As a homeowner or gardener, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to move your sprinkler. Whether it’s due to changes in your landscaping, the addition of a new feature, or simply to reach a dry spot, moving a sprinkler may seem like a daunting task. However, with the right tools and knowledge, relocating your sprinkler can be done easily and quickly. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps involved in moving a sprinkler.
Here is a table with some valuable information related to sprinkler systems and their maintenance:
| Sprinkler System Type | Cost | Water Efficiency | Maintenance Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underground | High | High | Regular checks for leaks and clogs, occasional adjustments to sprinkler heads |
| Above Ground | Low | Medium | Frequent monitoring for leaks and breaks, regular adjustments to sprinkler heads |
| Drip Irrigation | Medium | High | Occasional checks for clogs and leaks, replacement of emitters as needed |
According to a report by the EPA, a household with an automatic sprinkler system that is not properly maintained can waste up to 30,000 gallons of water per year. This is equivalent to the amount of water needed to wash 900 loads of laundry.
Regular maintenance of sprinkler systems can also help to reduce water bills. The EPA estimates that by properly maintaining a sprinkler system, a household can save up to $115 per year on water bills and up to $230 per year on energy bills.
Types of Sprinkler Systems
When it comes to sprinkler systems, there are several types to choose from. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the differences between them to determine which one is best for your needs.
Underground Sprinkler Systems
Underground sprinkler systems are the most common type of sprinkler system. As the name suggests, these systems are installed underground and typically consist of a network of PVC pipes that are buried in the ground. Sprinkler heads are attached to the pipes and are designed to pop up above the surface of the ground when the system is turned on.
Underground sprinkler systems are popular because they are efficient and easy to use. The system can be set on a timer, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn it on and off. Additionally, because the sprinkler heads are flush with the ground when not in use, they don’t interfere with lawn mowing or other yard work.
Above Ground Sprinkler Systems
Above ground sprinkler systems are less common than underground systems but are still a viable option for some homeowners. These systems consist of sprinkler heads that are mounted on stakes or tripods above the ground. The sprinkler heads are typically connected to a garden hose, which is then connected to a water source.
Above ground sprinkler systems are more affordable than underground systems and are easy to install. However, they can be less efficient and require more maintenance than underground systems. Additionally, they can be unsightly and can get in the way of lawn mowing or other yard work.
Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation systems are a type of sprinkler system that is designed for watering plants or crops directly at the root zone. These systems consist of a network of tubes that are installed above or below ground. Emitters are attached to the tubes and are designed to drip water slowly and consistently onto the soil.
Drip irrigation systems are popular for their efficiency and precision. They deliver water directly to the root zone, which reduces evaporation and water waste. Additionally, because the water is delivered slowly and consistently, plants have a better chance of absorbing the water they need without being over-watered.
Overall, the type of sprinkler system you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Factors to consider include the size and shape of your yard, the types of plants you have, and your budget.
Identifying Your Sprinkler System
Identifying your sprinkler system is an important first step in understanding how it works and how to maintain it. Here are some ways to identify your system:
Check Your Property Disclosure
If you recently bought your home, your property disclosure may contain information about the type of sprinkler system you have. This document is typically provided by the seller and contains information about the property, including any systems or appliances that are included.
Look for the Controller
The controller is the brain of your sprinkler system, and it’s usually located in a garage or utility room. The controller is typically a small box with buttons and a digital display. It’s used to program the system and set the watering schedule.
If you’re having trouble finding the controller, look for wires running from the sprinkler heads to a central location. This is likely where the controller is located.
Examine Your Water Bill
Your water bill can also provide clues about your sprinkler system. If you notice a significant increase in your water usage during the summer months, this may be a sign that your sprinkler system is using a lot of water.
Additionally, some water companies offer free water audits to their customers. During a water audit, a representative from the water company will come to your home and inspect your sprinkler system. They’ll be able to identify the type of system you have and provide recommendations for improving its efficiency.
By identifying your sprinkler system, you’ll be able to better understand how it works and how to keep it running efficiently. This can help you save money on your water bill and ensure that your yard stays healthy and green.
When Should You Move Your Sprinkler?
If you have a sprinkler system installed in your yard, there may come a time when you need to move one or more of the sprinkler heads. Here are some common situations where you may need to move your sprinkler:
Changes in Landscaping
If you’ve made changes to your landscaping, such as planting new trees or shrubs, you may need to move your sprinkler heads to ensure that they’re properly watering your plants. As your plants grow, they may block the spray from the sprinkler heads, causing some areas to receive too much water while others receive too little.
Addition of New Features
If you’ve added new features to your yard, such as a patio or walkway, you may need to move your sprinkler heads to avoid spraying water onto these new features. Additionally, if you’ve installed a new feature that requires water, such as a fountain or pond, you may need to add new sprinkler heads to ensure that the feature receives enough water.
Dry Spots
If you notice dry spots in your lawn or garden, it may be a sign that your sprinkler heads aren’t reaching those areas. This could be due to a number of factors, including changes in your landscaping or a malfunctioning sprinkler head. In these cases, you may need to move or adjust the sprinkler heads to ensure that water is reaching all areas of your yard.
Changes in Landscaping
As your yard evolves, it’s important to make sure that your sprinkler system is properly adjusted to ensure that all areas of your yard are receiving the right amount of water. Here are some common landscaping changes that may require adjustments to your sprinkler system:
Moving Trees or Shrubs
If you’re moving trees or shrubs to a new location in your yard, you’ll need to adjust your sprinkler system accordingly. The new location may require additional sprinkler heads or a different watering schedule to ensure that the plants are receiving enough water.
Adding Flower Beds or Gardens
If you’re adding new flower beds or gardens to your yard, you’ll need to make sure that they’re properly watered. This may require adding new sprinkler heads or adjusting the existing ones to ensure that the water is reaching all areas of the new beds.
Creating Pathways or Walkways
If you’re creating new pathways or walkways in your yard, you’ll need to adjust your sprinkler system to avoid spraying water onto these new features. This may require moving or adjusting the sprinkler heads to ensure that they’re not watering areas that don’t need it.
Addition of New Features
When you add new features to your yard, such as a pool or a deck, you’ll need to make sure that your sprinkler system is properly adjusted to avoid watering areas that don’t need it. Here are some common new features that may require adjustments to your sprinkler system:
Installing a Pool
If you’re installing a pool, you’ll need to make sure that your sprinkler system isn’t spraying water onto the pool deck or into the pool itself. This may require moving or adjusting the sprinkler heads to ensure that they’re not watering areas that don’t need it.
Building a Deck or Patio
If you’re building a deck or patio, you’ll need to adjust your sprinkler system to avoid watering these new features. This may require moving or adjusting the sprinkler heads to ensure that they’re not watering areas that don’t need it.
Adding a Play Area for Kids or Pets
If you’re adding a play area for your kids or pets, you’ll need to make sure that your sprinkler system isn’t spraying water onto these new features. This may require moving or adjusting the sprinkler heads to ensure that they’re not watering areas that don’t need it.
Dry Spots
Dry spots in your lawn can be frustrating, but they’re also a sign that your sprinkler system needs adjustment. Here’s what you need to know to identify and fix dry spots in your lawn:
Reasons for Dry Spots
There are several reasons why you might have dry spots in your lawn, including:
- Obstructions: Objects like trees or large bushes can block water from reaching certain areas of your lawn.
- Sprinkler heads: If your sprinkler heads are clogged or damaged, they may not be distributing water evenly across your lawn.
- Water pressure: If the water pressure in your sprinkler system is too low, it may not be able to reach all areas of your lawn.
- System design: If your sprinkler system was not designed properly, some areas of your lawn may not be getting enough water.
Identifying Dry Spots
To identify dry spots in your lawn, you’ll need to do a visual inspection. Look for areas of your lawn that are visibly dry, yellow, or brown. These areas may feel dry to the touch and may have shorter grass than the rest of your lawn.
Moving Sprinkler to Cover Dry Spots
To fix dry spots in your lawn, you’ll need to adjust your sprinkler system. This may involve moving or adjusting sprinkler heads to ensure that water is reaching all areas of your lawn. You may also need to adjust your watering schedule to ensure that all areas of your lawn are receiving enough water.
If you’re not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, consider hiring a professional to help you. They can help you determine the best way to adjust your sprinkler system to eliminate dry spots in your lawn.
Tools and Materials Needed
Moving your sprinkler system may require some basic tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Shovel: You’ll need a shovel to dig up the area around the sprinkler head and make room for the new location.
Trenching tool: If you need to run new piping, you’ll need a trenching tool to dig a trench for the new pipe.
Pipe cutter: If you need to cut any piping, you’ll need a pipe cutter to ensure a clean, straight cut.
Pipe glue: If you need to join PVC piping together, you’ll need pipe glue to create a secure, leak-proof connection.
Pipe clamps: You’ll need pipe clamps to secure the new piping in place and prevent leaks.
PVC pipes: If you need to run new piping, you’ll need PVC pipes to connect the sprinkler heads to the water source.
Before you start any work on your sprinkler system, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. If you’re not comfortable using any of these tools, consider hiring a professional to help you. They can ensure that your sprinkler system is properly moved and adjusted to avoid any issues or damage.
Steps to Move Your Sprinkler
Moving your sprinkler system may seem daunting, but with the right tools and steps, it can be a manageable project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move your sprinkler:
- Shutting Off the Water: The first step is to shut off the water supply to your sprinkler system to prevent any water from flowing through the pipes while you’re making changes.
- Locating the Main Water Valve: Locate the main water valve for your sprinkler system, which is typically near your water meter.
- Turning off the Water: Turn off the water supply to your sprinkler system by turning the valve clockwise until it’s fully closed.
- Digging Up the Old Pipe: Once the water is turned off, you can begin digging up the old pipe to make room for the new location.
- Marking the Pipe: Use a marker or spray paint to mark the area around the old pipe to ensure you dig in the right location.
- Digging the Trench: Use a trenching tool to dig a trench in the new location for the new pipe.
- Removing the Old Pipe: Use a shovel to carefully remove the old pipe from the ground. Be sure to remove any excess dirt or debris from the area.
- Cutting and Gluing New Pipe: With the old pipe removed, you can now install the new pipe to connect the sprinkler head to the water source.
- Measuring the New Pipe: Measure the length of the new pipe needed to connect the sprinkler head to the water source.
- Cutting the New Pipe: Use a pipe cutter to cut the new pipe to the appropriate length.
- Gluing the New Pipe: Use pipe glue to create a secure, leak-proof connection between the new pipe and the sprinkler head.
- Using Pipe Clamps: Use pipe clamps to secure the new pipe in place and prevent leaks.
- Testing the New System: With the new pipe installed, it’s important to test the system to ensure it’s working properly.
- Turning on the Water: Turn on the water supply to your sprinkler system by turning the valve counterclockwise until it’s fully open.
- Checking for Leaks: Inspect the new pipe and connections for any signs of leaks or water damage.
- Adjusting the Sprinkler Heads: If necessary, adjust the sprinkler heads to ensure they’re covering the desired area.
By following these steps, you can move your sprinkler system to a new location and ensure it’s working properly. If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps, consider hiring a professional to help you.
They can ensure that your sprinkler system is properly moved and adjusted to avoid any issues or damage.
Tips for Moving Your Sprinkler
Moving a sprinkler system can be a time-consuming and challenging process. To make the process easier and more efficient, it is essential to have a plan and use the right tools. In this section, we will provide some helpful tips to ensure a successful move of your sprinkler system.
Plan Ahead
Before you begin the process of moving your sprinkler, it is important to have a plan in place. This includes identifying the location of your new sprinkler system, measuring the distance, and determining the necessary materials and tools. Planning ahead will help you to avoid unnecessary mistakes and ensure a successful move.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools is critical to the success of moving your sprinkler system. Some of the essential tools include a shovel, trenching tool, pipe cutter, pipe glue, pipe clamps, and PVC pipes. Using the right tools will make the process easier and more efficient and will help to ensure that your new sprinkler system is installed correctly.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
When cutting and gluing new pipes for your sprinkler system, it is essential to measure twice and cut once. This will help to avoid mistakes and ensure that your new system fits properly. It is also important to ensure that the pipes are aligned correctly and that the glue is applied evenly.
Test the System
Once your new sprinkler system has been installed, it is important to test it before filling in the trench. Turn on the water and check for leaks and make any necessary adjustments to the sprinkler heads. Testing the system before filling in the trench will help to ensure that your new sprinkler system is working correctly and will save you time and money in the long run.
Conclusion
In summary, moving a sprinkler can be necessary due to changes in landscaping, the addition of new features, or dry spots in your lawn. Identifying your sprinkler system and understanding the type of system you have is critical to successfully relocating it.
Having the right tools and materials, such as a shovel, pipe cutter, and PVC pipes, is essential to make the job easier and more efficient. Planning ahead, measuring twice, and testing the system are also important steps to ensure a successful move. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can move your sprinkler to a new location in your yard with ease and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I move my sprinkler without digging up my lawn?
It depends on the type of sprinkler system you have. If you have an above-ground sprinkler system, you can easily move the sprinkler heads without digging up your lawn. However, if you have an underground sprinkler system, you will need to dig up the old pipe and install a new one in the new location.
2. How do I know if I need to move my sprinkler?
You may need to move your sprinkler if you have changes in landscaping, such as adding new features or moving trees and shrubs, or if you have dry spots in your lawn. Dry spots can indicate that your sprinkler system is not covering that area properly.
3. Can I move my sprinkler on my own or do I need to hire a professional?
It is possible to move your sprinkler on your own if you have the right tools and knowledge. However, if you are unsure of what type of system you have or how to properly relocate it, it may be best to hire a professional.
4. How do I shut off the water to my sprinkler system?
To shut off the water to your sprinkler system, you will need to locate the main water valve for your home or property. This is usually located near the water meter or where the main water line enters your property. Once you locate the valve, turn it off to shut off the water to your sprinkler system.
5. How can I test my sprinkler system after moving it?
After moving your sprinkler, you should test the system to ensure it is working properly. Turn on the water and check for leaks in the new pipe connections. You should also check the sprinkler heads to make sure they are covering the desired areas. Adjust the heads if necessary to ensure proper coverage.
I’m Carlos Robert, a passionate gardener, and blogger. With years of experience and knowledge in the field of garden watering, I have created a blog to share my insights and tips on the topic. I strive to provide readers with detailed information about all aspects of sprinkler systems, from garden sprinklers to fire sprinklers, along with nozzles, hoses, and other related products. I love helping my readers create the perfect garden with their ideal setup!