Putting a sprinkler system in your lawn isn't all that difficult, but you have to be prepared and organized.

Installing a sprinkler system in your front and back yard can seem like an overwhelming task. Believe it or not, however, a project like this can be done in a day or two. And it’s relatively inexpensive.

When you’re done, you’ll have a system in place that waters your grass and plants with evenness and reliability. No more having to remember to turn on the faucet. No more dragging the hose around.

There are many web sites that have detailed instructions on how to install a sprinkler system (including www.doityourself.com and www.autolawnsprinklers.com). Most yard equipment companies also have web pages with explanations.

The Basic Steps

Here are some basic steps for putting in your watering system.

• First, before you dig a shovel of dirt, get out a pencil and paper. Planning is the key to putting in your sprinklers properly.
• The authors at Doityourself.com suggest you initially check with your local building department to obtain any permits you may need. They also say to ask your utility companies if there are any buried lines in your yard.
• Next, you should call your water department to see what the water pressure and flow rate are in your neighborhood. Most sprinkler systems need at least 20 pounds per square inch. You can also check these measurements with a water gauge.

Preparation is the Key

• Then, you should map out your yard, noting where shrubs and trees are. Plot your sprinkler heads so they overlap. Multiplying your sprinklers’ maximum distance by 1.4 is a good yardstick.
• You’ll also need to figure out how many circuits your lawn will need. Most yards are too big for one valve. Therefore, not all the sprinklers can run at the same time.
• You should buy PVC pipe that is at least ¾-inch thick. You’ll also need PVC solvent, PVC pipe connections, valves and an electronic timer.

Get to Work

Now, you can get to work. Putting in a sprinkler system does require some manual labor, so make sure you are in good enough shape to bend over and kneel down.

• Basically, a sprinkler system takes water from your existing water supply and transports it to the sprinklers. So, first you’ll need to build a manifold system near a main water faucet for the valves.
• You’ll then need to run the PVC pipe from the valves to the sprinkler head locations. There are two types – pop-up sprinklers and above-ground rotary sprinklers. All pipe connections should be done with the solvent, adding a quarter-turn on the pipes after the solvent is applied to seal the deal.
• The final step is to install the timer in the garage and connect it to the valves with electrical wires. Be sure to read these instructions carefully.

Now You're Done

When you’re done, you’ll have a system in place that you’ve installed yourself that provides consistent and even-handed watering to your yard. The folks at Autolawnsprinklers.com say sprinkler systems improve landscaping and save water.

By the way, according to the World Book encyclopedia, irrigation systems have been around since the Egyptians used Nile River water in 5,000 B.C. However, sprinkler systems didn’t become popular until the 1940s, when plastic and aluminum pipes were developed.