Reticulation Installation – Front and Back
For this medium-sized irrigation installation in Spearwood, we aimed to create a comprehensive, durable system for both the front and back yards. With over 70 litres per minute at 250 kPa from the main line, we had ample water flow to work with. However, we installed five lawn solenoids, two garden solenoids, and one spare to allow for future pressure adjustments as needed. This approach ensures the system remains effective long-term, even if the water pressure changes over time.
We used high-quality Rain Bird solenoids, strategically grouping them in accessible areas at the front, side, and verge of the property. To achieve full head-to-head coverage, we installed MP Rotator heads paired with Rain Bird Seal-A-Matic pop-ups across all lawn areas. Class 12 PVC piping was used for strength and durability, and the system was reinforced with robust commercial-grade spotter boxes. Underneath the driveway, we used blue line plumbing piping with a protective sleeve for added durability. The garden beds feature subsurface drip irrigation, allowing precise water delivery to plants while conserving water.
With quality materials and thorough installation, this reticulation system is designed to provide consistent performance and longevity.
| Material Costs | Labour | Total | GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $15,100 (75.5 hours – installation, plumber (check valve and isolation tap installation), and electrician (controller installation)) |
$27,610 | $2,510 |
(Strong protective solenoid boxes)
(Sprinkler set up before back filling)
(Full coverage)
(More sprinklers is better)
(Snug as a bug in a rug)
(Before installation)
(Plumbing connection)
(All wiring in conduit)
(Setting sprinkler height)
(We used 53 sprinklers!)
| Item | Size | Total Used |
| DWV PVC pipe | 100mm (6m) | 2 |
| Rain Bird ESP-ME3 controller | 4-22 station | 1 |
| Rain Bird ESP-ME3 expansion module | 6 station | 1 |
| Rain Bird DV-T solenoid valve | 25mm | 9 |
| 13 core multi cable | 100m | 1 |
| 3M Scotchlok wire connector | 1mm | 18 |
| Blue line pipe | 25mm (25m) | 15 |
| Philmac 3G male connector | 25mm x 25mm | 2 |
| Geofabric mesh | 1 | |
| Valve box | 12″ x 17″ x 12″ | 5 |
| Christy’s Red Hot Blue glue | 236ml | 4 |
| Electrical insulation tape | 2 | |
| Thread seal tape | 12mm (10m) | 5 |
| PVC pipe class 12 | 25mm (6m) | 4 |
| Grey conduit bend | 20mm 90° | 2 |
| Grey conduit bend | 25mm 90° | 8 |
| Orange electrical conduit | 20mm (4m) | 0.25 |
| Grey electrical conduit | 20mm (4m) | 6 |
| PVC reducing bush | 25mm x 20mm | 7 |
| PVC coupling (socket) | 25mm | 1 |
| PVC elbow | 45° 25mm | 2 |
| PVC elbow | 90° 25mm | 11 |
| PVC valve socket | 25mm x 25mm | 15 |
| PVC tee | 25mm | 6 |
| Arkal disc filter | 20mm | 2 |
| Planet pressure reducing valve | 20mm | 2 |
| Micro nut & tail | 20mm x 19mm | 2 |
| Poly threaded nipple | 25mm | 2 |
| Poly threaded socket | 25mm | 2 |
| Poly threaded bush | 25mm x 20mm | 2 |
| Small round valve box | 150mm | 10 |
| Valve box | 12″ x 17″ x 12″ | 5 |
| Poly pipe | 19mm (25m) | 4 |
| Dripline | 8mm 15cm 2.0L/hr (50m) | 5 |
| Poly clamp | 19mm | 51 |
| Micro elbow | 6mm | 70 |
| Steel pin | 50 | |
| Netafim vacuum breaker | 5 | |
| Netafim flushing valve | 5 | |
| PVC pipe class 12 | 20mm (4m) | 45 |
| Rain Bird 1804-SAM pop-up sprinkler | 100mm | 53 |
| MP Rotator nozzles | Various sizes | 53 |
| Full concrete sprinkler surround | 13 | |
| Plastic sprinkler surround | 22 | |
| Artic riser with 3 elbows | 15mm x 150mm | 55 |
| Netafim indicator flag | 2 | |
| PVC tee | 20mm | 46 |
| PVC elbow | 45° 20mm | 2 |
| PVC elbow | 90° 20mm | 28 |
| PVC coupling | 20mm | 2 |
Installed five lawn solenoids, two garden solenoids, and one spare, using Rain Bird DV-T tested solenoids, grouped in accessible zones for easy maintenance.
Fitted MP Rotator heads with Rain Bird Seal-A-Matic pop-ups for effective head-to-head coverage on all lawn areas, maximising water efficiency and coverage.
Used strong class 12 PVC piping throughout, with blue line pipe in a protective sleeve under the driveway for enhanced durability.
Installed subsurface drip irrigation to garden beds, ensuring water reaches plant roots directly, reducing evaporation and runoff.
Luke completed a full retic setup on our property this year in preparation for a new lawn and garden bed install. Came up with a tailored solution for what we had in mind, walked us through the whole install and sent me progress videos so I could keep track of where everything was located while I was away at work. Absolutely quality advise, knowledge and information. System will last a lifetime. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
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