Underground Sprinkler Systems Explained

Underground sprinkler systems are a great way to keep your lawn looking its best, and they're actually more efficient than traditional above-ground systems. This is because they reduce evaporation and runoff, which can account for up to 50% of water loss with above-ground systems.

A typical underground sprinkler system consists of a controller, pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads, all of which work together to deliver water to your lawn. The controller is usually a timer that allows you to set the watering schedule for your lawn.

The pipes in an underground sprinkler system are typically made of PVC or PE, and they're designed to withstand the pressure of the water flowing through them. These pipes can be laid out in a variety of patterns to accommodate different types of lawns and landscapes.

The sprinkler heads are the parts of the system that actually deliver the water to your lawn. They come in different types, including pop-up heads and impact heads, each with its own unique features and benefits.

You might enjoy: Types of Irrigation Sprinkler Heads

Installation is a crucial step in setting up your underground sprinkler system. You'll need to place the pipes in the trenches, following the plan you created earlier.

Start by laying PVC pipe in all the trenches leading from the valve box. If necessary, join pipe sections with couplings and PVC cement. This will ensure a secure and watertight connection.

Where a pipe branches off to a sprinkler head, you'll need to splice in tee fittings. Then, attach a short length of flexible piping, which will connect to the sprinkler head. This flexibility will allow for easy adjustments as needed.

Drip-irrigation tubing requires a slightly different setup. Attach an upturned elbow, a short vertical pipe, and a pressure reducer with a microfilter to the pipe. This will regulate the water pressure and prevent clogging.

Here's a quick rundown of the key components you'll need for each type of connection:

With these components in place, you'll be well on your way to a successful underground sprinkler installation.

Installing an underground sprinkler system can be a complex task that requires specialized knowledge. Unless you're an expert, it's usually not a good idea to try to do it yourself, as it can lead to more headaches than savings.

You can find a blueprint for the sprinkler irrigation system by contacting the installation company or consulting the city permitting office. This will give you a detailed map of the system's layout and connections to the city's water pipeline.

Use the blueprint to locate the valves in the yard, marked by a tape measure, and check for possible valves and boxes at the marked places.

Additional reading: Irrigation Sprinkler Valve

Dig trenches carefully, as they'll serve as the foundation for your DIY project. Mark the locations of all the trenches and sprinklers with wooden stakes or plastic flags to ensure you're digging in the right spots.

To dig trenches, you'll need to locate the pipe for the water source. This might be at the water meter in the basement or buried underground, so be prepared to do some digging.

The depth of your trenches will depend on the recommendation for your area of the country. Typically, you'll need to excavate the trenches to a depth of 4 to 12 inches.

Renting a gas-powered trenching machine can make the process much easier. Most rental dealers will drop off and pick up the machine for a small additional charge.

If you're looking to save money, consider buying PVC fittings in multi-piece contractor packs. This can save you trips to the home center and help you stay organized.

Remember to save the receipts for your rental and purchases, as you may need to reference them later.

Laying pipes in trenches is a crucial step in installing an in-ground sprinkler system. This step requires careful planning to ensure the pipes are properly placed and connected.

To start, follow the plan to lay PVC pipe in all the trenches leading from the valve box. If necessary, join pipe sections with couplings and PVC cement.

Worth a look: Repair Underground Sprinkler Line

You'll need to join pipe sections with couplings and PVC cement if they don't fit perfectly together. This will ensure a secure connection and prevent leaks.

Wherever a pipe branches off to a sprinkler head, splice in tee fittings, then attach a short length of flexible piping, which will connect to the sprinkler head. This will allow for easy adjustments and maintenance.

Here's a quick rundown of the different types of fittings you'll need:

Remember to turn on the water to flush any dirt or debris from the system after completing the piping. This will ensure the system is clean and ready for sprinkler installation.

Consider installing a DIY kit for your underground sprinkler system, but it's not typically a good idea unless you're an expert.

Installing an underground sprinkler system requires a lot of knowledge that the typical homeowner usually doesn’t have.

Unless you're an expert, you probably don't know how to dig the routes, set up the computer system, and check for proper city permits to build your system.

If this caught your attention, see: Installing Underground Sprinklers

You can set a schedule that fits your needs and meets local government regulations on water usage with a timer.

Using sensors can save water by turning off the schedule on a rainy day.

Customizing your underground sprinkler system with sensors and timers can help you water your plants just right, especially if you have sensitive plants in your garden.

Adding various types of sprinkler heads can suit different areas of your yard, such as your lawn and garden.

With a timer, you can target only the areas that need watering, eliminating soaking wet concrete or sidewalks.

A different take: Auto Irrigation System for Garden

You can shop for underground sprinkler systems near you at Ace Hardware, where they offer options from brands like Orbit and Rain Bird for fast delivery or free in-store pickup.

Their online inventory allows you to browse and select the best sprinklers for your yard, making it easy to find the right fit.

Ace Hardware also offers a collection of underground sprinkler accessories to help you make the most of your new system.

Underground sprinkler systems are a great option for meeting the varied needs of your lawn and garden. They can include features like sprinkler heads with softer water sprays or drip line emitters, which are especially effective on flower beds.

You can choose from different types of sprinkler systems, including built-in systems that are created with a water line running beneath the ground. These systems are protected from lawnmowers and other damage and can be set with a timer to ensure your plants get watered at the optimal time.

There are several types of in-ground sprinkler heads you can integrate with your irrigation system, including rotor sprinklers, fixed sprinklers, shrub sprinkler heads, and impact sprinklers. Each type has its own unique features and benefits.

When choosing in-ground sprinkler heads, you have several options to consider. There are different types of heads, each designed for specific watering needs.

Rotor sprinklers are a great choice for newly fertilized lawns and grass seed, as they provide even water distribution. They're also gear-driven, which means they slowly rotate while dispersing large amounts of water to cover broad areas.

Fixed sprinklers are best for small, specific areas that need consistent watering. They have a stationary spray pattern, making them perfect for areas like garden beds or small lawns.

Shrub sprinkler heads are designed specifically for watering shrubs and garden beds. They're mounted on risers to elevate the spray above the plants, ensuring they get the water they need.

Impact sprinklers deliver a powerful stream of water pressure in a circular pattern using durable, sturdy arms. They're a common choice for public areas like athletic fields and golf courses, where large amounts of water are needed.

Here's a quick rundown of the different types of in-ground sprinkler heads:

Each type of head has its own unique features and benefits, so it's essential to choose the right one for your specific watering needs.

Built-in sprinkler systems can be wonderful for watering large, flat areas of your lawn.

They're created with a water line that runs beneath the ground, protected from your lawnmower and anything else that may damage it.

Sprinklers are easy to use and usually low cost. If you have a particularly larger lawn, you can opt for rotary or rainbird systems that can go the distance.

You can set it with a timer and adjust it after a day of heavy rain, ensuring your plants get watered at the optimal time and with the perfect amount of water.

Underground irrigation can come with its own disadvantages, including a hefty startup price and significant installation time.

However, if you choose metered city water, you can save money over time.

You'll need to pack it up every season as you won't want to have it out during the long winter months, which means putting in the energy to do so and having enough storage space to keep it.

Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers offer free estimates on system installs and can help make your existing system more efficient.

An underground sprinkler system is installed beneath your lawn, with buried pipes carrying water to pop-up sprinklers that distribute it in various patterns.

The system connects to the main water supply and many operate automatically, successfully controlling the flow of water by cycling through different zones at scheduled times for complete coverage.

Timers allow for easy programming, making it a convenient choice for landscaping and gardening.

An underground sprinkler system is installed beneath your lawn, with buried pipes carrying water to pop-up sprinklers that distribute it in various patterns.

These systems connect to the main water supply and many operate automatically, successfully controlling the flow of water by cycling through different zones at scheduled times for complete coverage. Timers allow for easy programming, making it a convenient choice for landscaping and gardening.

You can combine in-ground sprinklers with drip irrigation tubing to distribute water directly to the roots of your plants or trees. This is a great way to conserve water and reduce evaporation.

An underground sprinkler system is installed beneath your lawn, with buried pipes carrying water to pop-up sprinklers that distribute it in various patterns.

The system connects to the main water supply and many operate automatically, successfully controlling the flow of water by cycling through different zones at scheduled times for complete coverage.

Timers allow for easy programming, making it a convenient choice for landscaping and gardening. You can set it with a timer and adjust it after a day of heavy rain.

Built-in sprinkler systems have a water line that runs beneath the ground, protecting it from damage. This ensures it's protected from your lawnmower and anything else that may damage it.

Sprinklers are easy to use and usually low cost, making them a great option for watering large, flat areas of your lawn. If you have a smaller lawn, one small sprinkler may be all that's needed.

A valve is a crucial part of your sprinkler system, responsible for controlling water flow. It's the part that helps you regulate the water pressure and flow rate.

Valves can be made of plastic or metal, depending on the specific needs of your irrigation system. For residential and commercial areas, plastic valves are commonly used, while metal valves are often used in places that require large and rapid water use, such as golf courses and municipal pumping stations.

Valves are vulnerable to water pressure, which can be a challenge to manage. They need to be able to withstand the pressure 24/7/365, which can lead to wear and tear over time.

To keep your irrigation system working properly, you may need to fix or replace your valves every year. This is especially true if you're using plastic valves, which can be more prone to damage than metal valves.

Here's a quick rundown of the different types of valves you might encounter:

You'll need the right tools to find buried sprinkler valves, and it's not just a matter of digging around with your bare hands. A shovel or trowel for digging, a screwdriver to release the valve box, and spray paint or flags to mark the wiring path are all essential.

To locate the valve, you can use a blueprint or consult the company that built the sprinkler system. A tape measure is also necessary if you have the blueprint.

A metal detector or underground wire tracer can be optional but helpful in certain situations.

To repair or replace the valve, you'll need repair kits like a saw, plumber's tape, a utility knife, and substitute valves.

Here are the tools you'll need to locate a sprinkler valve:

Alternatively, you can use a professional kit like the NOYAFA NF-826 sprinkler wire tracker, which includes a receiver device with a probe and a transmitter device with 2 crocodile clamps.