STEP 3 – Installing and Auditing Sprinkler Systems

Installing New Irrigation Systems

A properly installed and maintained underground sprinkler system is essential to a healthy lawn. Poorly installed or maladjusted irrigation will not only hurt the health of your lawn, but can also waste precious water.

We recommend using the new EvapoTranspiration (E/T) Sprinkler systems that automatically adjust for moisture, temperature and rain. These systems are the best way to apply the correct amount of water, because they adjust automatically to daily conditions as well as adjusting biweekly to historical data.

Have your sprinklers installed and tested BEFORE ordering your turfgrass sod. A landscape professional can perform this service for you. For do-it-yourselfers, many irrigation supply or home improvement stores will assist with a rough design if you measure and map out the area to be irrigated. Several major sprinkler manufacturers provide self-design tools.

Rain bird

Toro

Hunter

Auditing Existing Irrigation Systems

For an existing system, check for leaks and clogs at least once a month. While the sprinklers are running look for malfunctioning sprinklers, excessive run-off, over-spray onto sidewalks/driveways/gutters, disconnected or clogged drip lines, or any other problems which would decrease the efficiency and uniformity of the system. “Head to head” coverage helps to ensure uniformity. If your sprinkler parts are older models, consider replacing with more efficient models for better coverage and water reduction.

If you notice dry spots, you can perform a simple audit of your system:

1. Distribute several empty tuna cans around the lawn (or other containers without sloping sides), 2- feet away from each spray head.
2. Run the system for 20 minutes and measure the water in the cans.
3. Compare the amounts collected. Are some areas receiving significantly more water than others? Poor water distribution will result in either brown spots or wasted water.
4. Make repairs and replace heads as needed.

Having an automatic sprinkler timer is highly recommended. If the timer does not automatically adjust with the weather, make sure to adjust your watering times monthly.

Once the irrigation system for your new lawn is operating correctly, you can move on to installing your new lawn.