For more information and images for the Weekend Handyman episode 106 -- "Underground Sprinkler" -- search for WKH-106. Materials for Complete Project: Sprinkler heads Pipe Wire Valves Controller panel Poly-pipe cutter Oetiker clamp pliers Clamps Wire cutter Wire stripper Shovels Tape Trenching device (vibratory plow) Marking flags Drip line Map gas Back flow preventer Pneumatic boring tool Tee connectors Rubber mallet Auger Riser fitting Rain sensor - Have utility company mark up the yard.
- Gather equipment and tools.
- Rent trenching device (vibratory plow).
- Draw up a plan with zones for the sprinkler heads.
- Map out where sprinkler heads, pipes, valves and timer system go.
- Choose type of sprinkler heads.
- Determine central location for valve manifold for the front yard and for the backyard.
- Mark yard with flags where the sprinklers will go.
- Tap into main water-service line.
- Dig a trench to lay pipe and wires.
- Screw plow attachment to pipe.
- Twist electrical wires around chain.
- Lay pipe at least 6" down.
- Trench main line to the spot of the second valve box.
- Pull blade up.
- Detach plow from the pipe and wires.
- Dig hole for valve box bigger than box.
- Attach valve manifold to main line and all lateral lines that cross it.
- Cut the main line.
- Slip on the clamps.
- Attach the manifold.
- Tighten the clamps to secure.
- Cut the lateral pipe, slide each side back to make room for the manifold.
- Put one clamp on and attach to the ends of the lateral pipe.
- Cut and attach other end of the main pipe.
- Finish trenching the rest of the lines.
- For tunneling hire a contractor for large areas such as the driveway or sidewalk, or you can do it yourself.
- Where pipes come together use "tee" connectors.
- Attach tee to both sides.
- Mark where you want the adjoining pipe to go.
- Cut and attach.
- Hammer into place with a rubber mallet.
- Tighten the three clamps.
- After the "tee" and valve boxes, drive over with track of vibratory plow.
- In garden areas, use drip a system.
- Auger a bunch of holes.
- Create a network to each garden bed.
- Before adding sprinkler heads, flush water through system to clean out any debris.
- Install the sprinkler heads.
- Tap into the waterline.
- Attach fitting into the saddle and one into the sprinkler head.
- Fill in with some dirt.
- Level the sprinkler head with level of sod.
- Fill in rest of the dirt and sod.
- Install the rain sensor.
- Attach wireless model to the gutter.
- Connect wires to controller.
- One goes to white or common wire, and the other goes to colored wire.
- Check to see if system is working.
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