An in-ground irrigation system is a great way to keep your landscape lush and vibrant. It enhances your home’s curb appeal while efficiently managing water use in your home. Proper installation of this system can help you reduce water wastage and make sure that your lawn gets an even amount of water everywhere. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up an effective irrigation system for your home’s lawn.
Follow These Simple Steps to Install an In-Ground Irrigation System
Step 1: Plan Your Irrigation System Layout
Before you make any dig, you must create a detailed plan for your sprinkler system. Many manufacturers provide custom designs based on your yard’s size, shape, and regional climate. They will also guide you in measuring your water pressure accurately.
Typically, you need 30 to 35 psi and 10 to 13 gallons per minute for optimal performance.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground by Removing Sod
Remove the sod in the area where you will be digging the trenches for the pipes. This allows you to replace the sod later without leaving visible marks on your lawn.
Cut the sod into manageable sections and set it aside. Keep it moist to prevent it from drying out. After installing the system, you can put the sod back in place for a seamless look.
Step 3: Dig the Trenches and Bore Under Obstructions
Mark the trench locations using stakes or flags, following your irrigation plan. Use a trenching machine to dig trenches. The depth should be between 4 and 12 inches, depending on your region’s guidelines.
If you need to dig under driveways or sidewalks, consider renting a vibratory plow or trencher with horizontal boring rods. This equipment will help you a lot with efficient digging, avoiding large obstructions, and minimizing damage to your landscape.
Step 4: Make the Water Connection and Install the Valve Box
Nest you must find the main water line. It usually lies near the water meter or in the basement.
Now, turn off the water supply. Cut into the main line and install a tee fitting. You may use PVC cement for plastic pipes or solder for copper pipes. Run a pipe from the main line to a backflow prevention device, then connect it to a manifold inside a valve box.
Nest, line the valve box with gravel and ensure it is flush with the grass. Attach zone valves to the manifold and run underground wires from each valve to the timer location.
Step 5: Lay the Pipes and Connect the System
Place the pipes in the trenches as per your plan. Connect them using PVC cement. To keep dirt and debris out, you must cover the pipe ends with duct tape during installation. This step prevents clogs that could affect sprinkler performance.
At each branch point for a sprinkler head, add a tee fitting and a short section of flexible piping. To get drip irrigation, connect your pipes to upturned elbows, pressure reducers, and microfilters in a seamless manner.
Step 6: Install Sprinkler Heads Using Swing Pipe
Attach pop-up sprinkler heads to flexible “swing pipe.” This pipe offers more flexibility than rigid pipes. It allows easy positioning of sprinkler heads and accommodates slight movements. Such flexibility helps prevent damage to fittings in case of ground shifts or heavy impacts from vehicles or lawn equipment.
Step 7: Secure Pipes and Avoid Kinks
Now you must secure your pipes by double-clamping them at all mainline fittings to prevent leaks. If you encounter a kink in a poly pipe, don’t try to straighten it – as it will create a weak point. Instead, cut out the kinked section and connect the ends with a coupler. When connecting your spliced pipes, you should add extra clamps to secure them well.
Step 8: Connect Timer Wires and Set Up the Control System
Now you have to connect the timer wires and set up the control system. Mount the programmable timer on a wall near the valve box. Connect the wires from each zone valve to the timer terminals. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this step.
If you need to run power to the timer, then you must hire a licensed electrician. After installing the timer, test each zone to ensure that your sprinklers operate correctly. To end this step, adjust any nozzles that spray off-target.
Step 9: Install a Smart Irrigation Controller for Efficiency
It is also better to use a smart irrigation controller that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Unlike traditional controllers, smart controllers adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather data, like rainfall and temperature. This feature helps to prevent overwatering and can save hundreds of gallons of water daily.
Conclusion
Installing an in-ground sprinkler system requires careful planning and precision. Sometimes it might feel difficult to follow all the steps with high efficiency. It is better if you get help from professional irrigation installation companies like us. You need to just contact us, tell us your requirements, and let our experts guide you through the whole process.