• How much time does it take to install a sprinkler system?
• Is it hard work?
• Is it complicated?
• What experience do I need?
• What tools are needed?
• What problems will I run into?

We sincerely hope you will find helpful information in these pages. Be sure to check our indexed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers pages first to see if your questions have already been answered. If you can't find the answer you are looking for, submit your question to and we will consider including your question in our FAQs pages. Unfortunately, due to the volume of questions we receive, we can't answer them all personally, but we'll let you know if we decide to include your question and answer on our site.

 

How much time does it take to install a sprinkler system?

This depends a lot on the person putting it in and the size of the job, but we can tell you what some of our customers have experienced. For relatively small jobs (for example a front yard only with 25 spray sprinklers at 15 foot spacing) done by an energetic person using a trencher, two weekends is often adequate. The trencher may be used for four hours on a small job. For a full yard with 75 spray heads with trenches dug by hand, all of your spare time for a month may be required. If you are easily frustrated or very cautious about doing things you are unfamiliar with, it will take you longer. You can work as intensely or as gradually as you want. We know people who dug everything by hand, twenty feet a week. It took a year, but it didn't interfere with other personal activities. Whatever works for you is fine!

 

Is it hard work?

If you dig by hand, you will find it hard work. Even if you use a trencher, you will have to do some digging by hand at the water main, under fences and in hard to reach places. You will be stooping over a lot since the work is on/under the ground.

 

Is it complicated?

It isn't particularly complicated in a technical sense, although there are bound to be things you will need to learn about meeting local codes and installing items that are new to you. There are a lot of things that need installing, however, so the quantity of work will be significant. A sprinkler system typically involves 500 to 1000 individual pieces, including fittings, pipe, wire, valves, boxes, tape, glue, twist on wire connectors, etc. It simply takes a lot of time to assemble all the pieces.

 

What experience do I need?

If you have successfully performed other jobs such as installing plumbing and light fixtures, and are proficient at landscaping activities, you will have a reasonable background for installing a sprinkler system.

 

What tools are needed?

Tools you will need include a shovel, pick, bow rake, wheel barrow, a hand saw for cutting pipe, wire pliers, a drill for running wires through walls, etc. You may want to purchase a deburring tool, ratchet PVC cutter, trenching shovel, a San Angelo bar (for rocks) or other tools.

 

What problems will I run into?

The only problem we know for sure you will run into is doing something you are not familiar with! Be sure to ask for advice or read this FAQ sheet for the answer- don't just wing it!

 

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