Lawn Sprinkler Installation And Maintenance Tips For A Well-Managed Yard

When spring arrives and the soil begins to dry out, it is time to turn on your sprinkler system. However, if you don't already have an automatic inground sprinkler system, this provides you the perfect opportunity to install one within your property to reduce water waste and streamline the irrigation process for a beautiful lawn. Here are some recommendations to help you plan out and install your yard sprinkler system and take care of it for optimal irrigation to your lawn.

Plan Out the Zones and Heads

Your sprinkler system will run on the water pressure that comes from the underground water source through the city. Therefore, you will need to measure the water pressure on your property to calculate how many watering zones you need to install.

Use a pressure gauge on your outdoor faucet to see what the full water pressure is when you turn it on fully. Then, you can calculate how many sprinkler heads you can install on the line and how many zones you will need to install on your property. Depending on the water pressure and the water capacity of each sprinkler head, you may be able to install anywhere from four to seven sprinklers on each zone. 

If you were to install too many sprinkler heads on one zone, for example, this will cause the sprinklers to not spray out at their full capacity. This will result in each sprinkler head not reaching all the lawn in the zone, and the last few heads in the zone may not spray out more than a dribble.

Adjust the Heads

Once you have calculated your water output, the number of zones needed in your yard, and set up the sprinklers for operation, you will need to make some adjustments to their spray patterns. A line of sprinklers running down the edge of your lawn should spray out at 180 degrees onto the lawn portion, but you will need to make sure they are not over-spraying onto your pavement or home's exterior. Water that sprays onto other areas outside of the lawn will be wasted and will actually reduce your sprinkler's water pressure you will need for further down the zone's line. 

As you mow your lawn each week after you have switched on your sprinklers, you will need to continue to check the spray of your heads for any problems. Heads can become bumped and damaged over time, and a sprinkler head that may have been positioned perfectly can be pushed out of alignment and end up spraying in the wrong direction.

For more information about installing lawn sprinkler systems, contact a local installation service.


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