The Complete Guide to Irrigation Systems for Your Home

Installing an irrigation system for your home use can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of watering your lawn and garden. This saves you time and ensures your plants get consistent and precise hydration for healthier growth.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key components and steps involved, ensuring a smooth and successful installation of your home irrigation system. Whether you’re looking to reduce water waste and simplify your garden maintenance, this guide will help create a system that will take the hassle out and keep your lawns looking their best all year round.

Pre-Installation Testing

Before installing the irrigation system for your home, it’s crucial to do some pre-start testing. This involves pressure and flow tests. These determine the most appropriate controller sizes and the number of stations your system will need. 

Why Pre-Installation Testing is Important:

• Correct Sizing: Ensures you select the right controller size and design your irrigation system for home use to match the available water pressure and flow.
• System Efficiency: Helps design a more efficient home irrigation system, preventing issues like low-pressure or poorly performing sprinklers.
• Future Proofing: This allows you to plan for potential system expansions by understanding your current water capacity.

Pressure Testing

A pressure test measures the force of water in your system, typically in kilopascals (kPa). This ensures that the irrigation system in your home has the right pressure to operate effectively. It’s important to perform the test at the correct pressure, as open-flow tests can lead to inaccurate results. Adequate pressure is necessary for the function of your sprinklers, ensuring they pop up and cover the intended areas effectively.

Flow Testing

A flow test measures how much water your irrigation system can deliver, usually in litres per minute (L/min). This test is essential for determining how many stations your home irrigation system can support and for ensuring that each zone receives adequate water.

For those unfamiliar with conducting these tests, we’ve provided handy links to other blogs and videos that will guide you through the process. These resources offer step-by-step instructions to ensure accurate results.

The Controller

Once you’ve completed the pre-installation testing, the next step is selecting a high-quality controller for the irrigation system for your home. Here’s what you need to know:

Invest in Reputable Brands

Investing in reputable brands like Hunter and Rain Bird is key. These controllers offer reliability, durability, and weather resistance, making them essential for maintaining a long-lasting irrigation system in your home.

What is Hardwiring?

Hardwiring involves directly connecting the controller to your home’s electrical system. This setup requires a licensed electrician to permanently wire the controller into the mains power, rather than simply plugging it into a standard outlet.

What isn’t Hardwiring

• Not Plugged In: Unlike plug-in controllers, a hardwired controller cannot be easily disconnected from power by unplugging it. This minimises the risk of accidental disconnections.
• Not Easily Tampered With: Hardwiring makes it more difficult for anyone to interfere with your system, improving the security and reliability of your home irrigation system.

The Benefits of Hardwiring

• Enhanced Security: Hardwiring ensures that your controller remains powered and cannot be easily turned off, providing continuous operation of your irrigation system.
• Stable Power Supply: Hardwired controllers receive a more stable power source, reducing the likelihood of power interruptions that could disrupt your watering schedule.
• Professional Installation: Since hardwiring requires an electrician, the installation will meet all safety standards and regulations, giving you peace of mind.

By choosing a reliable controller and opting for hardwiring, you’ll be setting up a robust, secure, and efficient irrigation system for your home.

Selecting the Right Size Controller

Choose a controller that can manage your entire property, both now and in the future. For instance, if you have a large garden with room for expansion, it’s wise to invest in a 12-station controller, even if you only need six stations at the moment. Planning will save you the hassle of upgrading later.

Optimal Controller Placement

• Location: We recommend positioning the controller along the side of the house where you can easily access both the front and back yards. This makes it simpler to run wiring to your solenoids and allows for easier maintenance.
• Wi-Fi Controllers: With a Wi-Fi-enabled controller, you can place it anywhere, including indoors, since you can manage it remotely from your phone. While this is convenient, ensure it remains accessible for any necessary maintenance.
• Outdoor Placement: For tradespeople, such as gardeners or maintenance workers, having the controller installed outdoors is generally more practical. It allows them easy access without needing to enter your home.
• Avoid Carports: Installing the controller in a carport may restrict access, especially if you’re not home. It’s better to place it in an accessible outdoor location to ensure smooth operation and maintenance.

Professional Installation

While you can handle the low-voltage wiring for the irrigation system yourself, it’s essential to have a licensed electrician manage the main power connections. This ensures your system is installed safely and meets local regulations.

The Plumber’s Cut-In

Once the controller is installed, the next crucial step is the plumber’s cut-in, where the irrigation system is connected to your main water supply.

Isolation Tap

We recommend installing a sturdy isolation tap, ideally with a robust handle, as some systems come with handles that bend or break easily. An isolation tap allows you to shut off the entire irrigation system quickly in case of an emergency, giving you an extra layer of control and safety.

Check Valve

A check valve is essential to prevent backflow, protecting your drinking water from potential contamination. This component ensures that your irrigation system operates safely and complies with health standards, safeguarding your water supply.

Licensed Plumber

For the installation, it’s important to hire a licensed plumber. A professional ensures that all water connections adhere to local regulations and standards, giving you peace of mind and enhancing the long-term reliability of your irrigation system.

The Master Solenoid

The master solenoid plays a critical role in the operation of your irrigation system, ensuring smooth functionality and water efficiency. 

Wiring

The master solenoid is wired using waterproof gel connectors to ensure long-term durability. These connectors safeguard the wiring from moisture, preventing electrical shorts and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of your home’s irrigation system.

Location

You typically install the master solenoid near the water metre, though you can place it anywhere along the copper piping. The location should allow easy access for maintenance and repairs, avoiding hard-to-reach areas where it could be damaged or difficult to service. 

The Benefits of a Master Solenoid

Prevents System Leaks: The master solenoid shuts off the entire system when not in use, reducing the risk of continuous leaks and conserving water.

Emergency Control: In the event of a pipe burst or severe leak, the master solenoid provides a quick and efficient way to shut off the entire irrigation system, preventing further damage.

Efficient Water Management: By controlling the flow of water at the source, the master solenoid ensures that only the required amount of water is used, improving the overall efficiency of your irrigation system.

Main Supply Line

The main supply line is a critical component of your irrigation system, delivering water from the master solenoid to the individual station solenoids, and from there to different zones in your garden.

Pipe Sizing

Choosing the correct pipe size is essential for maintaining adequate water flow and pressure across your system. Proper sizing prevents pressure drops and ensures efficient water delivery to all sprinklers. Here are general guidelines for pipe sizing:

• 20mm PVC: For flow rates up to 35 litres per minute (L/min).
• 25mm PVC: For flow rates up to 55 L/min.
• 40mm PVC: For flow rates up to 120 L/min.

To determine the appropriate pipe size, it’s important to conduct pressure and flow tests at the correct pressure. An open flow test alone won’t provide accurate results—adequate pressure is necessary for proper sprinkler function.

Material Recommendations

• Class 12 PVC Piping: We recommend using a minimum of class 12 PVC piping for the main supply line due to its durability and long-term reliability.
• Blue Line Plumbing Piping: Alternatively, blue line plumbing piping is an excellent option for hard-to-access areas. Because it has a smaller internal diameter than PVC, it’s important to size up. For example, if you’re using 25mm PVC, use 32mm blue line piping to maintain flow.
• Avoid Class 9 PVC or Soft Poly Piping: These materials lack the necessary strength and durability, making them unsuitable for long-term use in irrigation systems.

Main Supply Line Placement

• Strategic Placement: When laying the main supply line, carefully avoid tree roots or other potential hazards that could damage the pipe over time. Proper placement will help prevent costly repairs in the future.
• Sleeves for Protection: Under driveways and other hard surfaces, always use a protective sleeve. This added layer makes it easier to replace or maintain the piping without the need to disrupt hardscape areas.

Recommendations

• Use Blue Line Plumbing Piping: Blue Line piping is highly durable and ideal for areas where the pipe will be difficult to access later, such as beneath hardscapes or in tight spaces. Because Blue Line has a smaller internal diameter than PVC, it’s important to size up. For instance, if you’re using 25mm PVC, use 32mm Blue Line piping to ensure consistent water flow.
• No Joins Under Hardscapes: Avoid placing any joins under driveways or hard surfaces, as these can become weak points prone to leaks or breaks over time. Using continuous lengths of pipe in these areas will help maintain the integrity of the system and prevent future maintenance issues.

The Solenoids 

The Importance of Solenoids

Solenoids are essential components in an irrigation system, regulating the flow of water to different zones in your garden. Proper installation and maintenance are critical for the efficient operation of your irrigation system.

Installation

When installing solenoids, use PVC or pre-made solenoid manifolds, applying thread seal tape to all joints. Waterproof gel connectors should be used for the wiring to ensure secure, leak-free connections and long-term durability.

Housing

Solenoids should be housed in strong, commercial-grade spotter boxes, which protect them from environmental damage and allow easy access for maintenance. These durable enclosures safeguard the system from the elements and physical impacts.

Accessibility

Always install solenoids in easily accessible areas, leaving enough space to unscrew and service them if necessary. This makes future maintenance tasks more straightforward and prevents the need for disruptive digging in established garden beds.

Flow Control Solenoids

For garden areas where you need adjustable water flow, consider using flow control solenoids. These solenoids have a tap on top that allows you to fine-tune the water flow to each zone, providing precise control over irrigation.

Grouping Solenoids

• Front and Back Yard Grouping: Group solenoids by location, with all the front yard solenoids in one area and the back yard solenoids in another. This setup simplifies management and maintenance.
• Large Property Grouping: For larger properties, group solenoids by zones. For example, group zones 1 to 4 in one area, and the next group in another section of the property. This makes it easier to access and maintain your irrigation system across a large area.

Conduit Protection

All wiring should be enclosed in a conduit for added protection. This shields the wires from accidental cuts, damage, or exposure to the elements, greatly improving the durability and reliability of your system.

Adequate Wires

Ensure there are enough wires for each port on the controller and plan for future expansions. Having the foresight to include extra wires now will save time and effort later, preventing the need for re-wiring when you expand your system.

Extra Wires

Installing additional wires for potential future needs is a smart practice. This allows for easy system expansion without the hassle of running new wires, making your irrigation system more adaptable over time.

Avoid Wiring Joints

Run a continuous wire from the controller to the solenoid valves, with connections only at the controller and solenoid box. Avoid joints in the wiring to reduce the risk of faults and ensure long-term reliability. Use waterproof gel connectors at connection points to prevent electrical shorts and maintain durability.

Strategic Placement

Carefully plan wire routes to avoid potential damage from future landscaping projects. Label each wire during installation to simplify future maintenance and repairs.

Pipe Sizing

Start with a larger pipe to ensure sufficient water flow and pressure throughout the system, then reduce the pipe size as needed to maintain proper distribution. This method ensures that all zones in your irrigation system receive adequate water.

Installation Depth

Bury your pipes at least 200mm deep to protect them from surface activities and damage. This depth helps prevent accidental damage from activities like lawn aeration or landscaping. Always remember to ‘Dial Before You Dig’ to avoid damaging any existing underground utilities.

Christie’s Red Hot Blue Glue

For secure and leak-free PVC joints, we recommend Christie’s Red Hot Blue Glue. This product provides a strong, reliable bond, ensuring the integrity of your irrigation system. It can be conveniently purchased from Reece Irrigation and Pools.

Protection and Accessibility

• Pipes Under Hardscapes: When running pipes under hard surfaces like driveways or patios, encase them in a protective sleeve. This safeguards the pipes from damage and prevents the need for joints in these areas, which could become weak points.
• Blue Line Plumbing Piping: For pipes running under hardscapes, consider using blue line plumbing piping, known for its strength and durability. Always size up due to its smaller internal diameter; for instance, if you’re using 25mm PVC, opt for 32mm blue line piping.
• Easy Access: Plan your layout carefully to ensure pipes are easily accessible for future maintenance. Avoid placing pipes in hard-to-reach areas, such as behind large hedges, which could complicate repairs or adjustments.

Garden Beds

• Perimeter Placement: When installing pipes in garden beds, run them around the perimeter. This avoids disturbing the central planting area and makes future maintenance less disruptive.
• Strategic Planning: Lay out pipes in easily accessible areas and avoid positioning them in difficult-to-reach spots. This strategic placement will simplify future repairs and system upgrades, keeping your irrigation system functional and easy to maintain.

The Sprinklers 

Sprinklers are crucial to your irrigation system at home, ensuring consistent water coverage across your lawn and garden. 

Head-to-Head Coverage

For effective water distribution, ensure head-to-head coverage, where each sprinkler’s spray reaches the next one. This is especially important in lawns to avoid dry patches and uneven watering. In garden areas, sprinklers may be spaced further apart, but full coverage is still essential to prevent missed spots.

Sprinkler Placement

• Below Ground Level: Install your garden sprinkler system just below ground level to prevent damage from lawnmowers while allowing them to pop up effectively.
• Articulated Risers: Use articulated risers, and flexible fittings that allow for easy adjustments in height and angle. These risers act as a suspension system, protecting sprinklers from damage due to pressure from foot traffic or lawn equipment.

Articulated Risers

Articulated risers, or swing arms, are key to flexible sprinkler installations. Their three-elbow design allows for movement in all directions, making it easy to adjust sprinkler placement during installation and maintenance.

Benefits of Articulated Risers

• Flexibility: Adjust height and angle easily to ensure full water coverage and prevent dry patches.
• Durability: Risers bend under pressure, protecting the system from damage caused by lawnmowers or foot traffic.
• Ease of Maintenance: Articulated risers make adjusting or replacing sprinklers a simple task, reducing future maintenance hassles.

Pop-Up Sprinkler

For new installations, we recommend using a minimum of 100mm pop-up sprinklers to ensure they remain below ground level and clear properly when activated. 

In garden beds, taller 300mm pop-ups can be used for better coverage while remaining discreet for aesthetic purposes. Quality brands such as Rain Bird and Hunter are highly recommended, with Rain Bird’s Seal-A-Matic offering advanced features for enhanced performance.

Pop-Up Sprinkler

For new installations, we recommend using a minimum of 100mm pop-up sprinklers to ensure they remain below ground level and clear properly when activated. 

In garden beds, taller 300mm pop-ups can be used for better coverage while remaining discreet for aesthetic purposes. Quality brands such as Rain Bird and Hunter are highly recommended, with Rain Bird’s Seal-A-Matic offering advanced features for enhanced performance.

Sprinkler Nozzles

The key to effective irrigation lies in ensuring nozzles are set at the correct pressure and spaced head-to-head, where each sprinkler throws water to the next. This ensures even coverage and eliminates dry spots. 

Different sprinklers require different run times based on their application rate. For instance, microheads require longer run times compared to standard heads, while large heads may need only a few minutes. It’s crucial to understand your system’s application rate to ensure the right amount of water is delivered to each zone.

Rotating sprinklers are a preferred choice due to their ability to cut through wind with a heavier droplet and provide consistent, even coverage. Products like MP Rotators offer ranges from 1.8 to 10.5 metres and various spray patterns, from 45 to 360 degrees, making them ideal for areas of all shapes and sizes. They also provide matched precipitation rates, meaning they apply water at a rate that your soil can absorb, preventing runoff and ensuring efficient irrigation.

Matched Precipitation

Matched precipitation ensures that all sprinklers in a zone apply water at the same rate, regardless of their arc or radius. This prevents under- or over-watering in different areas, promoting healthy, even growth. MP Rotators are designed with matched precipitation in mind, making them an excellent choice for efficient water management in irrigation systems.

Garden Risers

For garden areas, a combination of pop-up sprinklers and garden risers provides the best coverage. Articulated risers offer flexibility and durability by moving under the impact, preventing breakage while maintaining full water coverage. They can also be added to garden risers to further reduce the risk of damage from pets or foot traffic. This ensures your system remains durable and reliable without compromising on performance.

Bore Systems

If your irrigation system relies on a bore, there are a few critical components to ensure it operates efficiently and safely.

Pipe Size

Choosing the correct pipe size is essential for maintaining the bore’s efficiency. Pipes that are too small can create back pressure, reducing the bore’s performance and potentially causing damage. Using the right pipe size ensures optimal flow and pressure throughout your irrigation system, helping it run smoothly.

Pressure Relief Valve

A pressure relief valve is crucial for protecting your bore system from excessive pressure build-up. It automatically releases water when the pressure exceeds a safe level, preventing damage to both the bore and your irrigation components.

Preventing Deadheading

Deadheading occurs when a bore pump continues to run without water flow, often due to a blockage or a closed valve. This situation can severely damage the pump. Installing a pressure relief valve helps prevent deadheading by providing an outlet for excess water, ensuring the pump doesn’t run dry.

Professional Help

If you’re uncertain about your system’s setup, it’s always wise to consult a professional bore specialist. They can assess your system, offer expert advice, and ensure everything is installed and configured correctly for long-term efficiency.

Additional Irrigation Systems

While we’ve covered the most common types of irrigation, there are other systems you can consider, such as drip irrigation, shrubblers, and overhead sprays. These options offer more tailored solutions for specific areas of your garden or for plants with unique watering needs.

Tailoring to Your Garden’s Needs

To ensure your irrigation system is efficient, aim for head-to-head coverage, where each sprinkler’s reach overlaps with the next. You may also need to install specialised features like tree bubblers, which provide extra water to certain trees. Tailoring your system to the specific needs of your garden can significantly improve water distribution and plant health. For more customised solutions, consider seeking horticultural advice.

Other Considerations

• Mulch: Choose a free-draining mulch that allows water to penetrate. Avoid exotic mulches that don’t break down into the soil and can become hard, blocking water from reaching the roots.
• Organic Soil Mixes: Opt for organic soil mixes that enhance soil health and improve water retention, keeping your plants better hydrated.
• Regular Maintenance: Maintain your lawn and garden by regularly using soil wetters, applying fertiliser, and mowing lightly and frequently. These practices help keep your garden healthy and vibrant year-round.

Want to Install an Irrigation System Yourself?

With over 20 years of expertise packed into our affordable online course, you can learn how to install an automatic irrigation system step-by-step. This course is perfect for beginners, homeowners, and tradies looking to expand their skill set.

What You’ll Get:

• Itemised Parts List: A complete list of everything you’ll need for the installation.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: Easy-to-follow instructions to walk you through every stage.
• Expert Tips & Tricks: Proven insights from our years of experience to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure a smooth installation.

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