How Much Is It to Install a New Septic System

Installing a Sprinkler System

Are you tired of lugging your garden hose or sprinkler around to make sure all parts of your landscape are well watered? Sprinkler system installation is a big DIY project. If you want to save on installation costs, conserve water and spend less on irrigation, check out this quick guide.

How to Decide If You Need a Sprinkler System

Before undertaking this DIY project, it helps to evaluate your needs. While having a sprinkler system is convenient, it's a lengthy project that you'll need to devote one or two weekends to completing, as noted by Lowes. To decide if this is the best option for you, ask yourself these questions:

• What kind of grass do you have? Cool-season grasses like bluegrass may need regular irrigation while drought-tolerant warm season grasses like buffalo grass only need occasional watering, notes Colorado State University Extension.
• What type of soil do you have? Sandy soil absorbs water faster than clay soil. It also requires more frequent irrigation according to Colorado State University Extension.
• Would you benefit from automated irrigation? One of the biggest benefits of completing sprinkler system installation is that you can set your system for the ideal frequency and watering depth.

Prepping for Sprinkler System Installation

Before you start planning your sprinkler system installation, check with your local government to see if you'll need a building permit. It also helps to:

• Check local and state regulations to make sure you can tackle this as a DIY project. Some areas may require installation by a licensed professional.
• Research the watering ordinances where you live.
• Check with local utility companies to identify areas where there are any underground lines.

How to Determine the System Components You Need

Before you buy any of the components, determine the backflow prevention type you're required to have based on local code. Other helpful things to know include:

• The size of your water meter or well pump
• The size of your water service line
• Your water flow rate calculated in gallons per minute
• The water pressure calculated in pounds per square inch

To measure the pounds per square inch (PSI) of your water pressure and the gallons per minute (GPM), Popular Mechanics suggests picking up a pressure gauge to measure the pressure at your outdoor spigot. Use a simple five-gallon bucket to calculate how much your outdoor faucet puts out in a minute.

Preparing Your Sprinkler Installation Plan

Create multiple watering zones, each with a separate control valve. Map out the property on graph paper, noting anywhere you have trees, shrubs, flower beds, mulched areas, slopes, sidewalks and buildings or fences. Plan to overlap the spray pattern from each sprinkler head to provide full coverage. Note where you'll place the manifold near the water supply line.

Sprinkler System Installation: The Basics

The plans for sprinkler system installation are as follows:

1. Run the pipes:, placing them at least six inches deep, but preferably eight to 10 inches
2. Assemble the zone valves above ground and cement them to the underground piping
3. Install an inline drain fitting on each valve's downstream side before connecting cable wires
5. Install brass drain valves at every low point along the feed line and continue connecting and wiring all the valves before installing valve boxes and backfilling the excavated area
6. Install sprinkler heads, tap into your home's water line and install the backflow preventer and the sprinkler system's control panel to finish things off.

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How Much Is It to Install a New Septic System

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