How to Choose and Install Automatic Lawn Sprinklers

sprinklerThough it might look like an intimidating project, you can install automatic lawn sprinklers and avoid the pricey professional installation fees. Sprinkler systems come with step by step installation instructions to help you.

First, you need to decide what kind of automatic sprinklers will work best for you. If you have a small lawn that really won't require a very large spray pattern, you can save money by choosing stationary sprinkler heads. These don't vary in spray or move, and have a limited reach but are perfect for a small area.

Oscillating sprinkler heads oscillate and so can cover a fairly large area with multiple streams of water. Rotary sprinkler heads have a spray arm that goes in a circle, with the spray designed for a medium or large area. And pulsating sprinkler heads, which can go in part-circle or full circle patterns, use lower pressure but discharge more water with their pulsating pattern. Less water is lost to wind or evaporation with pulsing heads because the spray is so close to the ground.

If you're planning to install automatic lawn sprinklers over a large area, it might be best to use one or two different types of sprinkler heads depending on the landscape in order to use only as much water as you need and get efficient coverage. You should map out your property on paper and plan where your sprinkler heads will go before you start, so that you can make sure your coverage will be complete and that you don't spend time and money water things like walls or driveways.

Installation Tips

While your automatic lawn sprinklers will come with thorough installation instructions there are some tips that can make the process easier, as well as give you a better finished product.

Use a built-in check valve on the sprinkler in the lowest part of the lawn. This will make sure that the water drains out properly when the flow is turned off, and prevent problems like freezing and breaking in the wintertime.

Flexible nipples or swing joints on risers cost a little more but can save you a lot of time digging and replacing them later. When a sprinkler head or riser are damaged, you have to dig around them and replace them, which isn't expensive but can be time consuming and cause more problems if dirt or debris get into the piping system. Flexible nipples or swing joints will absorb the impact if the head is bumped and help prevent riser damage.

Be sure that your automatic lawn sprinklers don't stick up too far above the ground. That's just asking for feet and lawn mowers to break them or the riser beneath. But it's also important to make sure they're not so low that dirt and debris are going to cause problems with their operation. If you're worried about damage, a donut of natural materials or decorative concrete can go around your automatic lawn sprinklers to protect them.

Water Ace Laundry Tray Wet Bar Pump System R1030 NEW

Water Ace Laundry Tray Wet Bar Pump System R1030 NEW

US $149.99
Sale
FIVE X 4 POP UP SPRAY IRRIGATION LAWN GARDEN SPRINKLER

FIVE X 4 POP UP SPRAY IRRIGATION LAWN GARDEN SPRINKLER

US $23.45
Sale
Lawn Genie Sprinkler Anti Syphon Valve 1 inch L7010

Lawn Genie Sprinkler Anti Syphon Valve 1 inch L7010

US $21.99
Sale
NEW Orbit Automatic Sprinkler Watering Timer 6 Station

NEW Orbit Automatic Sprinkler Watering Timer 6 Station

US $69.00
Sale
Gilmour 9200 Mechanical Yard Lawn Water Sprinkler Timer

Gilmour 9200 Mechanical Yard Lawn Water Sprinkler Timer

US $7.95
Sale
Beautiful 3 Bedroom 2 1 2 Bath Large Shop Guesthouse

Beautiful 3 Bedroom 2 1 2 Bath Large Shop Guesthouse

US $599,000.00
Sale
Sunbeam 14 Piece Knife set with Scissors and Block NEW

Sunbeam 14 Piece Knife set with Scissors and Block NEW

US $6.99
Sale
Goulds Irrigation Pump GT07 075 HP 1 PH Irri gator

Goulds Irrigation Pump GT07 075 HP 1 PH Irri gator

US $399.00
Sale
NEW Automatic Sprinkler Timer Controller 9 station zone

NEW Automatic Sprinkler Timer Controller 9 station zone

US $69.00
Sale
Water Booster Sprinkler Cast Iron Pump 15 HP 230V

Water Booster Sprinkler Cast Iron Pump 15 HP 230V

US $299.99
Sale
Motion Detector Sprinkler Head ANIMAL WATER BLASTER

Motion Detector Sprinkler Head ANIMAL WATER BLASTER

US $38.00
Sale
Rainbird ISM 9RS 9Sta Controller Timer w Rain Sen

Rainbird ISM 9RS 9Sta Controller Timer w Rain Sen

US $35.00
Sale
Traveling Tractor Sprinkler Yellow Garden Yard Lawn NEW

Traveling Tractor Sprinkler Yellow Garden Yard Lawn NEW

US $79.99
Sale
Goulds Irrigation Pump GT15 15 HP 1 Ph Irri gator

Goulds Irrigation Pump GT15 15 HP 1 Ph Irri gator

US $449.00
Sale
Goulds Irrigation Pump GT10 1 HP 1 Ph Irri gator

Goulds Irrigation Pump GT10 1 HP 1 Ph Irri gator

US $415.00
Sale
HUNTER MINI CLIK CLICK RAIN SENSOR WEATHER BRACKET TYPE

HUNTER MINI CLIK CLICK RAIN SENSOR WEATHER BRACKET TYPE

US $26.50
Sale
New Rainbird ISM 9 9 Station Controller Timer

New Rainbird ISM 9 9 Station Controller Timer

US $44.95
Sale
Rainbird ISMR 9 9Sta Controller Timer Free Rain Sensor

Rainbird ISMR 9 9Sta Controller Timer Free Rain Sensor

US $49.95
Sale
RAINBIRD ISM 6 Irrigation Timer Controller 6 Stations

RAINBIRD ISM 6 Irrigation Timer Controller 6 Stations

US $29.95
Sale
Restaurant Bar Business for Sale Idaho Chef Cook Dream

Restaurant Bar Business for Sale Idaho Chef Cook Dream

US $280,000.00
Sale
Rain Bird Simple Set 4 Station Sprinkler System Timer

Rain Bird Simple Set 4 Station Sprinkler System Timer

US $79.99
Sale
vintage lawn sprinklerRAIN KINGAUTOMATICSUNBEAM

vintage lawn sprinklerRAIN KINGAUTOMATICSUNBEAM

US $9.00
Sale
Rain Bird Simple Set 4 Station Sprinkler System Timer

Rain Bird Simple Set 4 Station Sprinkler System Timer

US $87.10
Sale
Motion Detector Sprinkler ANIMAL WATER BLASTER 2 ea

Motion Detector Sprinkler ANIMAL WATER BLASTER 2 ea

US $76.00
Sale
NIB Watering Made Easy Sprinkler Station Original SS13

NIB Watering Made Easy Sprinkler Station Original SS13

US $26.95
Sale

Photo Credits: Mykl Roventine

Originally posted 2009-09-14 03:36:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • water-filterHow to Install a Permanent Water Filter No matter where you live, there is a chance that you may be dealing with some contaminants in your water. Many of us have trace amounts of lead in our drinking water and this can be harmful to your health over time. It is a good idea to have your......
  • pipeHow to Fix a Leaky Pipe Whether you're dealing with a slow drip, or you've got a gusher, a leaky pipe can be a serious problem. If the pipe is dripping on electrical wires, it can be even more dangerous. It is important to fix a leak as soon as you discover it. You can waste......
  • firepitHow to Make a Firepit A great accent to an outdoor space is a fire pit. These features provide a great place for social gatherings, or more intimate get-togethers. Building one in your outdoor area is simple so long as some easy steps are followed and the structure is built very attentively. The first step......
  • blindsHow to Clean Blinds There are many different types of window coverings available these days.  But, one of the most popular are blinds.  This is because they are simple, attractive, and work well for privacy while allowing light into the home, among other reasons.  However, there is one aspect about blinds that most owners......
  • showerheadGo Green and Save Money with Water Saving Shower Heads Water saving shower heads are an easy change that saves water and saves you money. Not only will you use less water overall, which is good for the planet, you'll pay for less water, and you'll heat less water which will save energy and money, too. So why doesn't everyone......
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • blog traffic exchangeSipping Superior Espresso Drinks With Automatic Espresso Machines Of The Day The automatic espresso coffee makers are the special coffee makers of modern times that seek to ease out the task of the barista. While the semi automatic espresso coffee machines make use of pumps thus obviating the need of using hands and manually operating and help make espresso quickly......
  • blog traffic exchangeIgnore Global Warming Despite Crises and Political Inertia. Extreme and risky action the only way to tackle global warming, say scientists in the Guardian's article tonight.  In it, they argue that because nowt is happening anywhere in the world to stop the warming trend, individual scientists and organisations should take action themselves, like blotting out the sun or......
  • blog traffic exchangeFor A Lasting Filter, Whole House Is Recommended. by Zachus J Winestone Water filters that last a life time is naturally hard to find with the variety of choices out there. When health and well-being is involved families should install the best water filter available. Filters range from countertop filters, faucets filters, undersink filters, camping filters all of......
  • ice-makersIcemakers Keep Your Party Drinks Cool Even On the Hottest Day Having a reliable source of ice is a must in warm climates year-round and in the summers everywhere else. Most people are familiar with the plastic ice trays that can make this ice, but such trays are not sufficient for producing ice quickly or in large quantities. That is why......
  • blog traffic exchangeReview of the Garmin Forerunner 310 XT Having a GPS enabled training device is a good thing. Having a training device offering GPS that isn't afraid to get a little wet is even better. The rugged Garmin Forerunner 310 XT is an indispensable training tool for any triathlete because it is a swim proof, GPS enabled trainer......
Online Stores If you liked this article, vote for it on del.icio.us and stumbleupon.


Categories:

Garden, Handy Man, Install, Landscape, Yard, sprinklers



Tags:

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


0 comments ↓

There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.

Leave a Comment

Email Updates

appearance appliances basic tools budget Curb Appeal debris dirt Doors downside drains electricity elements Flooring gloves hammer handyman Hardware Store heavy duty holes home improvement home improvement projects home improvements insulation job ladder lighting fixtures little bit money nails paint pipes pliers plumber plumbing right tools sandpaper screw screwdriver screws shape soap stains surfaces tiles water damage