Installing an automatic sprinkler system can help save time and water when irrigating your lawn and landscaping. Rain Bird sprinklers are easy to install and program for custom watering schedules. With some planning and basic tools, you can have a fully automated irrigation system to keep your yard lush and healthy.
Benefits of Installing a Sprinkler System
There are many advantages to installing an automated sprinkler system:
- Saves time – No more manually moving sprinklers or hoses around the yard.
- Saves water – Sprinkler systems apply water more efficiently with less runoff and overspray.
- Customizable watering – Set schedules to match plant watering needs and local weather conditions.
- Healthier landscaping – Regular watering promotes stronger root growth and lush plants.
- Increase in home value – Sprinkler systems can be a worthwhile investment, adding value to your property.
With easy DIY installation, you can start enjoying these benefits without the high cost of professional installation. Keep reading to learn the complete process from planning to programming a Rain Bird sprinkler system.
Planning Your Sprinkler System Layout
Careful planning is crucial for an effective and efficient sprinkler system. Here are some key steps:
Evaluate Your Yard
Walk around your yard and make notes on the lawn size, shape, and slope. Identify any obstructions like trees and fences. Consider if you have any specific needs like watering a vegetable garden.
Choose Sprinkler Types
Rain Bird offers a variety of sprinkler heads for different needs:
– Spray heads – Best for watering small to medium areas like lawns. Have a fixed spray distance.
– Rotary heads – Water larger areas with a rotating spray. Adjustable arc and radius.
– Bubblers – Low flow irrigation for individual trees, shrubs and planting beds.
– Drip irrigation – Most efficient for watering gardens and flower beds. Slow drip directly to roots.
Make a Map
Draw up a map of your yard and landscape beds. Indicate placement of different sprinkler types. Space sprinklers to avoid dry spots.
Calculate Water Requirements
Add up the area covered by each zone. Determine gallons per minute needed for proper coverage. This will size your irrigation components.
Select a Controller
Rain Bird controllers allow programming custom run times and water days for automatic operation. Choose a smart WiFi enabled model for app control.
Installing the Sprinkler System Pipes and Wires
Once you have a sprinkler system layout planned, it’s time to install the physical components:
Lay Out the Pipes
Determine the main and lateral pipe runs from your water source to the sprinklers. Lay these out along the route using marking paint or flags.
Dig the Trenches
Dig trenches at least 6 inches deep along the planned pipe layout. Deeper is better for freeze protection.
Install the Main Line
Run your main water supply line through the largest trench from the water source. Use 1″ minimum main line size.
Add Lateral Lines and Risers
Connect smaller 1/2″ – 3/4″ lateral lines from the main line to each sprinkler location with risers.
Install Control Wires
Lay wires from the valves to the sprinkler timers along the pipe route. Use separate common and zone control wires.
Connect Valves and Other Components
Install valves for each watering zone along the main line. Add filters, pressure regulators and backflow preventers as needed.
Test the Pipes
Temporarily cap all openings. Pressurize the system and check for leaks. Fix any leaks before moving forward.
Installing the Sprinkler Heads and Drip Irrigation
With the underground pipes and wires ready, it’s time to add the above-ground components:
Position the Sprinkler Heads
Place spray and rotary sprinkler heads following your map, spaced for optimal coverage. Use riser height to match terrain.
Install Drip Components
Add drip tubing, emitters and micro sprays for garden and bed irrigation based on your plan.
Adjust the Pattern and Range
Test each zone and adjust sprinkler heads for proper spray pattern and range. Follow manufacturer instructions to set the radius and arc.
Set the Nozzles
Insert matched precipitation rate nozzles to deliver equal coverage. Lower precipitation rates are good for clay soils.
Check for Coverage
Do a test run of each zone to identify any missed dry spots. Move or add sprinklers as needed for full coverage.
Connecting to the Irrigation Controller
With the sprinklers installed, connect everything to the timer:
Install the Controller
Mount the irrigation controller to a wall near an electrical outlet. The indoor location protects it from the elements.
Connect Valve Wires
Attach the valve control wires to the proper terminals on the controller, following the zone and common wire labels.
Connect the Power
Attach controller power wires to the transformer and plug into the outlet. The controller display should illuminate.
Sync Smart Controller (If Applicable)
For smart wifi controllers, sync with the controller app and follow prompts to connect to your home wifi.
Program the Controller
Set your custom watering schedule with run times and start times for each zone based on plants and season.
Programming the Sprinkler System Controller
Programming tells the controller when and how long to run the sprinklers. Here are some tips for setting a schedule:
Set Watering Days
Choose the day(s) to water based on your city’s regulations. Watering 2-3 days per week is common.
Set Start Times
Divide total run times into 2-3 cycles per zone avoiding peak heat and wind. Start times like 5am, 11am and 7pm work well.
Determine Run Times
Base run times on each zone’s plant water needs, nozzle rate and weather. Start with shorter times and increase as needed.
Adjust for Seasons
Increase watering in the heat of summer and back off in the cooler winter months to match demand.
Use Smart Features
Take advantage of smart capabilities like weather sensors and flex day schedules to maximize efficiency.
Review and Adjust
Fine tune the schedule over time based on observed zone performance. Aim for deep watering without runoff.
Winterizing Your Sprinkler System
Freezing winter temperatures can damage your irrigation system. Here’s how to winterize:
Flush the Lines
Run a full drainage cycle for each zone to clear out any remaining water in pipes before a hard freeze sets in.
Turn Off Water Supply
Shut off and drain the main water supply line and backflow preventer.
Blow Out Lines
Use an air compressor to force air through each zone and blow all remaining water out of the pipes.
Drain and Store Components
Drain and store any above-ground components like backflow preventers and filters indoors.
Insulate Valves
Wrap valve boxes with insulation to protect valves from freezing.
Disconnect Power
Unplug controllers and timers to prevent any damaged from electrical surges.
Troubleshooting Common Sprinkler Problems
Even properly installed systems can develop issues. Try these troubleshooting tips:
Leaking Pipes
Check pipe connections and repair any loose fittings. Look for cracks and replace damaged pipe sections.
Clogged Sprinkler Heads
Clean debris from nozzles. Flush lines and replace heads if necessary. Install head filter screens.
Broken or Damaged Heads
Replace any broken sprinkler components like cracked risers. Keep extras on hand.
Poor Coverage
Adjust sprinkler spray patterns, change nozzles or add heads to fill in dry spots.
Pools of Water
Reduce watering times and increase cycle frequency to prevent puddling and runoff.
Valves Not Opening/Closing
Check valve wiring connections. Clean or replace solenoid valves if not operating properly.
Conclusion
Installing an automatic sprinkler system takes careful planning and some DIY dedication but pays off with a lush, healthy yard for years to come. Following this guide will help you successfully design and install a high-performance Rain Bird irrigation system customized to your landscape.
Some key points to remember are:
– Map out zones, head placement and pipe layout
– Select components that meet watering needs and terrain
– Install pipes and wires at proper depths before adding heads
– Adjust heads for optimal coverage and efficiency
– Program controller with appropriate run times and schedules
– Perform seasonal maintenance and repairs as needed
The investment of time and money upfront will be well worth the ongoing convenience and water savings from an automated sprinkler system. Your lawn and gardens will thrive with consistent watering while you save time and effort.