8 Common DIY Sprinkler Mistakes

A properly installed sprinkler system is an excellent way to keep your landscape well-irrigated and thriving. A proper installation will help your system run flawlessly and supply the optimal amount of water to your plants or grass. However, when you are installing or maintaining a sprinkler system DIY, there are several mistakes you can make. DIY installation can be a difficult process, depending on your landscape needs. Even with careful installation, problems can occur over time. Identifying and avoiding these problems can save you money, hassle, and time.

This guide will share common DIY sprinkler mistakes you must avoid to running your sprinkler system smoothly, keep your landscape thriving, conserve water, and control utility bills.

1. Choosing the Wrong or Low-quality Components

Choosing the right components is the most crucial part of the sprinkler DIY installation. Like other things, sprinkler system components come in different quality levels. Many people make the mistake of purchasing inferior quality components, the wrong type of fittings, the incorrect size of piping, or the wrong types of sprinkler heads, leading to significant issues down the line. When purchasing irrigation components, get the right sprinklers, pipes, valves, controllers, wiring, and other parts.

Choose a reputable irrigation company that offers the best quality irrigation components. It is tempting to use off-brand components and save money. However, this will lead to system inefficiency, leaks, and breaks. Investing in good-quality materials from a trusted irrigation brand may cost you initially, but it can save you a lot.

2. Digging Trenches Too Shallow or Too Deep

Trenches for in-ground sprinkler systems should be at least 7 to 10 inches underground to accommodate pipes and fittings. If the pipe is less than six inches deep in the ground, it is vulnerable to the weight above ground and may crack. On the other hand, if the pipe is installed deeper than 10-12 inches, it will be challenging to determine if it is cracked or broken. Also, it will require labor-intensive effort to dig them. Dig trenches evenly and at the proper depth to avoid damage to grass, plants, and components.

3. Installing Sprinkler Heads Too Close or Too Far Apart

The most common irrigation error is not measuring and following the throwing distance directions of sprinkler heads and installing heads too close or far. This mistake leads to uneven coverage and inefficient lawn watering. Incorrectly placing sprinkler heads can lead to overwatering or underwatering. You might think placing sprinkler heads far apart will save you money, but it can damage your grass if every lawn area doesn't get water. Both situations will cause water wastage, plant damage, potential fungal growth, and high water bills. All sprinkler heads have a maximum water-throwing distance.

Follow the manufacturer's published throwing distance for each head for head-to-head coverage and irrigate your lawn evenly.

4. Installing Different Types of Sprinkler Heads in the Same Zone

One of the common errors homeowners make during DIY sprinkler installation is putting different types of sprinkler heads in the same zone to run at the same time. The application or precipitation rates of nozzles are completely different from those of bubblers, drip, and micro-irrigation.

By placing different heads of different IPH (inches per hour) in the same irrigation zone, you risk leaving dry spots. This means you will need to run the zone longer to apply water in the dry spot, which will waste water and money on additional water applications.

5. Ignoring the Expert Layout

A well-installed sprinkler system is about more than just cutting pipes, choosing types of heads, and digging trenches. It starts with a proper expert design. Sprinkler installation can be a lot easier with good planning and skilled design. A lousy layout means you will waste gallons of water each year, which is not good for the environment, your pocket, and your landscape's health.

Consider your landscape's watering needs to design a layout for your sprinkler system. Divide each area of the yard into zones according to its unique watering needs and understand the needs of each plant. Properly space the sprinkler heads, set the heads at the correct angles, and use a combination of different heads for different plants, shrubs, and flowerbeds.

Read More: How to Design A Sprinkler System

6. Installing Sprinklers on Vertical Risers

Another common irrigation error is installing heads on PVC vertical risers near populated areas. Avoid placing heads on risers within six feet of areas where people often come, such as driveways, sidewalks, pools, and backyard kids' play areas. Installing heads on vertical risers in these traffic areas runs a risk of people falling on any riser, which will cost you money and impact your safety.

7. Ignoring Water Pressure Issues

Insufficient water pressure can cause severe damage by making your sprinkler system run ineffectively. High or low pressure in the system results in uneven watering, which leads to brown patches in the lawn and unhealthy plants. High water pressure can also damage or burst pipes and sprinkler heads, needing frequent repairs or replacements.

Make sure the water pressure level is sufficient for the system's needs. Install a pressure regulator to adjust pressure down based on sprinkler head requirements. If the water pressure is low, consider upgrading to the proper water supply line size to improve the pressure.

8. Forgetting Rain Shutoff Device

A rain sensor is a simple yet powerful device that prevents a sprinkler system from operating during a rainstorm. Installing a rain sensor can save between 3% and 15% of the irrigation system's yearly expenses, proving a worthy investment.

With this device, you don't have to pay for water that your lawn does not even need. In many parts of the country, rain shutoff devices are required to be installed on irrigation systems, with heavy fines for failing to install them. If your system is old, you can update it by including a rain shutoff device. However, most new sprinkler systems already come with this device.

Sprinkler System Maintenance Tips

Here are some of the expert tips to maintain your sprinkler system all year long.

• Routinely inspect your system to check for any signs of leaks, misalignments, broken irrigation heads, damaged pipes, and other parts. Address these issues promptly by repairing or replacing worn-out components and tightening the connections.
• Clean clogged sprinkler heads and filters regularly for efficient water distribution.
• Clean clogged pipes by flushing the sprinkler system.
• Winterize the sprinkler system by draining the pipes and insulating exposed components before freezing winters.
• Adjust the controller's settings and watering schedule depending on the season, rainfall, plant needs, and climate.

The Bottom Line

There you have it. The most common DIY sprinkler mistakes you should avoid during sprinkler system installation and maintenance. Sprinklers help you keep your landscape healthy, but these installation mistakes can cause damage to both your system and lawn. Carefully planning your system, choosing the right components, and installing it properly can prevent these DIY sprinkler issues. You should design the system properly to fit your unique needs, measure water flow, and maintain the system to extend its durability and functionality. By understanding the above sprinkler mistakes and their solutions, you can maintain efficient water coverage and prevent your landscape from water damage.

Want to transform your ordinary yard? Install a high-quality sprinkler system from DripWorks and enjoy a beautiful green landscape!