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| Typical costs: | - Prices for underground sprinkler systems vary considerably by region and climate, but for an average 2,500-square-foot (50-x-50-foot) front yard, it's about $1,500-$2,500, while a sprinkler system for 5,000 square feet (front and back yards) costs about$2,500-$3,500. That's because the most expensive items are a proper (legal and functional) plumbing connection and the computerized controller (the system's "brains"); once you've got those, covering a larger area isn't as expensive per square foot.
- Do-it-yourself kits run about $700-$900 for 2,500 square feet, but creating a proper design for soil conditions, slope, shade and other factors can be complicated, plus it's important to bury the pipes deep, so there's lots of digging and bending.
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| What should be included: | - Check with your local building department about permits and other requirements. Some areas have extremely detailed rules about what type and quality of equipment is allowed, how the plumbing connection (preventing backflow) is made, how deep the pipes are buried, etc. Do-it-yourselfers need to call to find out exactly where all utility lines are buried; a contractor should do this for you.
- Sprinklers are generally installed in "zones"--each zone waters a specific area and only one zone can be on at any time (which helps keep the water pressure up), GaltTech.com gives a concise overview of how a system works and BobVila.com lists what to keep in mind when choosing a sprinkler system.
- IrrigationTutorials.com provides an extensive (and free) online course in designing a proper sprinkler system and ThisOldHouse.com outlines step-by-step instructions for do-it-yourselfers. A proper sprinkler design takes into account the soil conditions, type of water source (well or city supply) water pressure, slope, sun exposure, and type of grass or plants being watered.
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| Shopping for automatic sprinklers: | - When giving an estimate, a contractor generally provides a plan diagram and usually plants small flags in the ground indicating what type of sprinkler heads (popup, inground, directional) will go where. Ask for a detailed explanation of what components are being used and how the design accounts for water pressure and separate planting areas, so the system covers the yard without wasting water. Installing sprinklers involves digging trenches at least a foot deep; ask if how they'll repair your yard when the work is done.
- The Irrigation Association lists tips for hiring a contractor.
- Referrals are available from the manufacturers Rainbird and Hunter.
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Article updated February 2007 |
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