How to Install a Drip-Irrigation System

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey explains how to install a drip-irrigation system.

Installing drip-irrigation

1. Dig series of trenches across yard to minimum of 4 inches deep; space the trenches about 12 inches apart.
2. Run PVC pipe from water supply to trench.
3. Fabricate two manifolds out of PVC pipes and fittings.
4. Set the manifolds in trenches at opposite ends of yard.
5. Attach one manifold to the water-supply line.
6. Run series of polyethylene drip lines back and forth in across yard between the two mainfolds.
7. Attach the drip lines to the manifolds.
8. Test system for leaky fittings and to ensure the emitters are slowly dripping water.
9. Backfill the trenches and plant grass seed or lay sod.

Tools

You may want to rent a trencher to cut down on digging labor.