Do you get tired of dragging out the water hose whenever the flowers in your yard look droopy? You may be wondering if designing your own irrigation system is a good idea. The fact is that you can install an irrigation system on a budget if you take the time to learn more about it and do the work yourself.
You may be surprised to learn that adding an irrigation system can add value to your home. Having an irrigation system can also save you time and money. If you’ve been considering including a new irrigation system to your home improvement projects, now is the perfect time to get started.
Start by getting a lot survey of your property. This will show the size of the property, location of the house on the lot, driveway, sidewalk, fences or water and electrical lines which are already in place on your lot. This will ensure you don’t damage the utilities when digging.
Check to see if there are permits required to add an irrigation system. You will also want to find out what the water pressure is, either by calling the local municipality or using a pressure gauge. The size of the water meter for your home may also be a determining factor in the type of irrigation system you can have.
Look at your yard, any landscaping which has already been done and where you’ll need the irrigation system. Think of the sprinkler heads you’ll need or if you’ll use a different system such as a soaker system. You’ll also want to consider putting the system on a timer to ensure the irrigation works at the time when it is most beneficial to your landscaping.
What plants will need to be watered? You may need a different type of system for the types of plants you have. They may need to be watered at different times so you may have to design watering zones. You can learn from books, magazines, hardware or garden center employees.
Depending upon the system you design, it can be an expensive project. Some irrigation systems can cost well over $2500. Of course, if you do much of the work yourself, you can cut out some of the associated labor costs.
Measure the distance from the water source or spigot and each of the watering zones. Add several extra inches for non-direct path hoses or tubing. Add the distance on the drawing you make or start another sheet of paper with a list for each of the water zones.
You may end up designing two or more systems for your yard. There may be differing requirements for summer than you would need during other times of the year. Perhaps the actual design won’t have to change, but when you have the timer set may change throughout the year.
Having an irrigation system can save both in water conservation and your water bill. Instead of over watering, your system on a timer will start and stop at a specific time of day when the plants need the most water. You’ll also save time because it will be automatic rather than your having to stand out in the yard with a hose.
By designing and installing an irrigation system, your yard will look great and you’ll have more time to spend with your family.
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