1. Introduction
The Rain Bird 32HE In-Ground Pro Rotor Pop-up Sprinkler System Kit provides an efficient solution for residential lawn watering. This system is designed for homeowner installation, connecting to a standard garden hose via the Click-N-Go connection. It features 32SA rotary sprinklers that retract into the ground for a clean appearance and easy mowing, and includes self-draining valves to prevent freeze damage.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper installation, operation, adjustment, and maintenance of your sprinkler system.
Image: An installed Rain Bird 32HE sprinkler system efficiently watering a residential lawn, demonstrating its discreet operation.
2. Kit Contents
Verify that all components listed below are included in your kit:
Image: A visual representation of all components included in the Rain Bird 32HE Sprinkler System Kit.
- 4 x 32SA Geared Pop-up Rotary Sprinklers
- 90' of 1/2" Distribution Tubing
- 4 x Temporary Positioning Stakes with Zip Ties
- 4 x Threaded Male Tees
- 2 x 1/2" Barbed Elbows
- 1 x 1/2" Barbed Tee
- 2 x Compression Couplings
- 2 x Adapter – Hose To 1/2" Tubing
- 2 x Filtered Drain Valves
- 1 x Rotor Adjustment Tool
- 1 x Click-N-Go Hose Connect Station
- Teflon Tape
3. Pre-Installation Checks
Before beginning installation, it is crucial to perform two checks to ensure optimal system performance.
3.1. Check Your Home's Water Flow
The system requires a minimum flow rate of 6 gallons per minute (GPM). To check your flow rate:
- Use a 5-gallon pail.
- Turn on your outdoor faucet completely.
- Measure the time it takes to fill the 5-gallon pail.
- Divide 300 (seconds in 5 minutes) by the fill time in seconds to get your GPM. For example, if it takes 30 seconds, your flow rate is 10 GPM.
3.2. Check Your Water Pressure
The recommended operating pressure is 40 to 75 PSI. You can use a water pressure gauge (not included) attached to your outdoor faucet to measure this.
Image: A water pressure gauge connected to an outdoor faucet to measure water pressure.
3.3. Tools and Supplies Required
In addition to the kit contents, you will need the following tools:
Image: Essential tools for installation: a garden hose, measuring tape, shovel, pruning shears, and a water pressure gauge.
- Garden Hose (for connection to Click-N-Go)
- Measuring Tape
- Spade Shovel or Half-Moon Edger (for trenching)
- Tubing Cutter or Pruning Shears
- Water Pressure Gauge (optional, but recommended)
4. Installation Guide
Follow these steps for a successful installation of your Rain Bird 32HE sprinkler system.
4.1. Plan Your Layout
Measure spray distances and determine the optimal placement for each sprinkler head to achieve head-to-head coverage. Insert a temporary positioning stake into the lawn at each planned sprinkler location.
Image: Planning the sprinkler layout by sketching and marking positions with stakes.
Image: A diagram showing the typical anatomy of the sprinkler system layout, including tubing and sprinkler placement.
4.2. Connect Components Above Ground
Lay out all system components above ground according to your planned layout. Connect the 1/2" distribution tubing, elbows, and tee fittings. Attach the 32SA sprinklers to the temporary positioning stakes using the included zip ties.
Image: A person connecting a sprinkler head to the distribution tubing.
4.3. Install the Click-N-Go Connection
Dig a small hole for the Click-N-Go housing/connection. Connect the system's tubing to the Click-N-Go unit.
Image: A person digging a hole to install the Click-N-Go connection station.
Image: Connecting the distribution tubing to the Click-N-Go housing.
4.4. Test Watering Coverage
Attach your garden hose to the Click-N-Go connection. Turn on the water and observe the spray pattern of each sprinkler. Adjust the sprinklers as needed to achieve head-to-head coverage (where the spray from one sprinkler reaches the next sprinkler head).
Image: Testing the watering coverage of a sprinkler head.
4.5. Bury the System
Once satisfied with the layout and coverage, separate the turf along the tubing runs using a half-moon edger or spade shovel to create a shallow, narrow trench. Dig holes to bury each sprinkler and the Click-N-Go connection/housing. Bury all assembled parts underground, ensuring sprinklers and the Click-N-Go are level with the lawn surface. Push the tubing down into the maximum depth of the trench and press the turf back into position.
Image: A person burying the distribution tubing in a shallow trench.
Image: A person using a trenching shovel to bury the sprinkler tubing.
5. Operation
To operate the system, simply connect your garden hose to the Click-N-Go connection. Turn on your outdoor faucet to activate the sprinklers. For automated watering, consider adding a Rain Bird 1ZEHTMR Professional Grade Hose End Timer (sold separately).
Image: A garden hose being connected to the in-ground Click-N-Go station for system activation.
6. Adjustment
The 32SA geared rotors allow for simple and precise adjustments. The spray pattern can be adjusted from 40° to 360°, and the spray distance from 16' to 24'. Use the included rotor adjustment tool to modify the arc and radius of each sprinkler head.
Image: A person using the adjustment tool to modify the spray pattern of a pop-up sprinkler.
7. Maintenance
The system includes self-draining valves that prevent freeze damage during colder months. No specific winterization steps are typically required for the buried components due to this feature. However, always disconnect and store your garden hose and any attached timers indoors during freezing temperatures.
8. Troubleshooting
- Sprinklers Not Popping Up Fully: This can indicate insufficient water pressure or flow. Re-check your water pressure and flow rate (refer to Section 3). Ensure all connections are tight and there are no leaks in the system.
- Uneven Watering: Adjust the spray arc and distance of individual sprinklers using the adjustment tool (refer to Section 6) to ensure head-to-head coverage.
- Leaks at Connections: Ensure all fittings are securely tightened. Use Teflon tape on threaded connections to create a watertight seal.
- Water Pooling Around Sprinkler: Check for debris obstructing the sprinkler head or a damaged sprinkler. Ensure the drain valves are clear and functioning correctly.
9. Specifications
- Brand: Rain Bird
- Model Number: 32HE0
- Sprinkler Type: 32SA Geared Pop-up Rotary
- Pop-up Height: 4 inches
- Spray Arc Adjustment: 40° to 360°
- Spray Distance: 16' to 24'
- Tubing Length: 90 feet (1/2" diameter)
- Minimum Water Flow: 6 Gallons Per Minute (GPM)
- Recommended Operating Pressure: 40 to 75 PSI
- Maximum Pressure: 70 PSI
- Material: Metal, Plastic
- Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 6.75 x 2.8 x 13 inches
- Item Weight: 8.4 ounces
10. Safety Information
Users should exercise caution when digging and trenching. Always follow safe practices for connecting water sources. Adhere to any specific handling and disposal instructions for the plastic and metal components. Avoid contact with moving sprinkler parts during operation.
