Get the sprinkler system you have been dreaming of and do it yourself!
Home ownership can be a lot of work and expensive, especially if you purchase a home and come across wants that you now have to do yourself. So here is a simple breakdown of how you can do a sprinkler system on your own at your newly purchased home and turn that yard of yours into a lush green space that requires less maintenance.
Plan the system –
Measure your yard and measure out how many sprinkler heads you will need based on the coverage of each type of sprinkler head you plan to install. then draw out these measurements. It is then recommended to outline an inventory of needed materials. If you need guidance with what to purchase, consult DBC. This company is located in Cheyenne and is an irrigation supply provider.
Mark it up –
Contact your utility/cable company and have them do a locate of your cables before you start to dig. That way you don’t cut a cable when installing your sprinkler system. Next purchase yard flags of your own to mark where you plan to install your sprinkler heads and verify that the current layout will have enough water coverage for your yard.
Installation prep –
When installing it is easiest to connect your new system to an existing spigot. There is a more complicated connection too, which is to tap into the main water-service line. It is advised that you consult a plumber for this portion of installation to make sure it is done by a certified professional.
Get to diggin’ –
Next you will want to dig a trench following the path between your sprinkler heads as designed to be 8 to 10 inches deep. First cut out the sod and place it to one side facing upward. Then dig up the soil and place it to the side to fill in the trench once pipe is laid. You can dig manually or rent a trenching device. This part of the process takes the longest, so renting equipment can help make it go faster.
Time for valves-
Create a larger hole along the path of the trench that will house your valve manifold box. Place the valve box in the ground and connect one end of the valve manifold to the main water supply. Make sure to securely tighten the clamps.
PVC layout –
Use a 3/4 inch PVC pipe by connecting one end to the valve manifold and following the pipe along the main trench. For the pipes running of the main line use a “tee” connector. Once you are to where a sprinkler head will go, use a riser using 90 degree connectors. When gluing sections apply only a thin amount of adhesive when attaching.
Attach the Sprinkler Head –
Consult your layout and make sure to install the correct sprinkler head to the riser. Prior to attaching be sure to flush water through the system to remove any debris. Proceed to installing. Then fill with soil around the sprinkler head to confirm positioning. Do this step to all of the sprinkler heads.
Fill it in –
Next its time to fill the trenches back up with soil and compact it down to be low enough for the sod. Then place the sod back over the trenches and fill the trenches in with more dirt to make sure all gaps are filled. Be sure that the sod is all one level after placement.
Install the controller –
The hard part is over truly. Now all you have to do is install the timer. This controls the length and frequency of watering the lawn. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the controller you purchased. Then make the final connection to the main water supply. Your sprinkler system after this step will be ready for testing. Test the system and fine-tune the sprinkler heads coverage.
Your sprinkler system is ready to rock and roll! Great work.
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I’ve been wanting to install a sprinkler trench in my lawn, but I have no idea how to. Thank you for this; I’ll ask my dad to create a hole along with the patch of the trench that will house the valve manifold box. These tips are useful, but if we can’t do it successfully on our own, I guess it’s best if we’ll just hire a trenching company to do it for us.