IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN

Irrigation system design and installation aren’t for the faint of heart. Indeed, you need a good grasp of basic physics, design, and water dynamics to ensure that you install your new sprinkler system correctly.

What the planning of the irrigation system consists of:

1) Plot, Plan, and Design

 The first step in designing a residential system is to measure the property and indicate the location of the house including all concrete or brick walks and patios, driveways, and fences. While you are measuring, locate any trees, shrubs, and lawns and draw them on the sketch. On the plan, lots should be divided into the front yard, back yard, side yard, lawn or shrubbery, and shady areas.

2) Determine System Design Capacity

Sprinkler System Design Capacity — how much water is available for residential irrigation. At this stage, the water pressure is measured.

1. Water pressure (PSI)

2. Water volume (GPM)

3) Select Sprinkler Heads

There are three basic types of sprinklers for residential use:

• Large area rotors, rotating stream spray sprinklers, and small area fixed spray sprinklers.
• Large-area rotors and rotating stream spray sprinklers should never be installed in the same zone as small-area fixed spray sprinklers.

4) Select the Right Product for the Right Area

Depending on the characteristics of your property, each area can have completely different types of heads, different nozzles, drip systems or spray heads.

5) Sprinkler Head Locations

Depending on the characteristics of your property, plants, concrete, any shed, patio, etc.  and which heads it was decided to install, each area of ​​the property may have a different arrangement of heads according to their irrigation characteristics.

6) Divide Sprinklers into Zones

Unless you have a very small yard, you probably do not have enough water capacity to irrigate the entire yard at once. Many areas will require more water than the residence has available (system design capacity). Consider the dividing lines based on sun exposure and plant type/watering needs to control the amount of water applied in each area or hydrazone.

7) Locate Valves: LayOut and Size Pipes

Every zone on the plot plan must have its own valve. The valve controls the on/off flow of water to a sprinkler zone. Indicate one control valve for each zone and then group the valves together in an assembly called a valve manifold. Determine where you want the valve manifold for each area. You may want a manifold in the front yard and one in the backyard, or you may want more locations. Manifold placement is entirely up to you. We recommend placing the manifold in an accessible spot for easy maintenance. Place the manifold close to the area the valves will serve, but where you will not be sprayed when activating the system manually.

 Lateral Line

The two most common types of pipe used in sprinkler systems are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (poly). Check with your local Irrigation contractor to find out which type of pipe is used in your area.

POINT OF CONNECTION

Main Line

1. Determine the location of the system point of connection (P.O.C.). It should be between the water meter and any pressure regulator on the structure.
2. The main line should generally be one pipe size larger than the largest lateral line.

Having determined all these points, you can proceed with the installation of the system.

If you need help designing your irrigation system, we are ready to help you! Our company provides a free estimation in Toronto & GTA