DIY Sprinkler system
#1
Member
Thread Starter
DIY Sprinkler system
Hi,
I would like to install an sprinkler system and had a few questions before I tackle this project on my own.
These are my numbers:
Water pressure: 60-69psi
Service line: 3/4" copper
Water flow: 4.8 GPM
Here is the lawn specs:

and the piping inside my house going to the location where I want to install the sprinkler valves:

How can I find out if I can install a sprinkler system and how can I figure what is needed?
I would like to install an sprinkler system and had a few questions before I tackle this project on my own.
These are my numbers:
Water pressure: 60-69psi
Service line: 3/4" copper
Water flow: 4.8 GPM
Here is the lawn specs:

and the piping inside my house going to the location where I want to install the sprinkler valves:

How can I find out if I can install a sprinkler system and how can I figure what is needed?
Last edited by Ronen Linder; 07-19-17 at 12:54 PM.
#4
Here is a pretty good chart to help.
https://www.rainbird.com/homeowner/s...sCanBeUsed.htm
and here is a page of sprinkler heads and there flow rate, and coverage.
https://www.google.com/search?q=spri...utf-8&oe=utf-8
https://www.rainbird.com/homeowner/s...sCanBeUsed.htm
and here is a page of sprinkler heads and there flow rate, and coverage.
https://www.google.com/search?q=spri...utf-8&oe=utf-8
#6
Group Moderator
I don't understand what you mean by "where you want to install the sprinkler valves". Do you mean the emitters/sprinklers?
Even with your low flow rate you can still irrigate a large area. You'll just have to break it up into more zones and do it one bit at a time.
Even with your low flow rate you can still irrigate a large area. You'll just have to break it up into more zones and do it one bit at a time.
#7
I agree Dane.. Even though the OP has not replied if he does have 5 gpm, then IMO that would run one head at a time.
I count about 6 heads he would need. @ 20 min per head thats 2 hour water time.
I count about 6 heads he would need. @ 20 min per head thats 2 hour water time.
Last edited by lawrosa; 07-19-17 at 05:37 PM. Reason: spelling
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Sorry for the late reply this site is not sending me "instant email notifications" even though I subscribed to it...oh well...
The GPM measurement was done on the faucet (illustrated in the inside piping diagram labeled as "outside faucet").
I know the sprinkler valves are installed where the faucet is, what I don't know is how many I need and what kind of sprinklers would I need to cover my lawn. I also don't know whats better, a soft pipe or a pvc pipe to connect all my sprinklers together (it gets pretty cold out here in Montreal, -45 celcius sometimes).
I know I need:
The GPM measurement was done on the faucet (illustrated in the inside piping diagram labeled as "outside faucet").
I know the sprinkler valves are installed where the faucet is, what I don't know is how many I need and what kind of sprinklers would I need to cover my lawn. I also don't know whats better, a soft pipe or a pvc pipe to connect all my sprinklers together (it gets pretty cold out here in Montreal, -45 celcius sometimes).
I know I need:
- some kind of a controller (looking for one with zwave): WGL Rain8net Pro2 RS232 Sprinkler Main Controller, 8 Zones (41012) or Rachio 8ZULW-B-CAN Smart Sprinkler Controller, 8 Zone 2nd Generation, White
- pressure valve: Zurn 1-720A Wilkins Pressure Vacuum Breaker 1-Inch Assembly
- the valves to open/close the sprinklers (no clue which and how many): Orbit WaterMaster 3-Valve Preassembled Manifold with Easy Wire
- and the sprinklers (no clue which and how many)
#9
In my reply there are charts to work out all you need. Your drawing is to hard to read. Designing a sprinkler system is fairly easy. Being in Canada you will have to have a way to drain in winter.
#10
Group Moderator
Easiest is to go to the Rainbird website. They have free irrigation system design. They will create a plan and parts list that will work with your water supply.
The harder way is to figure it yourself. Look at what emitters are available and what area they can cover. I would not plan right to your 5gpm but would plan with 3-4gpm supply in mind. Then see how many emitters you'll need and add up their flow and figure out how many zones you need to break it into to work with your 3-4 gpm supply. You may find that it's only one or two emitters so you may need a lot of zones.
The harder way is to figure it yourself. Look at what emitters are available and what area they can cover. I would not plan right to your 5gpm but would plan with 3-4gpm supply in mind. Then see how many emitters you'll need and add up their flow and figure out how many zones you need to break it into to work with your 3-4 gpm supply. You may find that it's only one or two emitters so you may need a lot of zones.