How to Install In-Ground Sprinklers

By: Joseph Truini, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. DRIP IRRIGATION TUBING

2. MARKER FLAGS
for marking sprinkler locations before trenching

3. FLEXIBLE PIPING
connects sprinklers to PVC pipe

4. 3/4-INCH AND 1-INCH PVC PIPE

5. ASSORTED PVC FITTINGS

6. GROUND STAKES
to secure drip-irrigation tubing

7. ASSORTED SPRAY NOZZLES

8. POP-UP SPRINKLER

9. PVC CEMENT AND PRIMER

10. ZONE VALVES

11. VALVE BOX
for housing the valves

12. BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE
keeps irrigation water from flowing into home’s water supply

13. GRAVEL
for spreading under the valve box

] 14. BARK MULCH
for covering the drip irrigation tubing

Close
Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- PVC pipe cutter
- 100-foot tape measure
- Trenching Shovel
- Trenching Machine,
  rents for about $75 a day
- Large adjustable pliers
- Utility knife
- Tongue-and-groove pliers.
  for tightening threaded PVC fittings
- Screwdriver,
  for installing the wall-mounted timer
Close
Product Gallery
Product selections for this project
Close

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10

16 to 20 hours
about $1,000 to $1,400 for a two-zone system

Difficulty: Moderate to hard Depends on the size of your lawn. You’ll work up a sweat wrestling with the trenching machine, but all parts of the sprinkler system are lightweight and easy to install

A landscape flush with green grass, healthy trees, and colorful flowers increases a home's curb appeal. Automatic sprinklers are the best way to maintain such a luxuriant setting while minimizing water use.

Before you can begin your own project, you need a plan. Many manufacturers will custom-design a system for you that is specific to your yard and region of the country.

The manufacturer will supply instructions onhow to check your water pressure—typically, you need at least 30 to 35 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure and about 10 to 13 gpm (gallons per minute) of water flow to support a sprinkler system. They'll also give you a template so that you can sketch your property boundaries. Send them the sketch and they'll return a detailed plan for your landscape—including specific instructions—and a list of everything you'll need to buy at the hardware store to put the system together.