Mastering Sprinkler Zone Layout Basics

Essential Components of Sprinkler Zone Layout and Laterals

1. 3/4" PVC pipe Schedule 40 - Main lateral line
2. 3/4" Slip PVC Tee - For branching connections
3. 3/4" Slip x 1/2" Thread PVC Elbow - For direction changes and head connections
4. Barbed swing pipe Fitting - For flexible Swing Joint Attachment

Multi-Zone Sprinkler Layout Example

1. Laterals for Separate Zones - Efficient water distribution
2. 1" PVC Pipe Schedule 40 - Main supply line
3. 1" Slip Tee - For main line branching
4. 3/4" PVC Pipe Schedule 40 - Secondary supply lines
5. 1" x 3/4" Slip Reducer Bushing - For transitioning pipe sizes

Optimizing Pipe Sizing and Flow for Efficient Irrigation

In our sprinkler zone layout example, we maintain a 1-inch pipe size until the second Tee. Beyond this point, we transition to 3/4-inch piping and fittings up to the Funny Pipe connections. For optimal performance with 9-16 GPM water supply, it's recommended to keep 1-inch piping until the first Tee or until 1/3 of the sprinkler heads are supplied.

A key objective in your design is to maintain a flow rate below 5 feet per second. While ideal, point-by-point flow calculations are often impractical. Instead, we recommend reducing pipe size after installing a Tee that evenly diverts water, or after supplying 1/3 of the sprinkler heads.

Important Note on 1/2" PVC Usage

We strongly advise against using 1/2" PVC in your layout. For optimal efficiency and ease of installation, run 3/4" piping to the final PVC fitting, then transition to Funny Pipe. This approach saves time without compromising system performance.