Are you planning to install lawn sprinklers? It is a big decision for you to make. Don’t worry. We have got you covered. We will learn about the installation process here and the type of sprinkler head you need for your lawn below.
Lawn sprinkler installation companies provide various methods in the process. We have covered all the steps below. Keep reading and learn about it in detail.
Types of Sprinkler Heads You Need for Your Lawn
When you plan a sprinkler installation, the most crucial aspect of your project you should consider is the type of sprinkler heads your lawn will require. It is crucial to know which type of sprinkler head you should buy.
It helps ensure that your water is not wasted and your grass and plants receive a sufficient amount of water to keep themselves lush and green.
● Sprinkler Head for a Larger Lawn
You should consider implementing rotary heads if you have a large lawn to tend. These heads spray water in streams slowly. This is good for lawns with slow-draining soils and slopes as part of their landscape.
These sprinkler heads reduce water runoff. This means that there is less propensity to incur wasted water while tending your lawns.
Impact sprinkler heads are also a good choice for larger lawns. This is because they rotate while covering up to 150 feet. This makes them perfect for wide open lawns.
Gear driven sprinkler heads are also good options as they rotate at a uniform speed and allow to customize the water pressure through its nozzles. It depends on your needs.
● Sprinkler Head for a Smaller Lawn
A spray irrigation head will be a perfect sprinkler type for smaller lawns. This head type sprays water fast. This makes the water look like a fine mist.
This type of sprinkler is not suitable in areas where winds are strong all year. It is so because the water would blow off its course due to its lightness when coming out.
Popup sprinklers are one of the most common types of sprinkler heads. This is perfect in any lawn size. This sprinkler type goes above ground after you activate it through water pressure.
It will distribute the water at a low angle and reduce the chance of it getting blown away by the wind.
Steps to Install It
There are various lawn sprinkler installation companies that perform the installation and it takes some time. You can save more time when you DIY this process. Take some time to consider the following factors to install a sprinkler properly.
● Know Your Sprinkler System Parts
It is crucial to know the parts you need to have. You should choose parts that can accommodate your water pressure and water supply for an underground sprinkler system.
You need to include a backflow preventer to keep water from backing up into the supply line. Choose a control system to maintain and control water zone areas.
Fittings or couplings are crucial to connect and redirect pipes. Include pipes and risers to connect the pipes to the sprinkler heads. Select sprinkler heads depending on the water requirements for your lawn.
Use timers and schedule it when your sprinklers will turn on or off. Includes valves to open and close pipes in each water zone. Use valve boxes to protect valves and valve manifolds to control the system.
● Determine Water Pressure
Water pressure can be working when it is switched on, or static when switched off. A pressure gauge will measure your working water pressure in PSI (pound force per square inch).
● Check Water Meter
Your water meter will depend on your water supply line. If you are connected to a municipal system, then you can find the size of your water meter on the meter itself or written on your utility bill.
If you get your water supply from a well, then check for the pump size in its manual or call a manufacturer.
● Measure Service Line
The size of your supply lines will determine the size of the service line for your sprinkler system. Use a tape measure or a measured piece of string and wrap it around the water pipe to determine the right size.
● Plan Your Coverage
You should avoid dry spots or places that are overwatered. Select sprinkler heads that will accommodate the needs of each water zone. This will help you achieve full and balanced coverage of your lawn.
You should also consider pipe locations and lengths. Longer pipes with more turns will reduce water pressure. So, make sure to create an irrigation layout to avoid overextending pipes and unnecessary turns.
● Dig Your Trenches
Locate your water source with wooden stakes or flags and mark the specific areas where trenches and sprinkler heads will be placed.
You can dig the trenches by hand or with a trencher. Make sure that the trenches are level, as variations can affect the efficiency of your sprinkler system.
● Connect your Pipes
Start at the manifold and work your way outwards. This is the easiest method. Polyethylene pipes take less time as they need to be cut and installed only.
You should make the PVC pipes smooth out along the edges while cutting. Do it before you position it. As the pipes have been assembled and placed accordingly, connect the sprinkler heads to the risers.
You can connect the system to the service line or connect the valve to an existing outdoor faucet then.
● Backflow Installation
As you do this, it will close the sprinkler system when it is not being used. This prevents water from backing up into the supply line and prevents reverse pressure from affecting the water system.
● Program your Timer
Each water zone has its own valve and you can control them when specific zones get watered or not. You can schedule this through your water timers.
Most sprinkler systems withstand rain and moisture. This can determine watering schedules even if you are not around to monitor them.
● Remember to Winterize
Try not to forget this to avoid pipe damage or breakage. You may have an auto drain valve or a manual drain depending on your system type. This will require an air compressor to clear out all water zones.
Turn off the timer to keep water from flowing into the system. It may suffice to cover pipes with insulation for warmer climates but colder areas may need professional services to winterize sprinklers.
The installation steps also help you get a lawn treatment in Columbia SC. The sprinkler installation helps get an even and efficient water distribution to the lawn. This promotes healthy root growth and saves time and effort in comparison to manual watering.
Final Thoughts
So, we hope now it is clear to you about the sprinkler installation process. Various lawn sprinkler installation companies use various methods to install the sprinklers. Get a clear idea about which type of sprinkler head you need and select the process that will suit your lawn needs.
