Do-It-Yourself Sprinkler Installation

A sprinkler system can both add to the value of a home and make it easier to keep your lawn well watered. Although there is a lot of "elbow grease" involved with installing your sprinklers, the reward is not having to ever drag hoses and sprinklers around your yard again. You could pay someone to install your sprinklers. But, since the materials are not that expensive and they are available at most building supply stores, you can save money by installing the sprinkler system yourself.

Pipe
Fittings
Fitting connectors or glue (depending on the type of connectors selected)
Sprinklers
Irrigation valve(s)
Sprinkler timer
Wire
Flags
Marking paint
Trenching shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Call your city officials to see if they require a permit, or if any part of the system needs to be installed by a licensed plumber. Then "call before you dig" so that you do not break any buried gas, water or electric lines.
- 2
  
  Mapping your plan is easier if you use graph paper.
  
  Map out your system to determine which sprinklers are most appropriate for your yard, where you will place them and where you will bury the pipe. Place a flag at the future location of each sprinkler head and use marking paint to mark where you will dig the pipe trenches.
- 3
  
  Dig your trenches one scoop at a time and take breaks.
  
  Dig the trenches using a trenching shovel. The recommended depth for trenches is 8 to 12 inches deep to ensure that the pipes are not damaged if you have your your lawn aerated/plugged.
- 4
  Lay the pipe into the trenches and connect using the appropriate connecters. If you use PVC pipe, use PVC glue. If you used poly pipe, use hose clamps or crimp-on connectors.
- 5
  Connect the sprinklers to the pipes in the previously mapped locations.
- 6
  
  Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water.
  
  Install the irrigation valves in an irrigation box or above ground, depending on your preference, and connect the sprinkler pipe to the valve. Be sure to turn off your main water supply first.
- 7
  
  Connecting PVC pipes is accomplished with PVC primer and glue.
  
  Connect the irrigation valve to the main water supply.
- 8
  
  Check your local regulations regarding watering restrictions.
  
  Wire the timer valve to the timer and set the timer to your preferred watering times.

Why Perform Lawn Aeration?

How to Replace the Ball Valve on a Sprinkler

Lawn Maintenance