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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Photo: Brian Smith

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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9. Connect the timer wires

Mount the programmable timer on the house wall.

Strip the insulation from the ends of the 24-volt wires that lead from the zone valves to the timer.

Attach the wires to the timer terminals, as shown in the manufacturer's instructions.

Hire a licensed electrician to run power to the timer, if necessary.

Set the timer and run a test to make sure that each zone and all the sprinklers are operating properly.

Finally, adjust any nozzles that are spraying off course.