A carefully measured and scaled irrigation layout plan will help you make a complete shopping list before you head to the hardware store. Using a copy of your garden plan, mark where you intend to put sprinkler heads and note the areas they’ll cover. Then use a second plan to note where control valves and pipes will go.
The number of valves you use will affect the size of the manifold system you’ll need. Add up the total length of pipe, including an additional foot for every 20 feet to cover any small measuring errors.
Include elbows and crosses for corners and branches in each circuit. For each sprinkler head, add a threaded riser and any other fittings, such as a threaded tee or elbow, for each riser.
Don’t forget a backflow preventer for anti-siphon valves, plus a shutoff valve, pipe-thread tape, and PVC cement and primer for slip connections.
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