What is the best pipe for a sprinkler system?
The Best Size Pipe for Irrigation System
- From the Water Source. The pipe that extends from your home's water supply to the irrigation area is the main line. ...
- Lateral Lines. Typically made of polyethylene, the lateral lines branch off of the main line to supply the plants with water, either through sprinkler heads or emitter components.
- Benefits of Larger Pipe Sizes. ...
- Choosing Small Pipes. ...
What type of PVC to use for a sprinkler system?
Selecting Underground Sprinkler Pipe: PVC or Polyethylene?
- PVC or Polyurethane. Choose pipes for the situation in which they will be used, not for the material from which they are made.
- Available Accessories. In addition to the pipes, you will need to have a good supply of reliable accessories to enable you to lay out your sprinkler system to the best ...
- Flow Rate. ...
- Supply Pressure. ...
- Economizing. ...
- Programmable. ...
How to make irrigation Poly Pipe?
Tube Laying Instructions
- D. EASE INITIAL STRAIN ON CONNECTION
- E. TRENCHING. the POLY-PIPE from rolling when filled with water.
- F. 90o TURNS. Be sure trench radius is even on all corners.
- G. KEEP TUBING IN PLACE
- H. TUBE END
- I. DO NOT TIE TUBE END. The eventual pressure buildup will burst the tubing. Improper venting is the most frequent cause of problems.
How do you size pipe for your sprinkler system?
- Calculate minimum flow from the MRH with the sprinkler minimum pressure and k-factor
- Calculate the minimum flow given the system design density and sprinkler head area.
- If the calculation in step 2 is the highest flow demand, then calculate the required head pressure otherwise we can use the minimum sprinkler pressure in step 1.
Is poly or PVC better for sprinklers?
When it comes to irrigation pipe, contractors have strong opinions. “Users of PVC will argue that it's the best, and users of polyethylene will say that's the best,” says Scott Knowles, president of Wolf Creek Co., a distributor of landscape, irrigation, lake management and drainage supplies based in Trotwood, Ohio.
What type of pipe is used for sprinklers?
Many types of piping are available for irrigation systems, but PVC Schedule 40, Pressure-rated PVC, and black roll pipe are suitable for this use. Drain, waste and vent (DWV) PVC is not suitable due to a low pressure rating. Other piping types are either too expensive or too difficult to work with in the landscape.
How do you install a sprinkler system on a poly pipe?
0:152:24How To Add A Sprinkler Head To Poly Pipe Using 1/2" Eco-Lock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBe careful not to remove too much pipe. Slide the appropriate size to clamp on to each cut side ofMoreBe careful not to remove too much pipe. Slide the appropriate size to clamp on to each cut side of the poly pipe and insert the barbed by half inch female pipe thread tee into each end of the pipe.
Can polyethylene pipe be used for irrigation?
Polyethylene is the piping material of choice for Residential, Commercial and Municipal irrigation systems. The pipe is flexible and can be coiled providing continuous long runs.
How long will poly pipe last underground?
50-100 yearsHigh-density polyethylene pipe delivers strong, long-lasting performance with a light weight and price tag. Conservatively expected to last 50-100 years by the Plastic Pipe Institute.
What is the right size PVC pipe for a sprinkler system?
When you install a sprinkler system, you might use PVC or polyethylene piping to deliver water to the sprinkler heads. If you use PVC, the typical diameter of the pipes is between 1/2 inch and 2 inches.
Can you use 1/2 inch sprinkler pipe?
Using 1/2″ pipe means you have to have another size of spare pipe and fittings on hand for repairs. But the biggest reason is that 1/2″ pipe leaves no flexibility for future changes or additions to your sprinkler system. If you ever need to add another sprinkler to the pipe you're screwed.
How can I make my own sprinkler system?
3:194:59How to Install a Sprinkler System | A DIY Guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've made sure the pipes don't leak turn on your zone valve. And sit back and watch yourMoreOnce you've made sure the pipes don't leak turn on your zone valve. And sit back and watch your plants get. Water. Then you can just back fill in your trench.
Why do they call it funny pipe?
There is no explanation. It's just a term/name used within the industry.
Why do you not use poly tubing for irrigation?
Do not use poly tubing for the line that supplies water to the irrigation valves because this line is constantly under pressure.
How to tighten poly tubing?
Slide a hose clamp over the end of the poly tubing. Push the barbed end of a barbed adapter into the tubing until the barbed area is completely inside the tubing. Position the hose clamp around the barbed portion of the fitting about 1/2 inch from the end of the tubing and tighten it down with a screwdriver.
Why don't you use more force when tightening hose clamps?
Don't use more force than necessary when tightening hose clamps because the threads can be stripped, ruining the clamp.
Can a barbed adapter be used to connect a sprinkler system?
It cannot be connected to the sprinklers or valves directly, requiring a barbed adapter to join the tubing to the pipe threads commonly used in irrigation systems.
Can you use poly tubing for sprinklers?
How to Use Poly Tubing in Underground Sprinkler Systems. Poly tubing is lightweight, flexible and does not require glue to assemble, making it desirable for use in many outdoor plumbing projects. It is not suitable for high-pressure applications, but it is safe to use as a low-pressure water line, such as those used for underground irrigation ...
Is poly tubing flexible?
Poly tubing is flexible but will form a kink if sharp curves are attempted -- use a barbed "L" fitting instead. These fittings are installed in the same manner as the barbed adapter, except they have barbs on all sides.
What is poly pipe in lawn sprinkler system?
Poly pipe, or polyethylene pipe, is suitable for use especially in colder climates with extended freeze cycles. It's flexible, allowing it to curve around objects if needed. Installing poly pipe for a watering sprinkler system requires a shallow trench that follows a plan for the system.
How to join two lengths of poly pipe?
Push a coupling onto the end of the pipe. Slide two poly pipe clamps over the coupling and insert the end of another length of poly pipe into the other end of the coupling when joining two lengths of poly pipe.
How to tighten a clamp on a pipe?
Slide the clamps to the ends of the coupling. Tighten both clamps by turning the screw on the clamp barrel with a screwdriver. Position the clamps as they are tightened so the clamp is near the end and tighten the coupling securely around the pipe ends.
polyethylene pipe for sprinkler system
I have read a lot on this forum about creating/installing a lawn sprinkler system. The "Sprinkler" discussion that has been going on for a couple of years has some great information. There is so much detail that I am considering it for my own lawn. I have been shopping around to see what I need and where I can buy it.
Comments (10)
Home Depot carries it in the plumbing section. Just about any plumbing supply store will carry it too.
What should sprinkler heads have?
Sprinkler Heads - These should have connectors that will create a firm and watertight seal to the pipes.
How to have a good sprinkle zone?
In order to have a good sprinkle zone for the water, consider the rate at which water can be handled by the pipes. For a large garden with a substantial number of sprinkler heads, the main feed pipe will need to be much larger than a hose pipe. You might even have to use a more substantial pipe. If you are uncertain, consult a professional.
Is underground sprinkler pipe good?
An underground sprinkler pipe system can be a great investment in the future survival of your garden. Sprinkler heads that retract when not in use will make the system less noticeable.
Is it safe to use a sprinkler system?
Choose pipes for the situation in which they will be used, not for the material from which they are made. It is fairly safe to assume that pipes sold by a professional garden supplier will not be harmful to the garden. Your main concern about the pipes should be if they will stay open under ground. Piping that is too thin or too flexible could make the sprinkler system totally useless since it would be incapable of delivering water.
Why is it important to use the correct size of pipe?
It is important to use the appropriate size pipe for your flow rate. Using the correct size will help keep friction low which will help to reduce pressure loss. Do not use a smaller pipe diameter than is recommended. It is better to use a larger pipe diameter rather than a smaller diameter if necessary.
Why use blulock piping?
Many customers enjoy the benefits of the blu-lock piping because it eliminates the need for glue, primer, and clamps.
What is the best pipe for sprinklers?
Polyethylene is the best bet for special situations in areas where sprinkler and irrigation systems require flexibility. Both types of pipe are durable and can withstand many elements in the environments where they excel.
What type of pipe is used for irrigation?
The two piping types most commonly used for irrigation systems are white PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and “black roll pipe ” (polyethylene).
What is PEX pipe?
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, pipe is another product making its way into the irrigation industry. It has a higher burst pressure, which is great for high-pressure mainlines, Stryker says, and PEX can withstand freezing temperatures so it can be used in any environment. Click to see full answer. Similarly, you may ask, what type of pipe is ...
What is PE pipe?
Skill Level: Intermediate. Black polyethylene, or PE, pipe comes in very long rolls and is used in many areas for the water main between the meter and the house and for sprinkler systems. Just like any other type of pipe, poly pipe does not last forever and can develop leaks with time and with the help of tree roots.
How to tighten hose clamps?
Slide the hose clamps up so they are positioned over the barbs. Tighten each of the hose clamps with a screwdriver, using the pinch clamp tool if necessary. Make sure the clamps are secure and don’t move around.
Can you shorten a pipe on more than one side?
If the leak is at a tee, you may be able to loosen the clamps and remove the barbed tee from the pipe so that only one pipe has to be cut. Since you may have only a little room to work with, you want to avoid shortening the pipe on more than one side of a fitting, if possible.
