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A brief overview of the installation process is provided here to help you understand the amount of work required to install a complete sprinkler system. These instructions are not intended to answer all of your questions, but we hope they will be enough to help you decide if you want to tackle the installation yourself. A very detailed set of installation instructions will be provided upon request for customers who order a backflow preventer, sprinklers, valves and a controller from us. The detailed instructions which you can request cover the following subjects in depth:

We provide a free description of how to adjust sprinkler systems for optimum efficiency as a way for you to see an example of our instructions. We also provide information on how to install a backflow preventer since we want to be sure everyone does at least THAT part right. We'd be sick (and so would you neighbors) if you didn't install a safe backflow preventer. We hope you'll agree that our instructions cover issues you never thought of and will save you a lot of time and money.

Installation of a sprinkler system is something that is within the ability of most healthy people who have a reasonable level of experience with electrical, plumbing and landscaping work. While the amount of time required to complete a sprinkler system varies considerably from one person to another, a total of 50 hours of work is typically required. A sprinkler system installation is not a small job, but it can be completed in small pieces over several weeks or all at once, allowing you to set the pace of the work.

A brief description of the work involved is given below:

• Look over the general description of sprinkler parts to help you decide which parts you will be using.
• Draw your lot and landscaping, then lay out the sprinklers. See our layout instructions for advice.
• Make a list of major items you'll need, like sprinklers, valves, controller and backflow preventer. You won't need to figure out how many fittings you need if you order the major items from us because we will supply a list to you based on the major items. If you plan to buy everything at your discount warehouse store, be prepared to spend several hours counting up what you'll need and another dozen hours or so running back and forth for the stuff you forgot!
• Be sure to use only professional grade parts.
• Order the sprinklers, valves, backflow preventer and controller from us and obtain detailed instructions. On request we can also provide a comprehensive list of other items which you will need, such as tools, fittings, cement, tape, wire, pipe, etc.
• Determine the location of all utilities in advance to prevent damaging them when the trenches are dug.
• A permit must be pulled and a list of code requirements obtained.
• Install the backflow preventer
• Mark the location of all trenches on the lawn
• Dig the trenches
• Install the pipe, valves, and sprinklers.
• Manually flush the system to remove debris trapped in the system during assembly.
• Have the backflow preventer tested by a backflow prevention testing service.
• Install the controller and valve wiring.
• Fill in all trenches except for the trench leading from the water supply to the backflow preventer. This trench must be left open until the final inspection is passed.
• Call in for a final inspection and obtain a certificate of completion before using the system.
• Fill in the trench leading to the backflow preventer.
• Adjust the sprinklers and valves to optimize water distribution and pressure drops.
• Program the controller.
• Clean up, sit back and enjoy your new sprinkler system!

We provide a detailed set of installation instructions with all complete part sets ordered from us. The instructions are far more complete than the list above, and are very useful to any person who has not worked professionally as a licensed irrigator or licensed installer. These instructions have been used by do-it-yourselfers, and as we come across issues not previously encountered, we add these to the instructions also. By continually improving the instructions, they are quite complete and targeted to the do-it-yourselfers out there.