Is it difficult to install sprinklers and how much will I save??

Answer 1

It is labor intensive, but doesn't take a lot of skill. The trenching is the most difficult task, but you can rent a "ditch-witch" that will dig the trenches. They are big and have to be delivered, but I was able to dig all my trenches in a single day.

Also, I did not use PVC pipe, but chose to use a black flexible pipe, that I think is polypropylene. Places like Lowes, sell this material, and they have fittings that allow you to install tees, elbows, and series connections. The nice thing about the polypropylene pipe is that you use a heat gun to soften the pipe and then push the connectors into the pipe. No glue necessary.

Some things to consider. What is the water pressure in your city? Mine has rather low water pressure so, I am not able to put very many sprinklers on a single zone. As a result I use a 12 station sprinkler controller, with fewer sprinklers on each zone.

Another issue is the location of the solenoid valves. I chose to use a central manifold system so all my solenoid valves are in one spot. When they eventually wear out, I will know exactly where they are and they will be easily accessible.

Be sure to give some thought as to where you bury your piping, and take pictures so you know where everything is buried. Bury it deep enough that you won't accidently dig into it with a shovel

And finally, don't buy the cheap sprinkler heads. I've had my best performance using Rainbird sprinkler heads.

If you have a big yard and lots of flower beds, you will really enjoy having a sprinkler system.

Answer 2

It is actually very simple to do, but I'd still recommend a professional service to do this work. The City will typically not allow you to hookup to the water service without a permit and a code plumber to install a double check and pressure valves. The trenching will also be difficult depending on your soil type and equipment you might have. Most professionals will have a ditch witch and several workers that can do this in one day.

Another thing to think about. PVC is very expensive right now. Most irrigation systems have increased in price significantly. So you will pay more up front to install the system.

Whether you will save money is an issue too. It depends on how many irrigation zones you have, how long each zone is on, and how many days you run the system. Irrigation systems are very efficient, but if you run them alot the city water charge will get very hefty.

I'd also have a preofessional designer design the system. I wouldn't let some company just come out and istall a system. I'd want the company to draw a plan, that you can see, signed and sealed by a registered professional. This will make sure the system run optimally and gets 100% coverage on your yard.

Good Luck

Answer 3

NO, it's really not that difficult. It requires some planning and a little bit of knowledge but not that much. The hardest part is installing the back flow device and the control box. The rest is renting a ditch witch and gluing pipes together. If you've never done something like that before, I would recommend asking a friend or someone who has if they can help.

Your savings depends on what company you were going to use. If you have a wife who doesn't want her yard torn up for a couple weeks I recommend hiring someone.

Answer 4

you'll save over a thousand dollars, I used 3\4 and 1\2 pvc bought a few zone valves a 20.00 timer - pop-up sprays are 4 to 5 dollars each and I recommend rain bird. It's been 12 years and I've had absolutely no service issues. I used a double check valve instead of a diaphram back flow preventer.

Answer 5

It is actually fairly easy. The hardest part is digging the trenches to lay the pipes. You will save a ton of money. If you don't want to do it yourself check with a handyman - it would be cheaper than a contractor. Check on hgtv.com or dyi.com - they have lots of info on that stuff.