The difficulty of installing a sprinkler system will depend on things like size, budget, terrain, and whether it’s for a residential property or commercial business.
How To Plan and Plant a Sprinkler System
However, you can get started on any type of sprinkler project with a few baselines.
Familiarize Yourself With the Basics
Even if you plan on bringing in the experts at a later date, you should still learn the basic, foundational aspects of installing a sprinkler system. Research how they work and how they’re typically laid out in a landscape. Study the basic parts, including pipes, valves, drains, and timers. You might also take a look at irritation systems as a whole, especially if you’re installing your sprinklers for work rather than home. There can be key differences between systems designed to water a few rose bushes and systems designed to increase profits and crop yields over thousands of acres.
Consider the Different Types of Sprinklers
Not all sprinklers look and function the same. Sprinkler heads, for example, can vary from spray heads to bubbler or “flood” heads. Heads can be fixed, oscillating, or pop-up. As for your sprinkler system itself, it can range from plain and manual to extremely sophisticated and controlled by remote technology. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the type of sprinkler system that you install. It just depends on what you want and need.
Use the Appropriate Software
Irrigation software can be a big help with planning a sprinkler system. You can also use builder or contractor software, but irritation software is more specialized, so it’ll have advanced, industry-specific features. It can list out your nozzle selections or calculate coverage arc patterns across your land. It can help you plan the placement of water meters and test out potential blueprints for pipe layouts.
Double-Check Your Local Laws
Last but not least, make sure all of your permissions are in order. Some cities require a permit and an inspection before the installation of a home irrigation system. Your neighborhood might also have ordinances surrounding water use. You should also have a utility company come by and check out your yard before you start digging it up; you never know when there will be a power line right underneath you. A little precaution today can save you a horrible headache tomorrow.
Building a sprinkler system isn’t easy, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be impossible. Use these suggestions for planning, designing, and installing a top-notch irrigation system for your home or business.
About the Writer: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
