FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you layout an irrigation system?

Designing and laying out an irrigation system requires careful planning and a good understanding of your garden’s specific needs. Here are the basic steps:

1. Plan Your Layout: Start by drawing a diagram of your garden, including all the landscaping features like trees, shrubs, flower beds, and lawn. Measure and record the distances between these features. Note the areas that receive more sunlight and the areas in shade, as they may require different amounts of water.
2. Identify Water Source: Identify your main water source. This could be a tap or a well. Consider its location in relation to the rest of the garden. Remember to take into account the water pressure available, which will influence the number of sprinklers or drippers you can operate at once.
3. Choose Your Irrigation System: Determine which type of irrigation system best suits your garden. Drip systems are perfect for gardens and flower beds, while sprinkler systems are usually better for lawns.
4. Calculate Watering Zones: Divide your garden into watering zones based on plant types and water needs. For example, lawn areas may require more frequent watering compared to a flower bed or vegetable garden. Make sure each zone can be independently controlled.
5. Select and Place Your Sprinklers/Drippers: Based on the size and shape of each zone, choose suitable sprinkler or drip heads. For uniform coverage, place the sprinklers so that each one reaches the next. In the case of drip irrigation, place the drippers to provide sufficient water to the root zones of your plants.
6. Design Your Piping Layout: Draw a layout for your pipes from the water source to each sprinkler or dripper in each zone. Main lines will lead to smaller branch lines in each zone. Use the shortest route possible to minimize the amount of pipe used.
7. Install Control Valves: Each watering zone should have a control valve, which allows you to independently operate different parts of your garden. These valves should be easily accessible for maintenance.
8. Install the System: After finalizing your plan, you can install the irrigation system. This involves digging trenches for the pipes, installing the pipes and sprinklers/drippers, connecting the control valves and timers, and testing the system.
9. Final Test and Adjustments: Once installed, run the system to check for any leaks and to make sure each zone receives adequate water. Make necessary adjustments to the sprinklers or drippers for optimal coverage.

Remember, every garden is unique, so an irrigation system that works well for one might not work as well for another. Take the time to understand your garden’s needs before planning and installing an irrigation system. Always consider local regulations or restrictions regarding water use and irrigation systems, and when in doubt, consult a professional.

How deep should an irrigation system be installed?

The depth of your irrigation pipes can depend on a few factors, including the type of irrigation system you’re installing, the kind of soil you’re working with, and the climate in your area. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Sprinkler System: For a typical residential sprinkler system, the trenches you dig for your pipes should be between 6 to 12 inches deep. This is deep enough to protect them from damage when the ground freezes and thaws, and from routine lawn maintenance like aeration.
2. Drip Irrigation System: Drip lines are often installed right below the surface of the soil or mulch, between 2 to 6 inches deep. However, they can be laid on top of the ground and covered with mulch.
3. Climate Considerations: In areas where the ground freezes during winter, it’s essential to install the pipes below the frost line to prevent damage. The frost line varies by location, so you’ll need to check local codes or consult with a local expert to find out how deep it is in your area.

Each irrigation project is unique, and there might be factors in your specific situation that require a different approach. It’s always a good idea to check local building codes and consult with a professional if you’re unsure.

How many sprinklers can I run on one line?

The number of sprinkler heads you can run on one line depends on several factors:

1. Water Pressure: You first need to determine your water pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Typical residential water pressure ranges from 40 to 80 PSI, but you’ll need to check yours specifically.
2. Water Flow Rate: This refers to how much water flows through your pipes and is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). You’ll need to know this to determine how many sprinkler heads your system can support.
3. Sprinkler Head Flow Rate: Different sprinkler heads have different flow rates, usually measured in GPM as well. For example, a typical pop-up spray head might have a flow rate of 1.5 GPM, while a rotor head might have a flow rate of 3 GPM.

Once you have these numbers, you can determine how many sprinkler heads you can run on one line. Divide your water flow rate (GPM) by the flow rate of your chosen sprinkler head.

For example, if your water flow rate is 15 GPM and you’re using spray heads with a flow rate of 1.5 GPM, you could theoretically run 10 heads on one line (15 ÷ 1.5 = 10).

However, it’s a good idea to avoid running your system at its maximum capacity to allow for variations in water pressure and potential increases in the flow rate of your sprinkler heads over time. Therefore, you might only want to run 8 or 9 heads in this example.

It’s important to note that the length and diameter of your pipe, as well as the elevation changes in your lawn, can also impact how many sprinkler heads you can run on one line. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional or use an irrigation design software to help plan your system. We are here to help you every step of the way, including educating you on your new system once the project is complete. No matter what type of system you’re needing, we can build you the custom sprinkler system design and install plan, and flawlessly execute that plan during installation.