How to Design Lawn Irrigation

Green, healthy grass requires regular watering. You can do it the old-fashioned, time-consuming way with a hose in hand, or you can make it simple, and install an in-ground sprinkler system. Plan carefully before starting the heavy digging that will be required. Measure carefully, know water pressure and water flow values, and lay out sprinkler heads for optimal results. You can have the satisfaction of a job well done and a lush, beautiful lawn.

Graph paper
Pressure gauge
Bucket
Timer

Instructions

- 1
  
  Measure carefully, and map your lawn on graph paper.
  
  Map out your yard and the lawn to be irrigated using graph paper, staying as close to scale as possible. Include planted areas such as trees, flowerbeds or borders. Also indicate patios, walkways or other hardscape features.
- 2
  
  Attach your irrigation system to an existing spigot.
  
  Determine the placement of pipes and control valves. Attach to an existing spigot, or use the home's water main line.
- 3
  
  Use a pressure gauge to determine water pressure.
  
  Determine the existing water pressure delivered to your home. This will allow you to space sprinkler heads appropriately. Do this by using a manual pressure gauge attached to the spigot. Turn off all other water faucets before using the pressure gauge for an accurate reading.
- 4
  
  Determine the flow rate of your water source.
  
  Measure gallons per minute flow through your primary water source. Do this by measuring 5 gallons of water into a bucket. Mark the fill line and empty the bucket. Now set the bucket under the water source and time how long it takes to reach the fill line. Divide how many seconds it took to reach 5 gallons by 300. This number is the gallons per minute (GPM) flow. GPM will determine how many sprinkler heads you can run at one time.
- 5
  
  Space sprinklers to prevent dry spots.
  
  Plan sprinkler layout. Spacing of sprinklers will be determined by your water pressure, water flow and the performance of the sprinkler heads you select. For best coverage, design layout so that each sprinkler overlaps its neighbor by 50 percent. This will prevent dry spots leading to dead patches in the lawn. Position sprinkler heads so that only lawn receives water, avoiding patio and other hardscape features.

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