If you’re not up to installing a sprinkler system in your yard, installing an above ground lawn sprinkler is the next best option. These systems are much more affordable than their more permanent counterparts, and they’re perfect for watering gardens, landscaping, and trees.
An above ground sprinkler system is as simple to install as it gets. Once you have your system, you can run the piping around the perimeter of your home or yard and connect the water supply to a hose bib (located at ground level for easy access). Attach your above ground sprinkler heads and rotate them as needed to water all areas of concern. For an above ground lawn sprinkler system to effectively water your property, you must choose a model that applies the right amount of water in each area of concern. Some models feature adjustable spray patterns, while others are designed to use a specific amount of water per square foot of surface area. Here is everything you need to know about above ground lawn sprinkler systems.
1. Advantages of Above Ground Lawn Sprinkler Systems
An above ground lawn sprinkler system has a number of advantages. Here are a few regarding having the right sprinkler and installing it correctly.
I. They’re Easy to Install
All you need is a drill, hoses, fittings, and other tools to help you place your above ground sprinkler heads in the right locations around your yard or property. DIY installation is also possible, even if this is the first time you’ve installed a model like this.
II. It Adds Value to Your Home
Adding an above ground lawn sprinkler system to your home is a great way to add value and curb your property value. The more you focus on landscaping, the more others will consider you an expert with classy taste. Because of its versatility, an above ground sprinkler system is also great for gardens, patios, and porches.
III. You Can Save Money and Time
An above ground sprinkler system requires little time and energy to install. The same goes for water, which has become a limited resource for many residents in the country. Also, you won’t have to worry about clogged lines or improved drainage problems after you turn on your sprinkler. This is because an above ground sprinkler system uses a larger amount of water at one time, which helps the soil retain moisture more efficiently.
IV. Reduced Weed Growth and Plant Diseases’ Occurrence
Because an above ground sprinkler system applies more water per square foot, it also waters your plant roots and the soil they are growing. This means you will have less weed growth, as well as reduced occurrences of plant diseases.
V. Preserved Soil Nutrients
Preserving the soil’s critical nutrients is also one of the benefits of installing an above ground sprinkler system. This means you’ll have more nutrients in the soil around your plants and trees. This, in turn, means your plants will be healthier and produce more flowers.
2. Disadvantages of Above Ground Lawn Sprinkler Systems
There are advantages and disadvantages to installing an above ground lawn sprinkler system. Here are the top drawbacks of these garden systems.
I. Requires a Lot of Time and Planning to Install
It’s important to know what you’re doing before you start planning to install an above ground lawn sprinkler system. To plan your system, you’ll need to know the length and width of your yard or garden. After that, plan out the different sections and determine how much water each should receive.
II. They’re Not as Durable and Long-lasting as In-ground Systems
An above ground lawn sprinkler system may last up to 5 years, but leaks will likely appear in different areas of your system after that. This could mean you’ll need to purchase a new one every year, which is extremely expensive.
III. Maintenance Requirements are Difficult to Keep Up with
Unlike an in-ground lawn sprinkler, an above ground sprinkler system leaks more easily. You’ll have to keep track of your submersible pump and the hoses that run along the outside of your property. You’ll also need to know how often you should water each section. Losing track of these things can mean failing to water each area on time, leading to plants dying off and soil erosion.
IV. They’re Not the Best Option for Larger Yards or Gardens
If your garden is larger than 60,000 sq. ft., an above ground sprinkler system is a good option. Anything smaller, and you should consider looking into a more permanent solution that does not require as much maintenance.
V. Poses a Trip Hazard
Even though an above ground sprinkler system is not very dangerous, places such as alleys, sidewalks, and walkways pose a hazard to people. If you have little concern for others, ensure no problems with your irrigation system before you use it in public.
3. How to Install an Above Ground Lawn Sprinkler System
An above ground lawn sprinkler system is simple enough to install. Here are some of the steps to follow if you want to make this addition to your garden.
I. Gather Necessary Materials and Equipment
Before starting your garden sprinkler, you’ll want to get the right materials together. You will need PVC pipes, fittings, a sprinkler head, a pump, a pressure gauge, a timer, and other necessary connectors and fittings.
II. Plan Out the Layout of Your Above Ground Lawn Sprinkler System
Once you’ve gathered all these materials, you’ll need to plan the layout. You can easily do this with PVC pipes and fittings, which will allow you to connect your main water source at the location of your pump.
It would help if you also had a rough plan for where each sprinkler head will be located and where your timer will be. Ensure that every section gets an equal amount of water so that you don’t risk making some plants wilt while others thrive.
III. Install the Pump and Lay Out the Pipes
When you’ve created your layout, you’ll want to move on to pumping your water from the main water source to the above ground sprinkler heads.
After that, you will need to remove the ground beneath each section of your system and lay out the PVC pipes. You can easily do this by using a drill and a pipe cutter. Then, you will want to connect all of your sections with PVC plumbing fittings. For each hose, you’ll need a quick-release coupling that allows easy disconnection and reconnection. Once everything is connected around your garden, it’s time to set up the timer and run some tests to ensure everything works properly.
IV. Install the Above Ground Sprinkler Heads
Attach above ground sprinkler heads to the pipes using fittings. Ensure above ground sprinkler heads are properly spaced and positioned to cover the desired area. Also, ensure you do not place them too close together, as that will reduce how much water each section gets.
V. Connect the Timer and Test the System
Connect the timer to the system’s power source, then set it to the appropriate time. You must ensure the timer turns on and off at the same rate each day. Also, it’s a good idea to test your above ground lawn sprinkler system by applying some water and waiting for it to turn off before using it in the rain.
VI. Cover the Pipes
If you’re planning to use your above ground lawn sprinkler system in a place with grass or other plants, you’ll need to cover the PVC pipes. This will help keep them from being damaged and the dirt from getting onto your floors. You can do this by using landscape fabric or plastic sheets. Please make sure the sheets are large enough that they extend over the entire system, and any water that gets on the ground will not leak into them.
VII. Maintain the System
Regularly check the pressure gauge and make adjustments as needed. Replace faulty parts and clean the above ground sprinkler heads to ensure they function properly.
4. How to Choose the Right Above Ground Lawn Sprinkler System for Your Lawn
When making an above ground lawn sprinkler system purchase, there are a number of different things that you’ll want to take into consideration.
I. Type of Above Ground Sprinkler Heads
Above ground sprinkler heads are the most important part of your sprinkler system. You can choose from several different kinds, but they all serve the same purpose. They come in various sizes and shapes to fit your needs, as well as in different qualities like metal, plastic or stainless steel.
II. Quality and Type of Material
You’ll also need to consider how sturdy and long-lasting the PVC piping will be. Metal is a good choice regarding durability, but you’ll also want to consider other factors. Make sure that they are all connected with high-quality material and that you have no leaks.
III. Choose How Much Water You Want to Deliver
Before you get started on your above ground sprinkler system, make sure that you purchase one that matches your needs. The amount of water delivered depends on the size of your lawn and the number of above ground sprinkler heads. In general, a sprinkler head for a garden should be about 5 feet above the ground, but those planning on watering large areas should choose one just below the height of their lawns.
IV. Consider the Maintenance
Consider how easy it would be to maintain your sprinkler system. Even though they are relatively simple to install, they can get a lot of wear and tear over time. While you can replace parts as needed, you should ensure that the whole irrigation system is easy to clean and maintain if you plan to put them in high-traffic areas or places with a lot of foot traffic.
V. Efficiency of Your Sprinkler System
Not all sprinkler systems are created equal. A lawn sprinkler system should be as efficient as possible. This means that they need to be set up so that the water goes directly to the plants and is not wasted on the ground or weeds. Some sprinklers have a setting that cancels water if there’s a large amount of rainfall, but others just run continuously. The latter can waste water and use excessive electricity, so you’ll want to ensure your system has an auto-shutoff timer.
5. Maintenance Tips for Above Ground Lawn Sprinkler Systems
After you install your sprinkler system, there are a few things you’ll have to take care of to ensure that it stays running properly.
I. Replacing the Above Ground Sprinkler Heads and Connectors
If you’re using aluminum above ground sprinkler heads or plastic connectors, you’ll want to check them periodically for signs of wear and tear and defects in their design that may cause leaks or cracks. You can do this by replacing above ground sprinkler heads with new ones whenever they appear.
II. Checking the Pressure Reading
You can do this by noticing the difference between your sprinkler system’s pressure gauge and the top of your water supply. It’s best to avoid replacing parts that are working properly, but if you notice that you are constantly getting leaks or a significant pressure drop, it’s time to buy new parts.
III. Cleaning and Replacing the Timers and Valves
If you’re having trouble with any part of your above ground lawn sprinkler system, or above ground sprinkler heads, replacing them before moving on to other parts is a good idea. This will eliminate issues before they become bigger problems down the road. Also, check these parts regularly for moisture levels since they can corrode quickly.
IV. Replacing the Fittings
If there are any problems with your sprinkler system, you’ll also want to check the specific parts. For example, you may want to replace the connector to one sprinkler if its connection is loose or broken. In addition, you may need to replace the fittings used in certain areas because they are made of a different material that could be less durable than other parts. Replacing these parts can help improve your irrigation system’s efficiency and decrease your chances of problems down the road.
V. Maintain the Ground
Since your sprinkler system is generally located above ground, you can do something to make maintenance much easier. You can dig a trench around your system to ensure it stays clean and free of debris and dirt. With a few minutes of work, you can keep it running smoothly for years.
The above ground lawn sprinkler system is a great choice for people looking for an easy way to water plants when it’s not raining outside. It’s easy to install and maintain and can deliver water right where you need it. It’s even possible to use various above ground sprinkler heads depending on what type of plants you want to water. If you need to water your lawn when the rain isn’t enough, this is a great option for giving your plants the extra moisture they need.
