Step by step irrigation installation

Welcome to IrrigationRepair's sprinkler system installation school. This guide is layed out in easy to followsteps with colorful illustrations and cutting edge animations.

Installing an underground sprinkler / irrigation system can be a do-it-yourself project that will allow you to save almost half the cost of a professiona irrigationl installation. Irrigation components available today are much easier to work with and provide a more cost effective method for maintaining a lush, green lawn. As with any project, good planning will save you both time and effort, and maybe even some money. If you need to buy any irrigation parts and accessories, please visit SprinklerWarehouse.com

Before beginning your irrigation installation project, contact your local water company or the proper municipal authority for information on building codes and required permits. They can also tell you about requirements for the backflow prevention devices requred in your area. These devices protect your water supply from contamination and are required for most inground irrigation systems

IN THIS SECTION YOU WILL NEED:
PVC PIPE CUTTERS SOLVENT, PRIMER, RAGS (pvc only) MARKING FLAGS 1" PIPE CLAMPS (poly only) TEFLON TAPE SIDEWALK SLEEVER 18 GAUGE, MULTI-STRAND BURIAL WIRE. (Number depends on number of zones.)	TAPE MEASURE SCREW DRIVER HAMMER TRENCHING SHOVEL LINE MARKING PAINT FLOW & PRESSURE GAUGE

Each small square on the graph paper should represent one square foot of actual property or use a scale such as 1 inch = 10 feet, 1 inch = 20 feet, etc. Using a tape measure, measure your property and draw it to scale on the layout paper. Use the drawing below as an example:

REMEMBER:

Outline your house, garage and other structures.
Show walkways, drives, slabs, patios and other surfaces.
Identify trees and major obstacles.
Measure and record the perimeter of your property.
Identify slopes.
Show groundcover, grass, flower beds and landscaping.
Identify the size and location of the water meter (or pump) and main line.
Identify the soil type in your yard.

Write the scale of your drawing on your information sheet!

There is a simple way to determine what type of soil - sand, loam or clay - you have in your yard. All it takes is a clean, empty jar with a lid, some clean water, a tablespoon of detergent and a sample of the soil you want to test. To do so:

Fill the jar about 1/3 full with the soil to be tested.
Fill the jar with water and detergent then cap it.
Shake the jar vigourously and set aside for several hours or overnight.

EVALUATE THE RESULTS:

SAND

LOAM

CLAY

If the water is clear and the soil has settled to the bottom; you have predominantly sand soil.

If the water is still a little murky with bits of matter suspended in it; you have loam soil.

If the water is still murky and there is a visible ring of sediment around the jar; then your soil is mostly clay.

Write your soil type on your information sheet!