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

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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
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Digigng the trenches to install an in-ground sprinkler

Photo: Brian Smith

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

1. Dig the trenches

Locate the pipe for the water source that you'll be tapping into. It might be at the water meter in the basement or buried underground.

Mark the locations of all the trenches and sprinklers with wooden stakes or plastic flags.

Then use a gas-powered trenching machine to excavate the trenches to a depth of 4 to 12 inches, depending on the recommendation for your area of the country.

Tip: Most rental dealers will drop off and pick up the trenching machine for a small additional charge.