How to Install an Irrigation Sprinkler System

Preparation

• 1

  Insert flags or something similar into the ground where the sprinklers will go.

• 2

  Lay down string along the ground where you plan to dig out a trench.

• 3

  Dig the marked trenches about 8 to 12 inches deep with a shovel or backhoe.

• 4

  Lay the parts of your irrigation system beside the trenches where they'll be installed.

Irrigation Line Installation

• 5

  Twist the lever of the main water line shut-off valve until the valve is closed. Use a PVC pipe cutter to lop off a section that is the same length as the slip-type compression T on the main line a few inches from the shut-off valve. Twist the ends off of both sides of the T and wrap the threads with Teflon tape. Slide the ends of the T onto the now open ends of the main water line pipe, then slide the T into the open main line section and screw the T ends onto the T. Always tighten the fittings with a wrench, not to exceed 1-1/2 turns.

• 6

  Twist two Teflon tape-wrapped fittings into both ends of a shut-off valve. Cut a 4-inch section of PVC pipe. Sand the ends of the PVC pipe to remove all rough edges. Wipe primer and glue into the open end of the T, a shut-off valve fitting and on both ends of the PVC pipe section. Insert the pipe section into the compression T opening and the shut-off valve onto the pipe section. Twist the PVC pipe connections a 1/4-turn once inside the opening or fitting to settle the pipe. Hold the glued connection in place for 15 seconds until it's dry.

• 7

  Brush primer and glue onto the inside of the open shut-off valve fitting and onto the pipe end that runs from the shut-off valve to the water valves, then insert the pipe into the fitting.

Water Valve Manifold

• 8

  Cut a 4-inch PVC pipe section and screw two Teflon tape-wrapped fittings into their designated water valve inlets, which are typically marked "Flow."

• 9

  Brush primer and glue onto both PVC section ends, the end of the shut-off valve pipe and the inside of the valve fittings. Connect the manifold together, confirming that the unit sits flat against the ground.

• 10

  Screw fittings into the water valve outlets.

Sprinkler Installation

• 11

  Brush primer and glue onto two pipe ends and inside the water valve fittings then insert the pipes into the fittings.

• 12

  Brush primer and glue onto all remaining parts of the irrigation system and connect them one at a time according to your sprinkler system plan.

• 13

  Install a fitting into each section of PVC pipe throughout the yard where every sprinkler housing inserts according to your sprinkler system plan. Screw a swing-pipe assembly onto the fitting and attach the sprinkler housing onto the open end of the assembly. Tighten these two connections by hand.

• 14

  Fill the trenches with dirt, making sure that the sprinklers are vertical within the ground and the spray head is level with the ground.

• 15

  Insert a valve manifold box over and around the valve manifold. Fill in the trench around the box with dirt and cover the box with its lid.