucet. Measure the amount of pressure when the water is turned on and also when the water is turned off. Determine the flow rate of your water by placing a bucket under the outside water faucet. Turn the water on, and time how long the bucket takes to fill with water. Divide the size of the container in gallons by the time taken to fill it, and multiply this number by 60 seconds to get a gallon flow rate per minute (GPM).

Map Your Lawn

• You must map out your lawn, specifically if there are obstacles that may interfere with your irrigation system's installation. Create a drawing on a large piece of paper showing the outline of your lawn. Walk with a measuring tape to get exact measurements of the entire lawn. Mark slopes, trees, sidewalks, shrubs, gardens, flowerbeds and fences. You'll want to measure each obstacle by distance from the side of the lawn and by the width of the obstacle. Indicate where you will install the control system to the sprinkler. For example, a control system might typically be installed in a garage or on the backside of the home.

Measuring Coverage

• According to Lowe's, sprinkler heads should provide "head to head" coverage, which means that the water flow from one sprinkler should meet directly with the water flow from its neighbor. Look at the sprinkler heads that you are considering for your system, and note the distance sprayed, zone covered and flow style. Use corner heads for corners and heavy-flow heads for center areas. Verify that the sprays overlap by marking them on your map. To prevent low flow, limit the number of curves in the sprinkler pipes and avoid long extension pipes. Map out the final sprinkler system on your drawing by listing each type of sprinkler head and the area that it covers.