first “things to consider before getting a new irrigation system” idea
copyright image by amazon.com
Irrigation system benefits and steps
Notes:
- There are many benefits to getting an irrigation system for your lawn. But there are still important things to consider before getting a new irrigation system for your home.
- Let’s review the steps in designing and planning a new irrigation system:
-
-
Get An Outdoor Spigot:
If you don’t have an outdoor spigot, you’ll need to contact a plumber to get one installed. Having an outdoor spigot is one of the most important things to consider before getting a new irrigation system.
- Make sure you set it up before trying to install a sprinkler system.
-
copyright image by twenty20.com
-
1: Spigot Installation:
If your home has a crawl space or basement, it would be best to tap into your water supply from underneath by connecting to your main water supply.
From there, you will run the piping through the foundation to the varying areas of your landscape.
Having the piping and converter below ground level tucked securely under the house avoids freezing and tampering.
If you have a slab foundation, you may tap into the water supply from the garage or possibly outside with the help of a plumber.
Whether your water connection is in the home or on the outside, it needs to have easy assess to turn the system on or off.
Irrigation Spigot (resource information) Spigot Illustration view images Spigot Plumbing Diagram view images Connection to Water Source view info Add a Water Spigot youtube How to Add Hose Bib youtube - —— next topic ——
-
2: Set up a Power Source:
Sprinkler systems need a power source to work. Make sure that your yard is ready for wiring wherever you plan to install your new irrigation system.
-
copyright image by envato.com
-
What Are The Irrigation Components:
- Water Pump:
the device pumps the water with the right amount of pressure to run the system. This is especially needed in areas where the water pressure is low. - Pump Controller:
manages the water flow between the varying zones and shuts off the system if their is a malfunction. - Current controllers allow you to schedule time when the irrigation system will work and the amount of irrigation time between each zone. New WIFI controllers allow for easy access by using your smart device.
- Valve Box:
a specifically designed box that is placed underground that manages the components of the sprinkler system including wires and shut-off valves. - It is designed to be out-of-site and protected from elements but easily accessed when needed. For homeowners with basements or crawl spaces, the valve box is generally not needed if you install the components underneath.
- Sprinkler Shut-Off Valve:
with a properly connected irrigation system and controller, the system will come with a solenoid switch that shuts the system down if it detects a malfunction or other defect. - Back-flow Prevention Device (PBD):
generally required for most municipalities. The PBD prevents backup pressure and contamination of the home water supply. - Pipes and Heads:
the underground piping that transport water to the outlet with specialized spray heads or rotors that irrigate the landscape area.
Electrical Needs:
If the controller is mounted in your home, garage or basement, the controller will plug-into an electrical source. You will then need to run electrical wires from the controller to the corresponding values that may be underneath the house or in the valve box buried outside.
Irrigation Wiring (resource information) Wiring Diagram view images Understanding Sprinkler Wires view info Wire Irrigation to Controller view info How to Wire Valves and Timer youtube How Design Irrigation System youtube - Water Pump:
- —— next topic ——
-
3: Use the Right Water Pressure:
Water pressure is important when it comes to irrigation systems. Make sure your system is set up to provide sufficient pressure to get the water flowing through your sprinklers.
- Too much or too little water pressure can cause problems, so get sprinklers that work with your water pressure.
-
copyright image by envato.com
-
How Much Water Pressure:
Most sprinkler systems are designed for water pressures between 30-40 psi (pounds per square inch). For drip irrigation, they require pressure between 20-25 psi.
Most home and businesses generally have between 30 and 50 psi. You need to check you community on the level of water pressure you have.
Water pressures over 30-40 psi may require pressure regulators to keep the pressure at the level that works best for the sprinkler heads. Water pressure the is below 30 psi may require a boost pump to increase the pressure.
- —— next topic ——
-
4: Map Your System:
Before you set up your sprinkler system, it’s a good idea to map the layout of your yard. By mapping your landscaping, you can determine which areas need more water.
- Be sure to note the location of trees on your map and consider their root structure when placing sprinklers.
-
copyright image by envato.com
-
Also Note Elevation:
Add to your mapping area the landscaping features that elevate up hill or down. As discussed above, pipes elevating up to address irrigation needs will lose water pressure. Likewise, pipes elevating down will gain pressure. This may require special pressure control features for high and low elevations.
It is also important to update and maintain your mapping after installation of the system. The mapping should include all zones with the location of the sprinkler heads, the location of the underground value box, controller, and where the piping was layered underground.
This map become very handy when you need to perform maintenance on your system. The repair technician can us the map to locate the source where the problem might be.
Without the map and with everything underground, the technician may be digging up your yard to find components of the system that needs to be repaired.
Irrigation Mapping (resource information) Irrigation Mapping Diagram view images Irrigation Symbols view images How to Measure Yard view info Planning Irrigation System view info Mapping Your Irrigation System youtube Importance of Irrigation Mapping youtube - —— next topic ——
-
5: Consider Local Laws:
Your region may have specific codes and regulations for irrigation systems and water use. Find out about your local water ordinances before making a big investment in your irrigation system.
-
copyright image by envato.com
-
Some Ordinances That May Impact Your Decision:
The idea that you can install an irrigation system and run it as you please when and how often you want may not be allowed within your jurisdiction.
Most communities have limitations to sustain communal water management. Make sure to check your local jurisdiction for rules and regulation, which may include the following:
- Drought Restrictions:
areas that are drought-prone may limit irrigation for residential landscapes. They may be prohibitive or very costly; and it might be worth the investment. Your best option is to design an arid landscape. - Water Consumption Cost:
check the cost of water usage in your community. The cost to use excess water for irrigation may be very expensive. - Limitation Use:
some communities limit the amount of water that can be used. Likewise, there may be limitations on the time and the day when you can use your irrigation. - Areas Covered:
some jurisdictions may fine you if your irrigation waters sidewalks, driveways, and other areas that are considered waste. You need to make sure your system only waters areas that need it. - Back-flow Prevention Device (PBD):
most communities require back-flows to avoid water contamination. Make sure that is part of your installation. - Types Sprinklers Allowed:
the type of irrigation may be restricted to certain types. For example, some communities may only allow for drip irrigation.
- Drought Restrictions:
- —— next topic ——
-
6: Underground or Drip Irrigation:
There are two main types of sprinkler systems for lawns. Underground sprinkler systems deliver water through underground sprinklers that rise out of the ground, while drip irrigation systems dribble water just above the ground to specific regions of your yard.
- Consider your yard and which irrigation system will work best for you and your plants.
-
copyright image by twenty20.com
-
Understanding Irrigation Systems:
Underground Irrigation System (resource information) Underground System view images – diagram view images Spray Irrigation Heads view images – comparison chart view images – diagram view images Rotary Sprinker Heads view images – comparison chart view images – diagram view images Drip Irrigation System (resource information) Drip Irrigation view images – components view images – diagram view images - —— next topic ——
-
7: Hire Carefully:
Before hiring a contractor, be sure to check references and get several quotes. An irrigation system is a big investment, so verify that you’re going with the right business.
-
copyright image by envato.com
-
Irrigation System Installation:
You can certainly install the system yourself – but you must have the tools, experience and foreknowledge of how trenches, piping, and heads are to be used.
Unless you have complete understanding and confidence, invite a friend who has experience to help out or look to hire an installation expert.
-
-
CONCLUSION
We reviewed the basic steps for landscaping irrigation. Whether it is DIY or a hired expert, understanding the steps and components will help ensure the best landscape irrigation for your yard.
-
Quik scroll to more landscaping ideas …
-
ideas to view and compare from the photo above
underground sprinkler kitdrip irrigation kitwifi irrigation controller
- What comments can you share about
about things to consider before getting a new irrigation system?
some design ideas
… to consider
Find Yard Maintenance Services Lawn Maintenance Sprinkler Systems Pest Control Tree & Shrubs top-rated, pre-screened local contractors FREE: download contractor selection enter zip code – powered by HomeAdvisor ™
Quick Contractor Guides selecting negotiating working with inspecting
Cover image credit: things to consider before getting a new irrigation system by 123rf.com
end of post … please share it!
links open new winor simply search by entering irrigation item or other gardening maintenance
Nice pic idea? Leave us a quick comment below.
And please share this pic idea within your social networks.
