| Underground Sprinkler: Digging and Installing the Sprinkler System |
From "Weekend Handyman"
episode WKH-106 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Note: Click here for a materials list and complete instructions without images. Time: 18 hours over 2 days. Difficulty Rating: It's rated a 4 on a scale of 1 to 5.
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 Digging and Installing the Sprinkler System - Dig a trench to lay pipe and wires, using a vibratory plow (figure A) if possible. It will make the job much easier!
- Screw plow attachment to pipe.
- Twist electrical wires around the chain (figure B) -- you'll want to lay them in along with the pipe of the main line. These wires will link the controller with the valves.
- The vibratory plow has a blade called the "bullet" (figure C), which is a bit bigger than the pipe. As it vibrates it cuts the sod and pulls the pipe into the opening.
Tip: Be sure to lay pipe at least 6" down into the ground for two reasons: 1) to avoid contact with the roots zone of the grass and 2) to avoid contact from an aeration machine if you choose to use one in the future. - Trench main line to the spot of the second valve box.
- Pull the blade up and detach the plow from the pipe and wires (figure D).
- Dig a hole for the valve box -- bigger than the box.
Tip: When you're digging, always remember to remove the sod first and set it aside carefully, then dig your hole. - Attach the valve manifold to the main line and all lateral lines that cross it (figure E).
Note: Poly pipe is best for cold-weather climates. - Cut the main line.
- Slip on the clamps.
- Attach the manifold.
- Tighten the clamps to secure it.
- Cut the lateral pipe, slide each side back (figure F) to make room for the valve manifold.
- Put one clamp on and attach to the ends of the lateral pipe.
- Cut and attach other end of the main pipe (figure G).
- Finish trenching the rest of the lines.
Warning: When lowering the vibratory plow into a hole next to another pipe, be careful not to hit it with the plow blade or you'll nick the pipe and cause links in the system. - For tunneling hire a contractor for large areas such as the driveway or sidewalk, or you can do it yourself. A contractor will use a pneumatic tool to drive -- like a hammer -- through the dirt. "Definitely a job for a professional," host Paul Ryan says.
Note: If you need to tunnel under shorter areas, such as a walkway, you can use a PVC pipe with a nozzle on one end and the water connection on the other end (figure H). You'll use water pressure to jet underneath the walkway. Be sure to do this on a seam of the walkway and not on a solid portion, which could weaken the walkway. This works as the perfect conduit. - 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 are in place, drive over them with track of dirt and sod with the vibratory plow to secure.
- In garden areas, use a network of drip tubing to create an irrigation system. To do this, do the following:
- Auger a bunch of holes.
- Create a network to each garden bed. Tip: Put duct tape over the ends of any piping to avoid dirt from getting in.
RESOURCES :
Dingo, Vibratory Plow, High Torque Auger Power Head (Toro Company)
Dingo TX 425 Wide Track -- Model 22307
Vibratory Plow -- Model 22910
High Torque Auger Power Head -- Model 22400
Toro Company Inc.
Website: www.toro.com
Apple Irrigation Information
Apple Irrigation
Website: www.appleirrigation.com
GUESTS :
Mike Kilmer
Owner, Apple Irrigation
PO Box 240535
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: 612-695-5552
Email: Mkilmer@appleirrigation.com
Website: www.appleirrigation.com
Brad Paine
Associate Marketing Manager, Toro Companies
8111 Lyndale Ave. South
Bloomington, MN 55420
Phone: 952-887-7128
Tollfree Phone: 800-348-2424 (x7128)
Email: Brad.paine@toro.com
Website: www.toro.com
Ron Swenson
Irrigation Sales, MTI
4830 Azelia Ave.
North Suite 100
Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Phone: 763-592-5600
Website: www.MTIdistributing.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
