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  • Tools of the Trade / Installing a Sprinkler Head
  • From "DIY Watering Your Lawn"
    episode DWYL-103
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    Figure A

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    Figure B

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    Figure C

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    Figure D

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    Figure E

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    Figure F

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    Figure G

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    Figure H

    Heidi Robinson introduces some tools that will come in handy for this project:

    • Cordless drill -- for controller anchors, driving screws to secure controller.

    • Pipe wrenches -- to tighten fittings

    • Wire strippers -- for hooking control wire to valves and at controller

    • Propane torch -- for heating the pipes to make fittings go in more smoothly

    • Screwdriver -- for tightening the contacts on the controller wires

    There are also some tools that are specialized for the poly fittings:

    • Poly-pipe cutter (figure A) -- for cutting pipe

    • Nut driver (figure B) -- for putting saddle-Ts onto poly pipe, which is where the heads are actually connected to the poly pipe

    • Core tool (figure C) -- to cut small circle out of the pipe inside saddle T to allow water into the fitting

    • Crimping tool (figure D) -- to tighten stainless-steel clamps and keep the fittings connected

    • Trenching shovel (figure E) -- narrower than regular shovel, for digging narrow trenches.

    Installing a Sprinkler Head

    1. Slide a saddle-T onto the poly pipe (figure F) and tighten down securely with a nut driver.

    2. Push down into the center of the saddle-T with the core tool and twist (figure G). A small hole will be cut from the pipe.

    3. Place barb fitting onto saddle-T and screw down tightly.

    4. Heat end of the "swing pipe" (the 1/2" pipe that attaches the sprinkler head to the saddle-T) using a propane torch. Be careful not to burn the pipe -- a few seconds with the torch is sufficient to heat up the pipe and cause it to expand slightly.

      Safety tip: Be sure to wear gloves when you're working with a propane torch.

    5. Push the swing pipe onto the barb as far as it will go (figure H).

    6. Set sprinkler head in place and backfill with dirt.


    RESOURCES :
    Cottage Water Systems: An Out-Of-The City Guide to Pumps, Plumbing, Water Purification, and Privies
    Model: 096969220X
    Author: Max Burns

    Cottage Life Books

    Handbook of Water Use and Conservation: Homes, Landscapes, Industries, Businesses, Farms
    Model: 1931579075
    Author: Amy Vickers
    (2001)

    To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.


    WaterPlow Press
    Website: www.waterplowpress.com


    GUESTS :
    Chuck Coddington
    Coddington Enterprise
    6376 Fairview Road
    Hixon, TN 37343
    Phone: 423-847-9964
    Home Irrigation Specialist

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