Are you struggling to find the perfect irrigation system design for your home? Have you ever wondered if there’s a more efficient way to water your landscape?
In this blog post, we will walk you through our eight-step process for creating an effective and customized irrigation installation and design that meets your landscape’s unique needs.
By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to design an irrigation system that not only saves you water and money but also ensures a thriving and beautiful landscape for your home. And if you already have an irrigation system but are worried it isn’t working correctly, we also offer irrigation inspections!
Irrigation System Design In 8 Steps For Your Home
1. Measure Your Property
The first step in creating an irrigation system design is measuring the property. Accurate measurements are essential for designing an effective system.
We measure the length and width of the property, as well as the dimensions of any obstacles, such as buildings or trees.
Additionally, we consider the slope of the land, as this impacts the water distribution and the type of sprinkler system design needed.
2. Create A Scale Drawing Of Your Property
Once we’ve taken measurements, we create a scale drawing of the property. This drawing serves as a blueprint for the irrigation system design.
We make sure to include all relevant features, such as buildings, trees, pathways, and flower beds.
We use graph paper or specialized software to create the drawing, which helps visualize the layout of the irrigation system and ensures that we’re accounting for all necessary elements.
3. Figure Out Your Water Supply Capacity
Understanding the water supply capacity is crucial for designing an efficient irrigation system. This ensures we have adequate water for the new sprinkler system.
We determine the flow rate (gallons per minute) and water pressure (pounds per square inch) of the water source.
These figures can be found by checking the water meter or consulting with the local water provider, who can usually provide the property’s water pressure report.
The water supply capacity dictates the number of sprinkler heads we can use and their placement in the sprinkler system.
4. Plot Out Your Hydrozones
Hydrozones are areas of the landscape with similar water needs. Grouping plants with similar water requirements together helps us create a more efficient irrigation system design.
To create hydrozones, we consider factors such as plant type, sun exposure, and soil type. For example, many native plants from Ohio would typically go in the same hydrozone.
By designing the irrigation system to accommodate these distinct zones, we ensure that each area of the landscape receives the appropriate amount of water.
5. Select Sprinkler Heads
Choosing the right sprinkler heads is essential for an effective irrigation system design. Sprinkler heads come in various types, including fixed spray heads, rotating spray heads, and drip emitters. Each type has its benefits and is suitable for different applications.
Fixed spray heads are best for small, evenly shaped areas while rotating sprinklers are more appropriate for larger or irregularly shaped areas. Drip emitters work well for individual plants, such as trees or shrubs.
We consider the needs of the landscape and hydrozones when selecting the best sprinkler heads for the system. If your sprinkler heads get damaged, check out our tutorial on how to fix a sprinkler head.
6. Create The Layout For Your Irrigation System Design
With the property measurements, hydrozones, and sprinkler head selections in hand, we can now create the layout for the irrigation systems. We start by plotting the location of each sprinkler head on the scale drawing, ensuring that they’re spaced appropriately to provide adequate coverage.
We are mindful of the water supply capacity and make adjustments as needed to accommodate the flow rate and pressure. It’s also essential to consider the placement of the control valves, which regulate the flow of water to each zone.
7. Measure And Lay Out Pipes
Once we have determined the layout of the sprinkler heads and control valves, it’s time to measure and lay out the pipes for the irrigation system design. The pipes connect the water source to the sprinkler heads, distributing water throughout the landscape.
We calculate the proper pipe sizes and lengths, accounting for factors such as water pressure and flow rate. Using the scale drawing, we determine the most efficient path for the pipes, minimizing the amount of digging and materials required.
We also consider the appropriate depth for burying the pipes to protect them from freezing temperatures and potential damage.
8. Finishing Touches
With the irrigation system design complete, it’s time to add the finishing touches.
First, we install a backflow preventer to ensure that contaminated water does not flow back into the home’s water supply.
Next, we set up a timer or smart controller to automate the watering schedule. This helps conserve water and ensures that the landscape receives the right amount of water at the right time.
Finally, we consider adding rain sensors or soil moisture sensors to the system. These devices can help further optimize water usage by adjusting the irrigation schedule based on real-time weather conditions or soil moisture levels.
Simmons Landscape & Irrigation Are Your Local Irrigation Experts
When it comes to designing the perfect irrigation system for your home, you can’t go wrong with a professional irrigation system design from Simmons Landscape & Irrigation. With our custom-tailored approach, we can ensure that your landscape will remain healthy, vibrant, and well-watered so you can enjoy its beauty for years to come in all types of environments.
Our expertise goes directly into our work, and everything is done to leave you satisfied with the service provided. If you would like more information about our irrigation systems or any other services we offer, please feel free to fill out our contact form. Thanks for reading!