DIY School
Step 2: Planning your system
· Now you are ready to plan your system. As you progress with your plan, make sure it will meet all local code requirements. Some cities or towns may require a permit.
· Many local codes require installation of a backflow preventor to protect your water system from possible contamination. As you are connecting into yours and your neighbors drinking water supply, most municipalities require some form of acceptable backflow prevention. These devices help protect the public water supply by preventing possible water contamination. Most important is that whatever type is used, it must be installed properly.
F. Select Sprinkler Heads:
There are many types of sprinklers available on the market today. However most yards can easily be irrigated using the following groups of sprinklers:
· Group #1 Large area sprinklers
· Group #2 Combined area sprinklers
· Group #3 Small area sprinklers
· Group #4 Shrub area sprinklers
· Group #5 Micro Irrigation for small flower and garden areas
· Micro Irrigation or drip irrigation is used to directly apply water into the soil or at the soil surface above the active root zone of plants. Its purpose is to efficiently irrigate plants in situations where water would be wasted if sprayed in a conventional way.
· Design is critical to the success of a drip irrigation system. Selection of quality drip equipment that meets the needs of the plant is the first step in the process. Regency would be pleased to help you with the design and selection of the proper drip irrigation for your yard.
· In the design of our system we are interested in large radius sprinklers for areas where maximum distance is required and smaller radius for smaller lawn and shrub areas.
· Please refer to the following charts A, B and C to select the sprinkler heads best suited for your needs. Be sure to note the space and g.p.m. requirements for each sprinkler you select.
· Sprinklers must overlap their throw to ensure even water distribution due to the often high wind conditions encountered in this area we suggest you use 100% overlap or head to head spacing.
Important Design Information
· If a sprinkler radius is 40 feet, you would place the sprinklers 40 feet apart.
· Remember: you will not be able to mix different types of sprinklers on the same circuit. So if you require 5 small area heads and 2 large area sprinklers, it may be more economical to replace the 2 large area sprinklers with 5 or 6 small area sprinklers.
· Exceeding the recommended spacing produces dry spots.
· Have an extra copy of your plan so that you can have a working copy and a good copy. Some customers find it convenient to have an extra copy of their plan, so that while they are installing the system they can make an as-built drawing for future reference.
