Hunter Residential Sprinkler System

Introduction

This booklet is intended for designing and installing small, single-family residential sprinkler systems. It is presented in an easy-to-follow format with illustrations and helpful charts. For first-time installers or those seeking a refresher, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the design and installation process. It includes detailed illustrations for installing sprinkler heads, pipe, and valve manifolds, as well as connecting the main line to the household water system. Installation tips are provided throughout. The guide considers friction loss and water velocity for residential systems. For questions, consult your local Hunter distributor.

For large residential or commercial projects, Hunter recommends contracting a professional irrigation designer. Contractors and designers can obtain additional information from their local Hunter distributor.

Using high-efficiency MP Rotators with pressure-regulated bodies (like the PRS40) maximizes water savings. Consider weather-based sensors to automatically adjust watering times based on current weather for further water savings.

For product information and performance charts, refer to Hunter's residential/commercial catalog. For technical support, visit hunterindustries.com/support.

Sprinkler System Planning

Plot, Plan, and Design

The first step is to measure your property and indicate the house location. Sketch your property on paper, including measurements, concrete walks, patios, driveways, and fences. Locate and draw trees, shrubs, and lawns.

Next, draw the plot plan to scale on graph paper (e.g., 1:100, 1:200). Note the scale and label lawn, shrub, ground cover, and large trees. Divide the property into areas (e.g., front yard, back yard, side yard, lawn, shrub areas, shady areas) and label them A, B, C, D, etc.

Tools and Supplies Needed

• Permit (as required by local/city laws)
• Small Irrigation Flags
• Hacksaw
• Hammer
• Pipe Wrenches
• Plastic Tarp
• Pliers
• Rags
• Rake
• Screwdriver
• Shovels (Trenching, Flat, Spade, or Round Point)
• Spray Marking Paint
• Tape Measure
• Trencher or Pipe-Puller
• Tunnel Kit or Hose Jetting Kit
• Wire Cutters
• Insulated Wire Staples
• Rain Shut-off Device/Weather Sensor
• Shut-off Valves
• Valve Boxes (15 cm and 30 cm)
• Teflon Tape (for PVC or Poly thread-to-thread fittings)
• Automatic Drain Valve (for freezing climates)

For PVC Pipe: Glue (Solvent), Primer, PVC Pipe Cutters

For Poly Pipe: Pipe Clamps (for insert fittings only)

Sprinkler System Capacity

Determine System Design Capacity

To plan an efficient irrigation system, determine the Sprinkler System Design Capacity – the amount of water available for irrigation. For city water, follow the steps below. For lake or well water, consult your Hunter dealer or pump installer for specifications.

1. Water Pressure (bar; kPa): Attach a pressure gauge to the outside faucet nearest the water meter. Ensure no other water is flowing. Record the static water pressure.
2. Water Volume (l/min): Determine the water meter size (commonly 15 mm, 20 mm, or 25 mm) or the service line size if no meter is present. Measure the outside circumference of the service line pipe and use the provided table to convert string length to pipe size.

Figure 1: To check water pressure, attach a pressure gauge to the outside faucet nearest the water meter.

Service Line Size Table:

System Design Capacity Chart

Use the chart to determine the Sprinkler System Design Capacity in litres per minute (l/min) based on static pressure and water meter/service line size. Working pressure is also determined from this chart and is crucial for selecting sprinkler heads and designing the system.

Note: Service lines are based on 30 m of thick-walled PVC. Deduct 7.6 l/min for copper pipe and 19 l/min for new galvanized pipe.

Example: Water Meter 15 mm, Service Line 25 mm, Static Pressure 4.8 bar (480 kPa) results in a Design Capacity of 49 l/min and a Working Pressure of 3.5 bar (350 kPa).

Selecting Sprinklers

Select Sprinkler Heads

There are three main types of sprinklers for residential use: large area rotors, rotating stream spray sprinklers, and small area fixed spray sprinklers. Do not mix sprinkler types within the same zone. High-efficiency spray nozzles like MP Rotators® with PRS40 pressure-regulated bodies are recommended over traditional fixed nozzles.

• Large area rotors: Cover areas 8 m by 8 m and larger.
• Small area rotating stream or spray sprinklers: Typically used for areas smaller than 8 m by 8 m.
• Micro irrigation: Delivers water directly to the plant base using tubing, drip emitters, and micro sprays.

Pop-up sprinklers are installed flush with the grade, while riser-mounted shrub heads are installed above grade. The 8 m by 8 m guideline is flexible; using large area rotors can reduce pipe, valve, and controller requirements.

Sprinkler Types and Specifications

Rotors

Nozzles

Spray Bodies

Controllers

Select the Right Product for the Right Area

The graphic below illustrates a sample layout using Hunter irrigation products. Areas A, B, and C are suitable for sprays and rotating nozzles. Area E is best for sprays and specialty nozzles. Area D, a large area, would benefit from PGP® Ultra sprinklers. Area F should utilize micro irrigation products based on plant type and density.

Valves and Pipes

Locate Valves – Lay Out and Size Pipes

Each zone requires its own valve to control water flow. Group valves into manifolds for each area. Consider placing manifolds in accessible locations for maintenance, close to the served areas, and away from potential spray when manually activating the system.

Area Layout Example:

• AREA A - ZONE 1
• AREA B - ZONE 2
• AREA C - ZONE 3, ZONE 4
• AREA D - ZONE 5, ZONE 6
• AREA E - ZONE 7
• AREA F - ZONE 8
• Water Meter
• P.O.C. (Point of Connection)
• Backflow and Shutoff

Lateral Line

The two most common pipe types are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (Poly). Consult your local Hunter dealer for the type used in your area.

1. Draw lines connecting all sprinkler heads within each zone, aiming for the most direct route with minimal turns.
2. Draw a line from the sprinkler line to the zone valve.
3. Size the pipe starting from the head farthest from the zone valve. The pipe connecting the last two heads should be 20 mm.
4. Add the l/min requirements of those two heads to determine the size for the next pipe section.
5. Continue this process, adding the l/min requirements of each subsequent head, until you reach the zone valve.
6. Repeat for each zone.

Pipe Sizing Chart (Maximum Flow Rates for Sprinkler Lines):

Connecting Sprinklers with PVC or Poly Pipe:

RIGHT: Proper connection method.

WRONG: Improper connection method.

Point of Connection

Main Line

1. Determine the system's point of connection (P.O.C.), typically located between the water meter and any pressure regulator.
2. Draw a line connecting all manifolds to the P.O.C.
3. The main line should generally be one pipe size larger than the largest lateral line.

Point of Connection - Non-Freezing Climates

Use a brass compression tee to connect to the household water supply. Copper pipe may be required between the P.O.C. and the backflow preventer. Always check local building codes or permitting agencies for specific requirements.

P.O.C. Non-Freezing Climate: Use a brass compression tee to connect your sprinkler system to the household water supply.

Point of Connection - Freezing Climates

If the P.O.C. is in the basement in a freezing climate, install a boiler drain immediately after the gate valve/ball valve to drain the pipe before winter. Install a T with a riser and threaded cap after the backflow preventer for blowing out the system before the first deep freeze.

P.O.C. Freezing Climate: If the P.O.C. is in the basement, install a boiler drain immediately after the gate valve to drain the system before the first big freeze.

Review Design

Ensure all areas have sprinklers placed and pipe sizes are correct. The system is now ready for installation.

CHECK LOCAL ORDINANCES: Most professional installers recommend PVC pipe for the constant pressure line. However, some communities require copper. Check local ordinances before laying out your system.

Residential System Overview with Optional Wi-Fi

This diagram illustrates the components of a residential sprinkler system, including the controller, valves, sprinklers, and optional Wi-Fi components like the Rain-Clik® sensor and remote access via mobile device or ROAM Remote.

Key Components:

• Automatic Sprinkler Control (X2™)
• Online Irrigation Control with Local Weather Adjustments
• WAND Wi-Fi Module
• Remote Control ROAM Receiver
• Sprinkler Controller Wire (Low Voltage; Direct Burial)
• Isolation/Ball Valve
• Pressure Regulator (Accu Sync® ADJ)
• Male Adapters
• Cap for future use
• Brass/Plastic Ball Valve
• Service Line
• Valve Box
• Automatic Control Valve (PGV)
• Master Valve (PGV)
• Multi-purpose MB-0811
• Rain Sensor (Rain-Clik®)
• Remote Access with Mobile Device or ROAM Remote

Wi-Fi System Overview

This diagram shows a Wi-Fi enabled sprinkler system. Key components include the Wi-Fi Controller Pro-HC, Wi-Fi Router, Rain Sensor (Rain-Clik®), Wi-Fi Range Extender (if necessary), and remote access via mobile device. The system can be monitored through the Contractor Dashboard.

Key Components:

• Wi-Fi Controller Pro-HC
• Rain Sensor (Rain-Clik®)
• Wi-Fi Router
• Wi-Fi Range Extender (if necessary)
• Solenoid Valves being monitored by Controller
• Monitoring Flow HC Flow Meter
• Remote Access with Mobile Device
• Contractor Dashboard

System Installation

Making the Point of Connection

1. Refer to the Point of Connection (P.O.C.) detail on the Residential System Overview (pages 12-13).
2. Turn off the water supply to the residence.
3. Dig a hole to expose the supply line.
4. Cut an appropriate section of the supply line, attach the compression tee, and tighten the compression nuts.
5. Install the brass nipple and shut-off valve.
6. Install the valve box for access to the shut-off valve.
7. Turn the water back on.

Installing the Main Line

1. Mark the pipe layout from the P.O.C. to the valve manifold locations using spray paint and flags (Figure 1).
2. On existing lawns, lay a plastic tarp alongside the trench, about 60 cm away.
3. Remove sod by cutting a strip about 30 cm wide and 4-5 cm deep. Roll up the sod and place it on the tarp.
4. Trenching: Check local codes. If none exist, trench 25-30 cm deep for the main line and 15-20 cm for lateral lines. Trenchers are available at rental yards (Figure 2).
5. Installing Pipe Under Walkway/Driveway: Use the jetting method with a garden hose and nozzle to tunnel under concrete (Figure 3).
6. Install the backflow preventer according to local codes.
7. Lay out pipe and fittings near trenches. Avoid getting dirt or debris in the pipe.
8. Install pipe starting from the P.O.C. (or backflow preventer), working towards the last manifold or stub-out. Refer to the Residential System Overview (pages 12-13).

Installing the Valve Manifolds

1. Refer to the valve manifold detail on the Residential System Overview.
2. Maintain at least 15 cm clearance between valves for maintenance.
3. Provide an 8 cm or longer capped stub-out for future additions.
4. Install the valve manifolds onto the main line.

Assembling PVC: Place solvent on the inside of the fitting and outside of the pipe. Slip the pipe into the fitting and wipe off excess solvent.

Assembling Poly Pipe: Place clamp over the pipe, then insert the barb fitting. Tighten the clamp around the pipe and fitting.

Lay out pipes and sprinklers near the trenches.

Installing the Lateral Lines

If installing in stages, lay out all zones and install one zone at a time.

1. Lay Out System: Use the plot plan and flags to mark sprinkler and zone valve locations. Adjust as needed for head-to-head coverage. Recheck l/min numbers against system design capacity (page 5).
2. Mark lateral line locations with spray paint.
3. Trenching: Check local codes. If none exist, dig trenches 15-20 cm deep for lateral lines. A pipe puller may be useful for poly pipe.
4. Installing Pipe: Lay out pipe and fittings beside trenches. Avoid dirt and debris in the pipe.

Prevent Clogs in Your System: Use pipe cutters for PVC pipe. Remove plastic burrs left by a hacksaw, as they can clog sprinkler heads. Turn the PVC pipe 3-6 mm while cutting to reduce the risk of breaking the pipe.

Automatic Drain Valve Installation for Freezing Climates: Locate drain valves at low points in each zone.

Installing Sprinkler Heads

1. Install all heads except the last one on a run for flushing.
2. Flushing System: Manually turn on the zone at the valve. Flush out any dirt until the water runs clean. Turn off the zone valve and install the remaining heads.
3. Checking for Proper Coverage: Turn the zone on at the controller. Check that wires and connectors are working properly. Adjust sprinklers for coverage.

Backfilling

1. Do not bury valves directly. Install a valve box for access. Set the valve box during backfilling.
2. Ensure no rocks are directly next to the pipe. Backfill in thirds, compacting the dirt. Allow space for sod when setting heads and valve boxes.

BUILD FOR EXPANSION: Add at least two extra wires per valve manifold for future expansion.

Installing the Controller

1. Install the controller indoors (e.g., garage). Follow the manufacturer's instructions. A 220-240 V or 115 V electrical outlet is needed for the transformer.
2. Use color-coded irrigation wire to connect valves to the controller. You need one wire per valve plus one common wire. Ensure wire length is sufficient for the farthest valve.
3. Installing Wire: Lay wire in the trench from the controller to the valve manifolds. Protect wire by placing it directly beneath the pipe. Leave an expansion loop at direction changes to prevent stretching.
4. Connect wires to valves using waterproof connectors. One wire per valve plus one common wire connected to all valves.

Wi-Fi Considerations:

1. Place the controller within Wi-Fi range. If the signal is weak, move the controller or router closer, or use a Wi-Fi extender.
2. Ensure the security type matches the wireless router settings (802.11b or 802.11g).

Refer to the Wi-Fi controller quick start guide or visit support.hydrawise.com for detailed instructions.

Hunter ROAM Remote Control Kit: Saves installation time and aids routine maintenance. The receiver plugs into the Controller Connection Kit, and the transmitter activates zones within a 300 m range. Compatible with X-Core, X2, Pro-C, ICC2, and HPC controllers.

Installing Sensors

Rain and freeze sensors stop or prevent irrigation during rainfall or freezing conditions. ET sensors calculate water needs based on plant material and adjust run times.

Mounting Suggestions:

1. Rain sensors: Install where they receive direct rainfall (e.g., roof edge, rain gutter). Avoid placement under trees or plant material, and ensure they are not within the sprinkler spray pattern.
2. Freeze sensors: Stop irrigation at or below 3°C and reactivate between 3-7°C.
3. Weather-based ET sensors: Require maximum direct sunlight throughout the day and year.

Communication Options:

1. Wired: Sensors connect directly to controller inputs via two wires. Install and attach wires carefully to avoid damage.
2. Wireless: Sensors use a battery-operated transmitter sending data to a receiver attached to the controller. Ensure good reception from the mounting location. Avoid high-voltage sources of interference. Test sensor/transmitter reception at the mounting location.
3. Flow meter: Connect to controller sensor inputs with two wires (Shielded Cable). Install between the water supply and master valve. Avoid uncontrolled water use downstream. Ensure no 90° bends within 30 cm of the flow meter.

Sensor Types:

• Rain-Clik®: Shuts down irrigation during rain or freeze events.
• Mini-Clik®: Shuts down irrigation at a set rainfall amount.
• Soil-Clik®: Shuts off water when a user-selected soil moisture threshold is reached.
• HC Flow Meter: Monitors water use and piping system status, providing alerts for broken pipes or leaks.

Materials List

Point of Connection

Use your plot plan and the checklists below to create a materials list. Refer to the Residential System Overview for part names. Mark the plan as you count and measure components.

Point of Connection Items:

• Brass Compression Tee (compression x compression x thread)
• Brass Gate Valve or Brass Ball Valve
• Valve Box

Exterior Point of Connection - Non-Freezing Climates: Valve box (square or round), Brass compression tee, Brass gate valve or brass ball valve, Male adapter, Point of connection (P.O.C.), Water meter.

Interior Point of Connection - Freezing Climates: Brass gate valve or brass ball valve, Water meter, Point of connection (P.O.C.), Brass compression tee.

Pipes

Measure and list pipe by size. Add extra pipe for waste. Count and list main line and lateral line fittings by size and type.

Pipe Flow Rates:

• 13 mm Pipe: 7.5 l/min
• 20 mm Pipe: 15 l/min, 22 l/min, 30 l/min
• 25 mm Pipe: 60.5 l/min, 45 l/min, 30 l/min

Fittings (Calculate pipe length and number of fittings):

PVC (slip x slip x slip): TEE (SxSxS, S x S x 1/2" T, S x S x 3/4" T), ELBOW (90° x S x S, 90° S x 3/4" T, 90° S x 1" T, 45° x S x S), REDUCER BUSHING (25 mm S x 3/4" S, 32 mm S x 1" S).

Poly (compression or barbed insert fittings): TEE (ixi, i x i x 1/2" T, i x i x 3/4" T), ELBOW (90° x i x i, 90° i x 3/4" T, 90° i x 1" T, 45° x i x i), REDUCER COUPLING (1" i x 3/4" i, 1 1/4" i x 1" i), REDUCING TEE (SxSxS), MALE ADAPTERS (SxT, ixT), COUPLING (SxS, ixi).

Watch Out for Hairline Cracks: Avoid dropping PVC pipe. Hairline cracks can lead to bursting under pressure.

Control Valves

Count valves by size and list materials needed. Refer to valve details for specific information.

Automatic Control Valves: Valve Box, Waterproof Wire Connectors, Pressure Regulators (Accu Sync® 30 and 40), PGV Valves, Male Adapters.

Controller

Controller size depends on the number of valves. Measure wire runs. Use color-coded, multi-conductor low-voltage wire. An automatic controller stores watering schedules, start times, run times, and watering days.

Controller Options: X2 or Pro-HC, ROAM Remote Control (X2 only).

Wire: 1 mm² dia. (18 AWG) Direct Burial Wire.

Sensors

Select sensors based on site conditions.

• Mini-Clik® Rain Sensor
• Rain-Clik® Rain Sensor
• Soil-Clik® Soil Sensor
• HC Flow Meter (Pro-HC only)

Sprinklers - Gear-Driven Rotors

List the quantity of sprinklers needed.

• Pop-Up, Lawn: PGJ (1/2" inlet), PGP® (3/4" inlet), 1-20 (3/4" inlet)
• Shrub - Riser Mounted or High Pop-Up: PGJ (1/2" inlet), PGP® (3/4" inlet), 1-20 (3/4" inlet)

Nozzles

Select nozzle types and quantities.

• MP Rotator®
• MP Rotator SR Series
• Pro Adjustable Nozzles
• Pro Fixed
• Specialty
• Bubblers

Spray Sprinklers with Adjustable Arc Nozzles

List the quantity of sprinklers needed.

• Pop-Up, Lawn: Pro-Spray®/PRS30/PRS40 (1/2" inlet), PS Ultra (1/2" inlet)
• Shrub - Riser Mounted or High Pop-Up: Pro-Spray (1/2" inlet), Eco-Rotator (1/2" inlet)

Hunter Swing Joints, Pre-Assembled

List quantities for SJ Series: SJ-506, SJ-512, SJ-7506, SJ-7512, SJ-712.

Swing Joint Assemblies

Calculate the quantity of parts needed based on the number of sprinklers.

Micro Irrigation

List quantities for Eco-Mat®, Eco-Wrap®, Professional Landscape Dripline (PLD), Point Source Emitters, Root Zone Watering System, Micro Sprays, Eco-Indicator, Multi-Purpose Box.

Watering Guidelines

Application Rates

Watering rates vary by plant type, soil, and climate. New lawns need frequent moisture, while established plants require deeper, less frequent watering.

Watering Guidelines

1. Operate only one valve at a time.
2. Water early in the morning for optimal absorption and reduced evaporation. Avoid watering in the early evening to prevent diseases. Watering on hot days can burn plants.
3. Lawns typically require 40-50 mm of water per week in hot months; arid areas may need more.
4. Manually activate the system at regular intervals to check for proper functioning and clean sprinklers.

Freezing Areas

In freezing climates, winterize the system by turning off the controller, closing the main shut-off valve, draining all water, and blowing out remaining water before the first freeze. Consult your local Hunter dealer if unsure. Consider a weather-based sensor with freeze shut-off capability.

Choosing Rotary Sprinkler Nozzles

Select nozzles for matched precipitation rates within zones. Consider sprinkler flow rate and arc of coverage. Even application of water is achieved when sprinklers within a zone have similar precipitation rates.

Rotary Sprinkler Nozzles:

Sprinkler Run Time Schedule Spread Over 7 Days:

Watering Guidelines by Climate/Soil Type:

• Cool, non-arid climates: Apply 25 mm of water per week.
• Hot, arid climates: Apply 50 mm of water per week.
• Clay soils, fine particles: Program shorter run times, increase start times per day, decrease water days per week.
• Loam soils, medium-sized particles: Program longer run times, fewer start times per week.
• Sandy soils, larger particles: Program longer run times, decrease cycles per day, increase water days per week.

Parts Ordering List

Nozzles

Select nozzle types and quantities.

• MP Rotator®
• MP Rotator SR Series
• Pro Adjustable Nozzles
• Pro Fixed
• Specialty
• Bubblers

Point of Connection

List items for the system's point of connection.

• Brass Compression Tee
• Brass Gate Valve or Brass Ball Valve
• Valve Box

Fittings

Calculate pipe length and number of fittings required.

PVC (slip x slip x slip): TEE (SxSxS, S x S x 1/2" T, S x S x 3/4" T), ELBOW (90° x S x S, 90° S x 3/4" T, 90° S x 1" T, 45° x S x S), REDUCER BUSHING (25 mm S x 3/4" S, 32 mm S x 1" S).

Poly (compression or barbed insert fittings): TEE (ixi, i x i x 1/2" T, i x i x 3/4" T), ELBOW (90° x i x i, 90° i x 3/4" T, 90° i x 1" T, 45° x i x i), REDUCER COUPLING (1" i x 3/4" i, 1 1/4" i x 1" i), REDUCING TEE (SxSxS), MALE ADAPTERS (SxT, ixT), COUPLING (SxS, ixi).

Automatic Control Valves

List items needed for valve manifolds.

• PGV Valve
• Valve Box
• Male Adapters
• Waterproof Wire Connectors
• Pressure Regulators (1" (25 mm))

Controller

List controller type and stations.

• X2 or Pro-HC
• ROAM Remote Control
• Wire: 1 mm² dia. (18 AWG) Direct Burial Wire with Number of Strands

Sensors

Select sensors based on site conditions.

• Mini-Clik® Rain Sensor
• Rain-Clik® Rain Sensor
• Soil-Clik® Soil Sensor
• HC Flow Meter

Sprinklers - Gear-Driven Rotors

List quantities for sprinklers.

• Pop-Up, Lawn: PGJ (1/2" inlet), PGP® (3/4" inlet), 1-20 (3/4" inlet)
• Shrub - Riser Mounted or High Pop-Up: PGJ (1/2" inlet), PGP® (3/4" inlet), 1-20 (3/4" inlet)

Swing Joints Assemblies

Determine the quantity of parts needed based on sprinkler requirements.

Micro Irrigation

List quantities for Eco-Mat®, Eco-Wrap®, Professional Landscape Dripline (PLD).

Glossary of Terms

• Arc: Circular pattern a sprinkler rotates or sprays.
• Backflow Preventer: Device preventing backflow of contaminated water into the drinking water supply.
• Check Valve: Allows water flow in one direction only, preventing low head drainage.
• Control Valves: Automatic sprinkler valves activated by a low voltage output from the controller.
• Controller (Timer): Device that uses low voltage to activate automatic control valves, allowing users to set program start times, stations, run times, and watering days.
• Drip Control Zone Kit: Kit including a control valve, filter, and pressure regulator for drip zones.
• Friction Loss: Drag or friction from water flowing through pipes, valves, and fittings. Increases with velocity, decreases with pipe diameter.
• Head-to-Head: Placement of spray heads or rotors so one sprinkler sprays another, ensuring complete coverage.
• MP Rotator: High-efficiency, low precipitation rate nozzle for rotating stream spray.
• P.O.C. (Point of Connection): Sprinkler main line tie-in point with a manual shut-off valve.
• Poly Pipe: Flexible, black pipe used in areas susceptible to freezes, connected with insert or compression fittings.
• Precipitation Rate: Rate at which water is applied (mm/hr). Matched precipitation means sprinklers apply similar amounts of water in a given area.
• Pressure: Measured in bar or kPa. Static pressure is when no water is flowing; dynamic pressure is when water is flowing.
• PVC Pipe: Rigid pipe, commonly white, used in warmer climates, joined with PVC solvents.
• Radius: Distance water sprays from the sprinkler.
• Rotors: Gear-driven sprinklers delivering a solid stream of water, rotating in a circular pattern.
• Sensor: Weather-activated shut-off device.
• Shut off valves: Valves used to isolate system sections for maintenance (brass gate or ball valve).
• Spray Heads: Emit a fan-type spray of small droplets, with a radius of 5.2 m or less.
• Volume: Amount of water available or used, expressed in l/min.
• Water Hammer: Pressure surge from sudden valve closure, causing vibration or pounding.
• Wire: Low voltage direct burial wire used to connect valves to the controller.