Are you tired of walking around your lawn with a hose to water it? Then, a water supply can take your troubles away.
Currently, an underground sprinkler system is one of the best ways to water your lawn efficiently.
With sprinkler installation, it is not only convenient to upkeep a healthy and green lawn, but it assists you in saving money.
If you want this solution for your lawn, this guide is for you. We will discuss the steps of sprinkler installation.
So, let’s learn how to install an underground sprinkler system without wasting time.
Related Blog: New Sod Watering Schedule
Elements of a Sprinkler System
Whichever lawn irrigation system you get, knowing it in and out is a good idea.
So, before touching the sprinkler installation steps, look at the parts that make a sprinkler system.
- Nozzle: Water is dispersed via the nozzle. Some varieties have variable spray patterns and water dispense lengths. You can adjust them according to your needs in various ways.
- Riser: This is a vertical tube that supports the nozzle, known as a riser. A higher riser allows the water to travel farther and remain above impediments. A riser is a component of a pop-up unit that extends above the ground when the system activates. For shrubs or flower beds, the sprinkler installation can be done with a stationary riser.
- Body: This part regulates the pressure of the water coming out of the nozzle in an in-ground sprinkler system.
- Cap: This part of a sprinkler system has the simplest role of protecting the internal section of the assembly from big particles and covering the body.
- Wiper Seal: The wiper seal encircles the plunger or riser and serves as a gasket between the riser and the body. When the sprinkler head is above ground, it helps keep dirt and debris out of the body and prevents water from escaping from the sprinkler body.
- Spring: When the system engages, the internal spring raises the nozzle.
- Inlet: The body’s inlet is located near its base. It attaches to the riser on the ground level and joins the supply pipe and sprinkler head.
- Check Valve: A check valve keeps water in the pipes from leaking out of the housing and onto your yard’s low spots when the system is turned off.
Types of Lawn Sprinkler Systems
You will find two types of in-ground sprinkler systems that are stated below:
1. Pop-up Head Sprinkler
A pop-up sprinkler head with a spray nozzle irrigating a lawn. These are the most used systems that people consider for sprinkler installation.
When not used, the nozzle and riser retract beneath the ground to shield it from damage caused by mowers, pets, foot traffic, and other factors. The nozzle raises and starts to release water when it is activated.
2. Fixed Sprinkler Heads
Where there is less chance of harm, flower beds and shrub beds are excellent uses for stationary or static sprinkler heads.
Since these shrub head sprinklers are usually taller, water can pass over obstructions like plants.
Sprinkler Installation Canada Cost
Sprinkler installation in Canada typically ranges from $2,400 to $6,986.
Mostly, you will get the sprinkler installation quote by dividing your property into manageable portions. Each of these areas is intended to have its own dedicated water supply.
Landscapers may make sure that your entire yard is fully watered by zoning your lawn.
Typically, the cost of a sprinkler system is calculated per area or zone. In Canada, an average zone costs approximately $500, and most yards need between four and seven zones.
Remember that not every zone is the same in size or cost, which is why getting a customized quote for sprinkler installation from a professional is a safe bet.
How to Install an Underground Sprinkler System
Below are the steps for a smooth sprinkler installation:
1. Gather the Necessary Equipment
Before you start the sprinkler installation project, make sure you have safety gear, such as work gloves and ear and eye protection.
Other than that, you need spray paint, flags, or stakes to label the layout.
If you want, you can get a control system compatible with the sprinkler system of your choice.
A home supply business can provide you with a small trenching machine.
Do some research on water usage and become familiar with any local restrictions.
Mark your yard, including any landscaping, walkways, and other barriers, to create an irrigation map.
2. Prepare the Trenches
Use flags or poles to indicate the trenches. Begin at the water supply line that you intend to connect to.
For digging up the lawn for sprinkler installation, you can use whichever equipment or method you are familiar with.
Using the trenching machine, create trenches that are roughly 4 inches broad and 8 to 12 inches deep.
Calculate the distance between the soil’s surface and the pipe’s top.
3. Put the Valve Manifold in Place
When you dig a trench for sprinkler installation, make sure it has ample space for the valve manifold.
After connecting the valve box to the primary water supply, securely fasten the clamps.
The valve manifold makes the valves that regulate your system easily accessible.
4. Join the Pipes
Assemble the pipes before putting them in the trenches. Proceed outward, starting at the connecting point.
Use a pipe cutter or hacksaw to cut the PVC pipes. Then, attach the fitting to the pipe. Follow the reference lines to connect the pipes. This will facilitate and expedite the process after the cement has been applied.
Cut the pipe and fitting off. After cleaning the surfaces with a solvent, cement the pipe’s outside and the fitting’s interior.
Reattach the pipe and fitting by turning them apart by roughly a quarter turn using the reference markings.
To line the pipe and fitting with the reference marks, twist them. This guarantees even cement spreading.
The cement will harden in about 30 seconds. Hence, proceed accordingly if you don’t want the sprinkler installation to have unnecessary hurdles. If the cement hardens, it may become nearly impossible to separate the components.
Fit the sprinkler heads in the ground sprinklers that are about to be changed.
A riser will be used to connect each sprinkler head to the piping. Arrange them so that your lawn is properly and completely covered in accordance with your irrigation map.
5. Attach the Yard’s Water Connection Pipes
Similar to connecting a garden hose to the valve at the side of the home, most sprinkler systems connect to an external water supply.
Another option is to use a well or another source of water, which can significantly lower your irrigation system’s operating costs.
Cut into the main line after turning off the water at the meter. Then comes the water management part that is essential for effective sprinkler installation. For that, you can use a compression tee fitting to manage the water flow.
Seal the joints, including the tee connection, properly and tightly. This step can be extremely difficult as it takes precision. So, it’s better to get assistance from a plumber.
6. Set the Sprinkler Head
Place risers at every sprinkler head site and attach the proper riser to each sprinkler head. At this point of sprinkler installation, make sure you are working at the right angle and distance above the ground.
Set the sprinkler head’s height appropriately with respect to the surrounding soil. If you think you didn’t get the ground level right, add some dirt to the soil. To test the underground sprinkler system, open the main valve.
To check for leaks, manually turn on each valve one at a time.
Verify that the spray radii of the sprinkler heads are sufficiently large to overlap. After double-checking the accuracy, you can close the primary valve.
7. Mount the Timer
Turn off the electricity before starting any connection processes. Fasten the automatic timer to the house’s outer wall. The 24-volt cables that connect the timer to the zone valves should have their insulation removed.
You can use the instructions present on the packaging of the sprinkler to guarantee that you have connected all the wires correctly.
Normally, you have to attach a single wire to the white sprinkler wire from every valve. Once you are done, attach each valve’s second wire to a different coloured wire.
Unplug the sprinkler timer from the power source before wiring it into the system. Connect each coloured sprinkler wire to a different timer terminal with a corresponding number.
Finally, to get the timer to work, attach the white wire to the timer’s common terminal.
Set the timer and test to ensure that every sprinkler in every zone is working correctly.
8. Bury the Valves and Pipelines
Inspect all fittings, heads, valves, and connectors for leaks so that your sprinkler installation is successful.
Raise or lower each sprinkler head to the appropriate level. Sprinkler heads shouldn’t protrude more than one inch above the ground. In this step, you can modify the spray pattern and distance of each sprinkler head.
Replace the sods or reseed the pipes after covering them with the dirt that was taken out for the trenches.
If you are afraid that the weather may damage the system, ruining the effort that goes into sprinkler installation, weather-resistant enclosures are a good option.
Additional Tips For Successful Sprinkler Installation
- Overwatering your yard at night can encourage the spread of fungi. Therefore, morning is the best time to water your lawn.
- If you want to create a sod watering schedule, here is a guide for you. When your yard has enough moisture, install a rain shutdown device or humidity sensor to avoid watering it more than necessary.
- If you start noticing fungal spots or patches on your lawn, using apple cider vinegar may help.
- You can save water and money by adding timers to some irrigation systems.
- Ensure your sprinkler head is only watering your lawns and gardens, and avoid watering the pavement. Irrigation systems positioned poorly can waste a lot of water daily.
- During monsoon, avoid using your sprinkler system.
- By remembering these pointers, you won’t face a problem for a long period after sprinkler installation.
FAQs
How should my sprinkler system be winterized?
Turn off the water supply, empty the pipes, and use an air compressor to remove any leftover water to winterize. In the winter, this helps prevent freezing and possible damage.
Why isn’t my lawn receiving enough water in some areas?
Low water pressure, incorrect spacing, or blocked or damaged sprinkler heads could cause this. That’s why testing the system is an important step in sprinkler installation.
Why is installing a sprinkler system necessary?
A sprinkler system effectively waters your garden or lawn while saving money, time, and water. It guarantees that your plants get the appropriate amount of water at the appropriate time, which promotes healthier growth.
In Conclusion
This was our guide on sprinkler installation. By using these steps to install an underground sprinkler system, you will be able to finish the process easily.
However, as you can tell by now, some of the steps require the intervention of professionals, so instead of doing it yourself, consider professionals.
If you already have a full plate and can’t manage another responsibility, you can contact Falcons Landscaping to fix your yard issues.