Installing your own lawn sprinkler system can keep your yard lush and green at a fraction of the cost of full-scale irrigation systems. The installation process is straightforward, and your sprinkler system can last for years if you diligently maintain it. Read how to install, test, and care for your own low-cost sprinkler system in our step-by-step guide below, and watch the video above for tips from This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.
Types of Lawn Sprinklers
Low-cost lawn sprinklers are ideal for homeowners who want to maintain a healthy lawn without investing in a full-scale irrigation system. You can connect these sprinklers to a garden hose and install them with minimal tools and expertise.
There are various types of low-cost lawn sprinklers available, including those below.
- Above-ground oscillating sprinklers
- In-ground pop-up sprinklers
- Rotating sprinklers
- Stationary sprinklers
Benefits of Low-Cost Lawn Sprinklers
Low-cost lawn sprinklers provide several advantages for homeowners, including those below.
- Affordable compared to professional irrigation systems
- Easy to install and maintain
- Flexible coverage
- Targeted watering systems
Tools and Materials Needed to Install a Lawn Sprinkler
You’ll need the following items to install your lawn sprinkler:
- Garden hose
- Gravel
- In-ground sprinkler head with quick-connect fitting
- Protective ring and cover for the sprinkler head
- Shovel
- String or measuring tape
- Tarp
Sprinkler Installation Process
Installing a low-cost lawn sprinkler is a straightforward process that you can complete in a few hours. Follow the steps below to make sure your sprinkler functions correctly.
Determine Sprinkler Placement
Decide where to place your sprinkler based on the area you want to water and the potential obstacles. Use a long string or measuring tape to determine the area each sprinkler head can cover. Walk the perimeter of your lawn, and mark potential locations for sprinkler heads.
Place the sprinkler heads so that the area they cover overlaps slightly. This will lead to even watering.
Dig the Hole
Use a shovel to dig a hole for the sprinkler head, and place the topsoil onto a tarp. Save the sod for later. Make the hole deep enough to accommodate the sprinkler head and allow for proper drainage.
Install the Sprinkler Head
Hold the sprinkler head in place and partially backfill around it with the excavated topsoil. Add gravel around the sprinkler head and the male quick-connect fitting for improved drainage. Set the protective ring and cover over the male quick-connect fitting to protect it from debris and lawn mower damage. Securing your installation correctly prevents damage from external factors and keeps your system performing reliably.
Finishing the Installation
Add more topsoil to the hole, and leave enough space for the sod you saved. Patch around the sprinkler head with the sod, and integrate it with the surrounding lawn. Attach the garden hose to the sprinkler head using the quick-connect fitting.
Adjusting and Testing the Sprinkler
Once you’ve installed the sprinkler, adjust it and test it to make sure it performs correctly.
Setting the Spray Range
Adjust the spray range to make sure your sprinkler covers the entire lawn. Turn on the water supply to activate the sprinkler. Observe the sprinkler’s spray pattern and its range. Adjust the plastic arms on the sprinkler head to increase or decrease the swing and coverage area.
Fine-Tuning the Coverage
Walk around the area that the sprinkler covers to identify any dry spots or areas that you’ve overwatered. Make small adjustments to the sprinkler head as needed. Repeat the process for each sprinkler head that you’ve installed. This will reduce waste.
Lawn Sprinkler Maintenance and Care
Maintain your sprinkler system diligently so that it functions properly. Perform the routine checks below.
- Adjust sprinkler heads seasonally to account for changes in plant growth.
- Check for leaks in the hose connections.
- Inspect sprinkler heads for damage or clogs.
- Trim grass around sprinkler heads to prevent obstruction.
Winterizing Your System
You must winterize your sprinkler system to avoid damage if you live in a colder climate. Follow the steps below.
- Cover the sprinkler head with its protective cap for the winter months.
- Disconnect the garden hose from the sprinkler head.
- Remove any water from the sprinkler head to prevent freezing and cracking.
Proper winterization prevents ice damage and prepares the system for future use.
Lawn Watering Tips
Proper lawn watering techniques can enhance the performance of your sprinkler system.
Watering Schedule
Developing a consistent watering schedule keeps your lawn healthy. Water at dawn or dusk to minimize evaporation. Adjust the frequency of your waterings based on the local weather and your lawn’s soil type. Monitor water use so that water doesn’t pool.
Efficient Water Use
Consider the strategies below, which can maximize the efficiency of your waterings:
- Collect rainwater that you can use to water.
- Implement drip irrigation for targeted areas.
- Use rain sensors to avoid unnecessary watering.
Thoughtful water management leads to a healthier lawn and conserves resources.
Our Conclusion
Installing a low-cost lawn sprinkler is an excellent way to maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn without the expense of a professional irrigation system. If you properly place, install, and maintain your system, you can reap the benefits for years to come.