How to Install In-Ground Sprinkler Systems

Preparation

• 1

  Insert flags or other markers into the ground to mark where the sprinklers will be installed.

• 2

  Spray the lawn in lines with spray paint where you intend to trench.

• 3

  Dig out the trenches between 8 to 12 inches deep with a backhoe or shovel.

• 4

  Lay out the components of the system beside the trenches where they'll be installed.

Irrigation Line Insertion

• 5

  Turn the main water line valve off. Use a PVC pipe cutter to cut out a section just big enough to fit the slip-type compression-T about 6 inches from the main water line valve.

• 6

  Twist the ends of the compression-T until they come off of the T then insert them onto the two open ends of the main line. Always roll Teflon tape onto the threads in the direction of the threads of the pipe fittings; this includes the ends of the T. Insert the T into the main line opening and screw the two ends onto the threaded T. Always tighten threaded connections with a wrench, using no more than 1-1/2 turns.

• 7

  Screw two fittings into both sides of the shut-off valve. Use the PVC pipe cutter to cut a 3-inch section of pipe. Always sandpaper the ends of pipes and pipe sections so that no rough edges remain before connecting them. Rub PVC primer and PVC glue onto the ends of each section, inside one of the shut-off valve fittings and inside the T opening. Slip the section into the T opening and the shut-off valve onto the end of the section. Always twist the pipe into the connection 1/4-turn for a snug fit and hold the glued pieces in place for 15 seconds.

• 8

  Rub PVC primer and glue inside the open fitting of the shut-off valve and the pipe that leads from the shut-off valve to the water valve manifold. Insert the pipe into the fitting.

Water Valve Insertion

• 9

  Use the PVC pipe cutter to cut a 3-inch section of pipe and screw a fitting into the "Flow" inlet of each water valve.

• 10

  Rub PVC primer and glue inside the two fitting openings on the edges of the pipe section and on the edge of the shut-off valve pipe. Slide the two valves onto the pipe section so they're connected then slide the opening of the first valve onto the shut-off valve pipe. Orient the pieces so that the water valves sit flush to the ground.

• 11

  Screw pipe fittings into the outlets of the two water valves. Rub PVC primer and glue inside the two fittings and onto the end of each PVC pipe going from the water valve to their respective sprinkler zones. Slide the pipes into their designated water valve fittings.

• 12

  Lower a water valve manifold box over the water valves.

Sprinkler Insertion

• 13

  Rub PVC primer and glue around the pipes and into the fittings of the entire sprinkler system, one by one, then connect them until all of the piping is joined.

• 14

  Insert fittings into the pipe line for the sprinklers. Wind a swing-pipe assembly onto the fitting and a sprinkler housing onto the assembly. Tighten each by hand.

• 15

  Fill the trenches with soil or dirt and confirm that the sprinkler housings are vertical in the ground with the spray head just above and level to the ground.