Installing a lawn sprinkler system will produce lush green grass to enjoy even when the weather is dry and even the neighbor's grass is dry. This is not a job for amateurs, but with a little research and hard work, it can be done.
Step
Step 1. Draw, to scale where possible, a plan of the lawn and garden to be irrigated
This floor plan will be used to plan pipe routes and sprinkler head placement so you can purchase the materials.
Step 2. Divide the area into rectangles (if possible) each measuring approximately 111 square meters
These will be the "zones" or areas to be watered as a unit. Larger areas will require special sprinkler heads and a higher volume of water than typical residential irrigation systems have.
Step 3. Choose a sprinkler head suitable for watering the zones, using pop-up or gear based impulse sprinkler heads for large grassy areas, bush or bubbler heads for shrubs and flowers, and pop-up heads that fixed or fixed for the location of connecting buildings or paved areas such as carports and roads
Step 4. Mark the location of each head according to the spray head distance you selected
Rain Bird R-50's, a commonly used and good quality sprinkler head, will spray arc, semicircular, or full circle areas with a diameter of about 7.5-9 m so the sprinkler heads can be placed about 13.5m apart to allow for a uniform section. overlapping.
Step 5. Count the number of sprinkler heads you use in a zone, and add a volume of 3.8 liters per minute (lpm) for each sprinkler head
You should find a regular sprinkler head that goes from 5.7 lpm to 15.2 lpm depending on the diameter of the sprinkler nozzle. Fixed pop-up heads are typically around 3.8 lpm. Add the total lpm of all sprinkler heads and use it to measure the pipe. A general rule of thumb is a zone of 5-7 heads requires about 45.6-57 lpm, with an available water pressure of 1.4 kg/cm2. To meet this zone you will need one main pipe 2.5 cm in diameter, with a 1.9 cm or 1.3 cm pipe as a branch pipe from the main pipe.
Step 6. Draw the main line from the plan location where the regulating valve, timer (if operated automatically), and backflow preventer are installed
Step 7. Draw branch lines from the main line to each sprinkler head
You can route branch lines to more than one sprinkler head if you are using a 1.9 cm pipe, but the limit should be 2 sprinkler heads. Furthermore, you can reduce the main pipe size to 1.9 cm as well, as it will provide water for 2 or 3 sprinkler heads.
Step 8. Use this plan to mark the location of the pipeline trench and sprinkler heads, and mark the ground with a survey flag, or tape driven into the ground with a large nail
Digging a trench doesn't need to be thorough if you use PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe, because this pipe can be bent quite easily.
Step 9. Dig a trench
Use an ax or shovel to chop the soil, piling it aside so it can be removed when you're done. Use a shovel to dig at least 15 cm below the freezing level of your area. The trench should be at least 30 cm deep to protect the pipe even in warm weather.
Step 10. Lay the pipe along the trench, along with joints such as "T", "elbow", and washers to reduce pipe size and lead to sprinkler heads
"Funny pipe" is a butyl rubber pipe used in sprinkler systems, which has its own unique fitting that slips into the pipe without glue or clamps, and an adapter to connect it to the PVC branch pipe and sprinkler heads. This product allows to adjust the height of the sprinkler head, you allow you to cross the sprinkler head with a lawn mower or vehicle.
Step 11. Install a "ladder" in place of each sprinkler head, making sure the fitting fits the sprinkler head
Step 12. Connect the main line to the connecting pipe on the timer or control valve, with the appropriate valve for the type of control you are using
Step 13. Connect the water supply pipe
Be sure to use a backflow preventer so that if the water system loses pressure, it will not suck the water in the sprinkler system into the drinking water, causing possible contamination.
Step 14. Turn the control valve that provides water for your zone, and let the water push the dirt into the pipe
This only takes a minute or two, but doing this before installing the sprinkler heads will prevent jams in the sprinkler heads later.
Step 15. Install the sprinkler heads
Place the sprinkler heads, according to the plan, where you have chosen. Bury the sprinkler head deep enough for the soil to support it, and there will be a small recess under the top of the soil according to the height of the lawn mower you calculated. Compact the soil around the sprinkler head so that it stays in place.
Step 16. Turn the on zone valve again, and observe the spray coverage and direction of each sprinkler head
You can change the total head rotation from 0 to 360 degrees, and the spray pattern and distance by adjusting the adjustment features of certain sprinkler heads. As this can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, read the instructions that come with the sprinkler head.
Step 17. Check the length of the trench for any leaks, and when you are sure that nothing is leaking, turn off the valve and fill your trench again, compacting the soil firmly
Step 18. Replace the soil you removed and stored at the start of digging the trench, and remove roots, rocks, etc. from the soil
Step 19. Proceed to the next zone, when you have successfully completed the first zone
Tips
- Plant drought tolerant plants whenever possible, and try to use local species that are suited to the local climate and don't require a lot of water.
- Save tools, keys to adjust sprinkler heads and spare parts for future use.
- If you are using an automatic sprinkler system, install a humidity or rain sensor. In order not to need to run the sprinkler system during or after a long period of rain.
- Many home supply stores and sprinkler providers offer complete sprinkler designs if you have a good floor plan of the area where you will be installing the sprinkler system. The design will include a list of fixtures, sizes, calculated water use, and sprinkler head requirements.
- Keep all exposed pipes, valves and related fittings protected from the weather, especially sunlight, which can crack plastic, and freeze pipes, and break pipes.
- Contact an underground utility manager before digging.
- Don't over-water your lawn. Experts recommend watering about 2.5 cm every 3 to 7 days, depending on soil type and weather conditions. Watering sparingly but frequently will encourage your grass to grow short and its roots short.
Warning
- Set up your sprinkler system so that it can withstand cold weather, otherwise pipes, fixtures, and sprinkler heads may burst when the water inside freezes and expands.
- PVC glue is highly flammable.
- Make sure underground utilities are found before digging. A shovel alone can cut a fiber optic cable or telephone line, if the utility has not been located, the person digging is responsible for the costs when the system is not running, and repairs.
- Dig carefully, avoiding home drains, exterior light circuits, and dirty drains and sewers.
