Underground Sprinkler System Information

Timer

• Irrigation timers or controllers are made to withstand either inside or outside installation. Wire runs from the timer along the irrigation line to the water valves, which are installed underground. Each water valve controls a lawn zone. The timer is scheduled to activate different zones at different times of the day. A weekly and daily schedule can be set for each zone. Should all sprinklers need to be turned off at once, this can be done at once through the controller without manually shutting off the irrigation supply line.

Water Valves

• The home can be broken up into several zones, which might include the front lawn, the backyard, the garden and the flowerbed. These zones might have separate watering needs, which would call for four water valves, one for each zone. The sprinklers from each zone are all connected to their designated water valve by underground pipes. When the controller activates the valve, the valve opens and allows the water from the irrigation line to flow to the sprinklers. When the scheduled watering ends, the valves and sprinklers shut off. All the water valves are connected together and fed directly from the irrigation line. They sit underground surrounded by the water valve manifold box, which usually features a green lid.

Sprinklers

• Pop-up sprinklers are installed underground and raise up to water the lawn when activated by their designated water valves. Some sprinklers are stationary and stand above the ground permanently. Some sprinklers rotate continuously in one circle or in variable ranges. The spray heads of rotary sprinklers contain several adjustment slots. A supplied adjustment tool is inserted into the slots to adjust such aspects as rotation range, water flow, radius, nozzle access and stem access.

Pipes

• The water valves and sprinklers are connected to each other via several pieces of underground piping and fittings, which are held together with pipe glue. When inserting the pipes into the fittings, you need to ensure a secure seal to avoid leakage or water pressure loss. You'll need to consult your local codes to determine what restrictions and specifications to place on your system in regards to pipe material. Some areas call for galvanized pipe, copper pipe or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe.