Can DH do a do-it-yourself sprinkler system?

14 years ago

I have a very otherwise intelligent husband who has decided to install a sprinkler system himself. He has delegated me to do the research. He is mechanically minded, but we are not lawn/garden people. We are not doing an electronic system. They have just hauled in about 15 truckloads of dirt for the front yard, and there is about 2 acres of yard to sprinkle.

1) Is this doable for someone with a day job?

2) What are recommendations as to best place to purchase system (whether on-line or brick and mortar store). Please get as specific as you have the time for.

3) Will our marriage survive if he decides to go forward with this project?

Comments (4)

lehua49
14 years ago
Hi Merdena,

In the name of saving a marriage, here are a couple of irrigation DIY sites for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-install-irrigation-pipes-and-fittings/index.html

http://www.dannylipford.com/diy-home-improvement/lawn-and-gardening/home-irrigation-how-to/

http://video.google.com/videosearch?oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=diy+irrigation&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=WsJTSqiXD5GiMMzq3fAI&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=10#

Aloha
ronalawn82
14 years ago
merdena, yes! I say this from my own experience. In other words, 'if I could do it, anyone can.' I had two advantages. I worked in a hardware store and I did 18 hours of "irrigation school". The most important thing I learned in school was to identify and name correctly the many and various fittings. My first investment was in a can each of cleaner and glue, some pipe and fittings and a hacksaw. My first successful project was extending the water supply to our washing machine. It had to be removable to leave the original fixture intact when we left the apartment. PVC is a particular joy to work with because if you make a mistake, you can use the hacksaw to get back to the drawing board. I practised aligning fittings (without glue) to make piping go where I wanted. Then I would glue the project, test it and cover it up.
Two habits I formed were to always use colored glue so that I could spot a joint that was not glued and to always use teflon tape on threaded fittings. Hardware stores have these free booklets which will walk you through the project from beginning to end. You yurself will not be able to resist getting into the act; there are so many spinoffs! Like making PVC furniture, plant supports, lightweight shelving and (clothing) racks etc. etc.
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lehua49
14 years ago
Hi merdena & Ron,

You can also make a planter trellis and a car-wash, Yes a car-wash. If he is mechanically-minded, no contest and he can buy more tools as an excuse. Aloha
fairview
14 years ago
Hopefully you have your own source of water. To keep turf (like drought tolerant Bermuda)healthy and growing through a hot summer, it will require an inch of water every seven days, +/- depending on temp, exposure, soil profile, etc. If my Ag math is working, there is about 27,000 gallons of water to the acre inch. 54,000 for two acres and thats not accounting for the ineficiency of a sprinkler system or evporation so to get that much water down your talking about 60,000 gallons of water.

If you are on city water, your utility company is going to love you. If you are on city water without a separate water meter for the irrigation system, they are going to want to marry you.