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How to install fixed pipe irrigation

A person applying green adhesive to the end of a PVC pipe

Overview

A fixed pipe irrigation system is a great way to keep larger lawns watered. We'll show you how to install a pop-up sprinkler system with PVC piping in just a few steps. 

Tools and materials

Tools

Materials

Steps

1Dig a trench around the perimeter

Work out where you want your sprinklers to go, making sure the arc for each one overlaps the area of lawn they're covering.  Dig a trench around the perimeter of the lawn and calculate how many sprinklers you will need.

A person digging a trench with a shovel

2Cut PVC pipes to length

Cut the PVC pipes to the correct length. Lay out the entire system so you can make sure you have the correct layout. When you are happy, come back and reattach everything using the primer and glue.
A person cutting a length of PVC pipe using a hacksaw

3Insert T pieces at sprinkler positions

In the middle section we have a half circle spray. Insert a T piece joining the pipes together. Put a riser in there and attach a pop up sprinkler in the middle. In the corner we are using a plain elbow and a small piece of pipe to attach a threaded T junction. There is also an elbow with a thread in the top that you could use.
A person joining two lengths of PVC pipe with a T-joint

4Install the solenoid valve at the water source

At the water source, put a T piece in and run a pipe off to attach to the solenoid valve. This valve controls the flow of water to the watering system.  Continue to cut pipe and fit the fittings around the trench.
A person holding a solenoid valve

5Prime and glue the joins

When you are happy with the positions of the sprinklers, you can prime each joint to clean it and use a rider to make sure they are sitting vertically. Apply the glue to both surfaces on the pipe and put your joints together. The glue sets quickly so make sure they are sitting vertically.
A person applying green adhesive to the end of a PVC pipe

6Attach the sprinklers

When everything is in place, flush the system to get rid of any dirt. Attach the small risers to each pop up sprinkler unit and screw them into the joins. 

A person attaching a pop-up sprinkler to a PVC pipe

7Backfill the trench

Now, using your spade, backfill the trench with soil to cover up the whole watering system. 

A person back-filling a trench around a pop-up sprinkler

8Check the system is working properly

Finally, turn on your sprinkler system to make sure that it's working correctly.
Water spraying from a pop-up sprinkler

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.