Sprinkler System Questions

[Kristofor]

Here's a link to the Ditch Witch version (with video if you're so inclined).



http://www.ditchwitch.com/trenchers-...vibratory-plow

The one I saw seemed more spindly/articulated but it was the same basic idea.

Edit: Just another thought that I had... Around here the ground is generally soil, clay or sand, in a very rocky or hard-packed area perhaps this approach would be ineffective?

[JimD]

I have 8 zones, 7 the landscaper did and one I did. Trenching even one zone by hand was a lot of work. Our frost line is also very shallow so freezing is not an issue. I hit the pipes regularly, however, that the landscaper did. They are only 2-4 inches underground. I put mine 6 inches or more and have never touched them. Mine drain themselves pretty well - the heads will leak enough to drain a lot of water out.

My valves are scattered all over the yard. It took me a year to find one of them when it went bad (I have Bermuda and it grows right over the cover). If I did the whole system, all the valves would be in one place. If I do even a zone again, I am renting a trencher. The problem is not so much the digging as it is the roots and rocks. If you could just move dirt, it wouldn't be so bad.

Another major consideration is sidewalks and driveways. You may be able to dig under a sidewalk but a driveway is a big deal. If you can layout around them, it would be much better.

Jim

[Uncle Cracker]

The vibratory plow does not work well in rocky soil, nor in soil with lots of tree roots. You will also still do a lot of trenching near buildings, fences and existing planting, as the plow won't get you very close.

As for the piping install, potholes are usually dug at points where branch fittings and/or sprinklers will be installed, and the plow guided to/through them. Glue work on the fittings is a PITA, as it must be done below grade, and glue-on saddle tees are usually used for the sprinkler drops or risers, and these aren't too great, either.

[crokett]

I would rent a trencher, not dig by hand. I have both lots of tree roots and rocks so sounds like I will not be using the vibrating pulling machine.

Thanks for the links, I am checking out the websites.