Need Some Help - Sprinkler System Questions

[kae006]

Wife and I are wanting to finally install a sprinkler system. I was planning to purchase all the necessary materials myself and then pay some guys to come and do the installation. Our lot is about 7500 sq ft. I sent Rainbird a survey of my lot and they came back with this 9 valve system, which seems pretty excessive to me. They included a convenient shopping list and diagram for me to purchase everything and provide to the installers. I was hoping a more simple design would get the job done just as well but my issue is that I wouldn't know what to purchase if I was to venture away from the guide they sent me. I am hoping someone more knowledgeable on irrigation systems can look at the following documents and provide some advice.

[dustoffer]

I'm no installer but you want good complete coverage, and that is what you have IMO. Worst thing is to do it on the cheap and then have to drag hose and sprinkler to the dry spots.

[the-butcher]

Following. I want to put my own in also

[AddisonOil]

Need Some Help - Sprinkler System Questions

When installed, keep them off your wooden fence if you have one. I own a fence staining company, this is one of the worst things I see. Sprinklers will eat a fence up fast!

[RamDrvr]

Go with Hunter instead of Rainbird..Much better and more cost efficient..You should be able to install that system for around 1000.00..Installed plenty over the yrs..

[RAZORBACK]

Do you not need a permit and/or licensed tech to sign off in your city?

[Take em]

I'm no sprinkler expert but the only thing that I could see would be removing one sprinkler for full coverage the savings this will benefit is very minimal so going with a licensed irrigator would probably be the best solution. I do similar type of work but in a different industry. Coverage is key and like mentioned before you don't want to be dragging a hose around every summer

[Change Up]

I am a lic irrigator #2616 so I have been around for a while. The plan is also done my a lic irrigator it's a good plan. I will say its hard to design a system without seeing the site in person.yes I might use hunter rotors but you can't go wrong with rain bird pop ups,valves and controller there is not a lot of price difference in any of the brands unless you go weathermatic. I just wonder how someone can design a system not knowing your water pressure meter size etc. give me a text and I will lead you in the right direction. Retired from the field but still help out family and friends. If it's done right you will have no problems for years if done wrong it will be a headache for life.its not brain surgery but wire splices correct coverage for grass and shrubs separate etc. is very important.

[kae006]

I am a lic irrigator #2616 so I have been around for a while. The plan is also done my a lic irrigator it's a good plan. I will say its hard to design a system without seeing the site in person.yes I might use hunter rotors but you can't go wrong with rain bird pop ups,valves and controller there is not a lot of price difference in any of the brands unless you go weathermatic. I just wonder how someone can design a system not knowing your water pressure meter size etc. give me a text and I will lead you in the right direction. Retired from the field but still help out family and friends. If it's done right you will have no problems for years if done wrong it will be a headache for life.its not brain surgery but wire splices correct coverage for grass and shrubs separate etc. is very important.

Thanks for the help. They determined water pressure based off a bucket test. (How long does it take to fill xx gallons at full pressure). I am just down the road from you in The Woodlands. Do you have anyone you wild recommend in this area and what would be a general ballpark you think a system for a yard my size should cost if done by a pro?

[kae006]

Do you not need a permit and/or licensed tech to sign off in your city?

Need to get it signed off on after installing the backflow prevention device but that can be done ahead of the actual system.

[kae006]

Go with Hunter instead of Rainbird..Much better and more cost efficient..You should be able to install that system for around 1000.00..Installed plenty over the yrs..

I wonder if Hunter offers a similar service. I'm sure I could just get the comparable heads and use the same set of plans.

[tkuehn5410]

I'm a licensed irrigator as well. I'd check the water meter size. If you've got a 1" meter, you could tie in some of those zones. Most of the zones are pulling less than 8 gpms, and with a 5/8" meter you can design with up to 12 gpms. Also, I'd use 4" popups in the back as well instead of rotors. You'll be happier in the long run, but it would add an extra zone, maybe 2.

[kae006]

I'm a licensed irrigator as well. I'd check the water meter size. If you've got a 1" meter, you could tie in some of those zones. Most of the zones are pulling less than 8 gpms, and with a 5/8" meter you can design with up to 12 gpms. Also, I'd use 4" popups in the back as well instead of rotors. You'll be happier in the long run, but it would add an extra zone, maybe 2.

Thanks. Do you think I would be better served using the plans I have and purchasing all materials myself (over the course of a couple weeks and using Home Depot, lowes, Amazon to source the cheapest components) and installing myself or via contractors or would I be better off hiring an irrigation company to come out and do the job start to finish? I priced out the component list earlier and without shopping around I was at around $1125 without the two "optional" items.

[tkuehn5410]

Thanks. Do you think I would be better served using the plans I have and purchasing all materials myself (over the course of a couple weeks and using Home Depot, lowes, Amazon to source the cheapest components) and installing myself or via contractors or would I be better off hiring an irrigation company to come out and do the job start to finish? I priced out the component list earlier and without shopping around I was at around $1125 without the two "optional" items.

I'd start out with Change Up's advice and have him get you a couple of contacts for quotes, then select a winner or go to a local irrigation supply company and have them price out the materials list as well. You may have them draw you up a plan if you decide to do a diy install.