When we decide to install an automatic sprinkler system in our yard, the biggest decision is whether we want to do the work ourselves, or contract it out to a specialist. If you expect to be able to install it as quickly and effortlessly as the pros yourself, you should probably just hire the pros. Getting everything set up right yourself can be a rewarding experience, however, an extremely challenging experience as well.

The first step is to design the layout for the sprinkler system. Before doing so, you will want to swallow your man pride and read the instructions. There is a lot of information available to teach you all the ins and outs of sprinkler systems. You will want to be able to figure out how many zones you need, where you want to place the valve boxes, what type of sprinklers to use, etc. There are other tests you can do to determine the water pressure and other important factors in your neighborhood. These factors will influence your decision as well. For example, if you have low water pressure, you may need to create more zones with less sprinklers in each zone.

When you have everything mapped out, now you can begin digging trenches. A common alternative now days is to utilize a pipe pulling machine which can install pvc pipe underground without having to rip up your lawn. Typically, you will want to bury your sprinkler lines about eight inches deep. This should give you adequate room to attach your sprinkler heads without having them stick too much above the ground.

CP Test Services-VALVCO (http://www.cptest.com/) specialty is in the manufacturing of cathodic protection test stations, sewer cleanout caps and gas service curb and valve boxes. Ryan Coisson is a freelance writer.