Automatic Watering System
Easy Step-By-Step Planning and Installation Guide
Knowing Your Watering Needs
Give Your Yard Exactly the Water it Needs
Every landscape is unique. Foliage varies and so do patterns of sun and shade. Thats why different parts of your yard need different amounts of water at different times. Your Lawn Genie automatic sprinkler system lets you divide your yard and garden into separate areas based on the individual watering needs. Once youve installed your system, all you need to do is set the watering schedule thats right for each area. Your Lawn Genie components automatically do the rest week after week.
We Can Lay Out Your System For You
Add Up The Benefits of Lawn Genies Easy to Install System

Youll Save Time

Youll Improve Your Homes Value
Once youve set your system timer your Lawn Genie automatic sprinkler system takes care of the rest. Week after week, it remembers precisely how much to water and how often, for each area of your yard. So you have the freedom to come and go as you please, knowing that your lawn and garden are being well cared for.

Youll Save Water

An automatic sprinkler system can add thousands of dollars to the value of your property. Its a valuable labor saving feature in any home. And by helping keep your lawn and garden greener and healthier, it protects your landscaping investments and makes your home more desirable.
Youll Water Precisely When and Where Its Needed
You can use this guide to plan the layout of your sprinkler system, or if you prefer you can let Lawn Genies Computerized Design Service plan your system. To do so, you should do the following: Draw out your yard on the grid on page 13 to a scale of 1 inch = 10 feet, 1 inch = 20 feet or 1 inch = 30 feet showing the measurements on the drawing. ark down your water meter size, supply M line size and water pressure as determined on page 4. f you are using a pump, you should also I include your gallons per minute. rite your name, address, phone number, W plus the name and address of the store where you intend to purchase your sprinkler system components, next to the grid on page 12. Mail or fax your graph paper layout and questionnaire to: Lawn Genie Design Center 5825 Jasmine Street Riverside, CA 92504 Fax: (800) 504-4978 We will mail a complete computer generated layout to you showing the head and valve locations, plus all the piping required for your new system. You will also receive a parts list itemizing everything you will need to purchase for your system. Its that easy!
A full range of Lawn Genie sprinkler heads and valves let you tailor watering to the exact needs and layout of your yard. So you water efficiently without puddling or dry spots. Automatic timing lets you water in the early morning when wind and evaporation are lowest.
Use different spray patterns to customize watering to the precise size and shape of your yard. Then set your automatic timer for how long and how often to water. Youll create a flexible watering schedule thats right for the special needs of every part of your landscape.

Zone 5 Garden

Zone 6 Side Lawn

Zone 1 Lawn

Table Of Contents
You CAN expand YOURSYSTEM to meet your growing needs
Install in a few easy steps
The modular design of Lawn Genie automatic sprinkler systems makes it easy to add new groups of sprinkler heads when your landscaping changes, without discarding your existing installation. And you can choose a Lawn Genie timer to take care of todays needs, while offering expansion opportunities for tomorrow.
Gather the information Plan the layout Install the system
Were Here to Make it Easy.

Installing your Lawn Genie automatic sprinkler system means following a few simple directions. This guide lays out the steps youll take. Just follow them one by one to quickly plan and assemble your system. And if you have any questions, call Lawn Genies toll free hotline (800) 231-5117. Our customer service representatives are always ready to help. Also remember to check local plumbing codes before installation.
Step 1. Gather the Information

Zone 4 Back Lawn

. Before you begin.. 4 a Determining how much water is available for your sprinkler system. b. The components youll use. 5 Identifying the different parts that make up your system.

Step 2. Plan the Layout

a. Planning your installation.6 hoosing types and locations C of sprinkler heads

Zone 3 Shrubs

ividing sprinkler heads into D zones controlled by valves hoosing a timer and C watering schedule b. Sketching your layout. 12.
Step 3. Install the System
a. ssembling pipe.. 15 A Tips for layout and assembly b. Connecting valves,. 16 connecting pipe and flushing the system c. Attaching sprinkler heads and. 16 connecting to pipe d. Installing timer, wiring.. 17 valves for automatic control

4. Additional Tips

a. Special considerations,. 18 converting manual systems to automatic and using an external pump b. Operating tips.. 19 Maintenance, troubleshooting and operating tips

Zone 2 Flower Beds

Gathering The Information

Before You Begin

CHECK LOCAL CODES AND PERMITS.
Call your water company or the proper municipal authority to find out about any building codes or permits required for the installation of underground sprinkler systems. They can tell you about local codes for backflow prevention to protect your household water supply from contamination and advise you on where in the system to locate it.

WaRNING

Then look up the diameter of the pipe in the table below. Write your service line size here___________. For maximum water pressure to your sprinkler system, remember to make all pipes from service line to valves as well as the valves themselves, at least this size.
Length of String /8 " /8 " /8 " /8 " /8 " 3/4" Size of PVC or 1" 11/4" Galvanized 3/4" Size of Copper 1"
Read Your water Capacity From The Chart
Use the information youve just obtained to find your water capacity on the chart below. For example, a 5/8" meter and 3/4" service line at 55 psi yields a water capacity of 10.0 gallons per minute (gpm). Write your homes water capacity here____________.

Determining Gallons Per Minute
Size Of Water Pressure (PSI)
Water Service 30 Meter Line
35 3.5 5.0 7.0 10.0 7.5 12.0
40 5.0 7.0 8.0 11.5 9.0 13.5
45 6.0 8.5 9.0 13.5 10.0 17.0
50 6.5 9.5 11.0 15.0 12.0 19.0
55 7.0 10.0 12.0 16.0 13.0 20.0
60 7.5 11.0 14.0 17.5 15.0 21.0
65 8.0 11.5 15.0 18.5 16.0 21.0
Personal injury may result from trenching over buried power ines or gas lines. Before digging or trenching, check with your local utility companies to identify any buried cables, pipe or gas lines!
Water capacity determines the size of your system.
Determine Your Water Pressure

Gallons Per Minute (GPM)

5/8" 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 3/4"
How many sprinklers your system can run at one time depends on how much water your home can supply. In this section, youll make a few simple measurements to determine your water capacity.
Determine Your Water Meter Size
For service lines without pressure regulation, your water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) at an outside faucet near where youll locate your control valves. A pressure gauge makes it easy to make this reading. Just make sure all water sources both inside and outside the house are turned off. Simply attach the gauge to an outside faucet and open the faucet fully. If your service line has a pressure regulator, or you cant get a gauge, ask your water company for the average water pressure at your meter. Write your water pressure here: ___________PSI.
If your water comes from a pump
1" 1" 3/4" 1" 1"

2.0 3.5 5.0 7.5 6.0 9.0

NOTE: or water pressures greater than 70 psi, use 65 psi F figures. If pressure exceeds 80 psi, install pressure regulator. f your service is galvanized steel, use 65% of the gpm I figures shown.
Timer activates system automatically
Water meters are usually 5/8, 3/4 or 1 inch in size. Youll probably find this number stamped on the side of the water meter or printed on your water bill. If not, your local water company can give you the answer. Write your water meter size here_________.
Determine Your Service Line Size
Your service line is the pipe that runs from your water meter to your house, or into your house from the basement if the meter is located there. Wrap a string around this pipe and measure the length needed to encircle it.
Check with your pump dealer or a pump service company, or refer to your pump owners manual to determine the pressure (psi) and flow (gpm) of your pump. These figures are determined by your pump type and capacity and the distance that you are lifting the water. Write these figures here: Pressure________ PSI at _________GPM.
Safe, low voltage timer plugs into 120-volt household outlet

Pressure Gauge

Optional relay controls water supply with pump

Main shut-off valve shuts off water from supply line

The Components Youll Use

These are the parts that make up your system

Timers

Valves
All Lawn Genie automatic home watering systems use pipe, valves, sprinkler heads and an automatic timer. This overview explains the role that these components play in your complete system.
A timer tells your systems automatic valves on which days to water, how long to run, and when to start. Various models offer programming options that let you customize day schedules, run times and start times, to the unique needs of different parts of your yard.
A valve supplies water to sprinkler heads along a dedicated section of pipe. Electrically controlled by your Lawn Genie timer, each valve turns off and on to deliver precisely the right amount of water to a specific area of your yard.

Piping

PVC pipe connects your service line with your valves. Either PVC or poly pipe may be used between the valves and sprinkler heads if local codes permit. Check your local codes for correct usage of poly pipe.
Automatic anti-siphon valve activates groups of sprinkler heads

Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads distribute water in a choice of coverage patterns
You may select from a complete line of sprinkler heads including pop-ups, rotors, and shrub heads to provide the right amount of water in the right pattern for your specific areas. You conserve water and grow a healthier yard by designing a system that delivers just the right amount of moisture, precisely where you need it.
PVC or poly pipe links sprinkler heads to valves

Planning The Layout

Planning Your Installation
Delivering water where its needed
The first step in laying out your system is to decide which areas you want to water, and the kind of spray patterns these areas require. Youll choose sprinkler heads appropriate for the size and shape of the area, and arrange the sprinkler heads so that their spray patterns overlap for uniform coverage.
Plot the locations of areas to water
The Lawn Genie CCR-Plus, Closed Case Rotor offers full and partcircle operation in a single unit and is perfect for large lawn areas, 15 - 50. The rotors closed-case design provides quiet operation and less sprinkler maintenance because dirt and debris are unable to reach the inside of the sprinkler.

Impacts

Position The Heads for Uniform Coverage
Using the grid on pages 12-13 of this guide, plot the outlines of your home and garden areas. Include walks, driveways and patios. Use a tape measure for accuracy, and make sure all the areas match the scale of the grid. Divide up lawn areas into large squares and rectangles to make it easier to group sprinkler heads. And label each area according to type of foliage (e.g. lawn, shrubs, flower bed, etc.)

Back Lawn Patio

Lawn Genie All-purpose Impacts are adjustable from 0-360 for full or part circle water patterns. Available in a pop-up or riser variety, All-Purpose Impacts are a great choice for large lawn areas and well water or water containing sediment.

Pop-Ups

Properly positioning your sprinkler heads is very important for correct watering. Referring to the maximum spacing guidelines in the selection chart, begin to sketch in the sprinkler locations on your grid. Start with the largest area first, and complete one area at a time. Use a compass to help draw circle and part circle patterns. You may need to adjust spacing to achieve the most uniform coverage; use the suggested distances in the chart on page 7 as a place to start. Spacing should be no further apart than 50% of the diameter of the sprinkler throw (i.e. head-tohead spacing: throw from one sprinkler hits the sprinkler on either side of it). Begin by placing 1/4 circle adjusted sprinklers in the corners of the lawn areas. Overlap coverage as shown by adding 1/2 circle adjusted sprinklers along the sides, and then if needed, full circle heads in the center. Use rectangular-pattern heads to water narrow strips. Finally, add sufficient shrubbery spray heads to soak flower beds, planters and shrub areas.

Garden

Beds Driveway

Front Lawn

LawnGenie pop-up sprinklers provide even water distribution and a low spray angle which minimizes evaporation and wind drift. Using a screwdriver, the radius can be adjusted and the spray pattern can be fine tuned in precise increments after installation. See opposite page for radius and spray pattern information. Pop-ups come in a choice of strip patterns or adjustable heads. They feature a heavy-duty stainless steel retraction spring for positive retraction, a removable filter screen for easy cleaning, and an exclusive wiper seal that blocks damaging grit that can cause leaking and unreliable pop-up action.

Shrub Heads

SIdewalk Lawn
Choose the right types of heads
Refer to the information and selection chart on the opposite page. For each type of foliage youve identified, youll note that there is a specific type of sprinkler head recommended, with various coverage patterns to choose from. The different kinds of sprinkler heads ensure that each kind of foliage is watered in the most appropriate manner.
Shrub heads are designed to be mounted on 1/2" risers for use in shrub and ground cover areas. Our shrub heads utilize the same nozzle design as Lawn Genie Pop-Ups to conserve water and ensure uniform performance. Our shrub head models are available with the same adjustability as Lawn Genie Pop-Ups.

1993 Sprayhead Patterns 1993The different PSI ranges listed on these charts are based upon the Working pressure of the sprinkler heads. This is not the same as the Static Water Pressure which Sprayhead Patterns you measured when you determined your water pressure on page 4. The normal operating pressure range is highlighted on the charts for your use. 1993 Sprayhead Patterns

Impact Rotors

Pattern
For Medium-to-Large Areas, 15' to 50'
Model Number PSI Nozzle Radius or Throw Flow GPM 2.9 3.6 4.0 3.8 4.4 5.0
Pattern Model Number PSI Nozzle Fully adjustable 54058 1* from 30 to 360 (CCR-Plus) 2 3* degrees 30 4 5* 6 1* 2 3* 40 4 5* 6 1* 2 3* 5* 6 1* 2 3* 5* 6 Radius or Throw 33' 35' 38' 38' 41' 41' 34' 36' 39' 40' 43' 44' 35' 37' 40' 41' 45' 46' 36' 38' 41' 41' 46' 48' Flow GPM 1.0 1.4 1.9 2.7 3.8 5.5 1.1 1.6 2.2 3.1 4.5 6.5 1.3 1.8 2.5 3.5 5.0 7.2 1.4 2.0 2.7 3.9 5.5 8.0
Fully Adjustable 20 to 360
54101 (All-purpose Impact Pop-up) 54102 (All-purpose Impact Riser)

Strip Pattern Nozzles

Pattern Models PSI Center Strip End Strip 54029 Side Strip 54033 Radius Throw 3' x 28' 4' x 30' 5' x 32' 3' x 14' 4' x 15' 5' x 17' 3' x 28' 4' x 30' 5' x 32' Flow GPM 1.10 1.21 1.35 0.52 0.61 0.70 1.10 1.21 1.35

*Low Flow Nozzles

1993 Sprayhead Patterns
All Purpose Series Sprinklers and Shrub Heads
2 & 4 Adjustable Arc (0-360 degrees) 1993 Sprayhead Patterns
Radius 8 Shrub - - 54078 GPM @ 30 PSI 0.7 1.2 1.8 2.Shrub - - 54054 GPM @ 30 PSI Shrub - Sprayhead - 54085 Shrub Patterns - 54055 GPM @ 30 PSI 4 - 54056 GPM @ 30 PSI 17 Shrub - - 54057 GPM @ 30 PSI
Pattern Quarter Half Three-Quarter Full
1993 Sprayhead Patterns 0.8 0.9

1.4 1.9 2.2 1.6 2.2 2.8

1993 Sprayhead Patterns 1.3 1.3

2.3 3.2 3.8 2.4 3.2 3.7

Match the shape and size of your yard with these patterns 1993 Sprayhead Patterns 1993 Sprayhead Patterns

Full Circle - 360

Half Circle - 180
Quarter Circle - 90 Adjustable 0 -360

Center Strip

Side Strip

End Strip

Adding Valves to Your System

Divide your sprinkler heads into Zones
Use Separate Zones for Sun and Shade
Group valves Into Manifolds
Now its time to divide your sprinkler heads into groups, or Zones. A Zone is simply a group of sprinkler heads connected together with pipe controlled by a single valve. Each valve is electrically controlled by the timer and automatically turns on and off to deliver precisely the right amount of water to the sprinkler heads it controls. The basic idea is to group together areas of your yard that have the same watering needs, so the sprinkler heads supplying each area will water on the same schedule. This lets you tailor watering needs to the different areas of your yard.
Dont mix Rotors, pop-ups, or shrub heads in THE SAME ZONE.
Group sprinklers in sunny and shady areas separately, so that you can tailor your watering schedule to give each area the water it requires.
Add Up The GPM for each Zone
Referring to the chart on page 7, write the gpm (gallons per minute) requirement next to each sprinkler head on your layout. When you group the heads into Zones, add up the gpm figures for all the heads in each Zone.
Make Sure GPM is Less Than Water Capacity
Youll use one control valve for each Zone. For convenience, it helps to locate these valves together in a grouping called a manifold. Choose an accessible spot away from heavy foot traffic, and as close as possible to your service line. You may want to locate one manifold in your front yard and one in back.
Each type of sprinkler applies water at a different rate. For economical and efficient watering, the same type of head must be used throughout a zone.
Compare the total gpm for all heads in each Zone with the water capacity you determined on page 4. The total for each Zone must be less than your homes water capacity for proper operation.

Main shut-off valve

Valve Manifold Zones 4, 5 and 6
Valve Manifold Zones 1, 2 and 3

Zone 1 Lawn

Select the right Valve For Your System

Now Lay Out Your Pipe

Valves come in three basic types. All valves turn groups of sprinkler heads on and off in response to either electrical signals from your timer or manual operation. The type of valves you use depends on local codes and the source of your water supply.
1. Anti-Siphon Valves -off valve
The last step in your system layout is connecting the service line, valves and sprinkler heads with pipe. To minimize pressure loss, use the fewest number of turns. Several branch lines, rather than a longer run with multiple turns, can accomplish this. If your sprinkler layout requires long runs of pipe (over 100') use one pipe size larger than the valves.

Zone Options

Some timers let you water at specific intervals, such as every 3rd or 4th day. Others give you the added flexibility of watering on specific days such as Monday, Wednesday and Sunday of every week.

Program Options

Lawns, shrubs, flower beds and other foliage often need different amounts of water. You can tailor the water delivered to different parts of your yard by assigning a different watering run time to the sprinkler heads controlled by a single valve. Youve already learned that a valve and the sprinklers it controls are called a zone. Lawn Genie timers let you divide your yard into as many as four or six zones, depending on the model. The greater the variety of foliage in your yard, or the possibility youll expand your system later, the more zones your timer should have.
If your yard has a variety of foliage or sunny and shady areas, you may want different groups of zones to water on different combinations of days. Thats why Lawn Genie offers timers in single, dual and multiple-program models. See the sample programs below.

Single Program timer

Dual Program timer
A single program waters all zones on the same days. This type of timer is appropriate for basic lawn watering. (We recommend the Lawn Genie Mechanical Timers L50104P or L50106P.
Dual programs can water certain zones on one set of days and other zones on another set of days. This lets you meet the different watering needs for your lawn and garden, or front and back yard. (We recommend the Lawn Genie 54059 or 54060.)

Program A-Day Interval

NE SU N/ D MO AY 1 N/ TU DAY E/D 2 WE AY 3 D/D TH AY 4 U/D FR AY 5 I/D A SA Y 6 T/ RU DAY TIM NNI 7 E NG
ZO NE DA Y1 DA Y2 DA Y3 DA Y4 DA Y5 DA Y6 DA Y RU 7 TIMNNIN E G

Program B-Day of Week

GROUND 1 COVER FRONT 2 LAWN BACK 3 LAWN SIDE 4 LAWN FLOWER 5 BEDS SHRUBS 6
15 MIN 15 MIN 15 MIN 5 MIN 15 MIN 30 MIN
GROUND 1 COVER FRONT 2 LAWN 3 4 FLOWER 5 BEDS SHRUBS 6
Model 54060, 54059 Dual Programs 6 Zones (4 on 54059) Easy push-button programming Specific Day & Day-Interval Schedules
Model L50104P, L50106P Single Program 4 Zones (6 on L50106P) Alarm clock style programming Specific Day & Day-Interval Schedules

Lawn Genie

timer Features At-A-Glance timers Features Model electronic Electro-Mechanical L50104P L50106P
Number of Zones Multiple Programs Dual Program Single Program Watering Run Time Day-of-week Schedule Day Interval Schedule Variable Time Each Zone Rain Shut-Off Rain Sensor Capability Manual or Auto Start Master Valve Circuit For Pump Start Number of Start Times Per Program Battery Backup Electronic Circuit Breaker Fuse Failsafe Program

6. Pump Information

City Phone ( )
______ PSI at 40 PSI ______ at 45 PSI ______ at 50 PSI ______
REMINDER: IS YOUR PROPERTY PLOT PLAN COMPLETE AND TO SCALE? DOUBLE-CHECK ALL INFORMATION FOR ACCURACY.

PVC cutter Hammer String Shovel Screwdriver Wooden Stakes Pipe Plugs Pipe Wrench PVC solvent cement, primer and rags 1" pipe clamps if using poly piping Electrical Tape Pliers Tape Measure Line marking paint (for marking trenches)
If you use a pump, it is recommended that it produce a minimum of 45 PSI @ 10 GPM for a sprinkler system. If your pump is not adequate, call for advice or write Will purchase a new pump on your design. We will design your system using the pump output recommended for your property. 7. Soil information:
Mail this completed questionnaire plus your plot plan to: Lawn Genie Design Center 5825 Jasmine Street Riverside, CA 92504 Or fax to: (800) 504-4978 Note: If you are faxing, be sure to fax both your property plan and your completed questionnaire.

Sandy Loam Clay

8. Install Timer:

Indoors Outdoors

9. Irrigation Water:
Clean Containing Sediment
QUESTIONS? CALL (800) 231-5117 or visit our web site at www.lawngenie.com
Lawn Genie Sprinkler System Property Layout Your Name___________________________________ Scale: ______ inch = ______ feet

List the Parts Youll Use

DescriptionModel No.
Dual Program Electronic Timer Single Program Mechanical Timer Anti-Siphon Valve In-Line Valve Valve W/ Flow Control Manual Anti-Siphon Valve Valve Adapter for Plastic Valves Valve Adapter for Brass Valves Multi-Strand Conductor Wire 2 thru 8 CCR-Plus Rotor 54060 L50104P L50106P L7034 LL4034 L4010 L2034 L2010 L1034 L1010 3/4" 1" 3/4" 1" 3/4" 1" 4 Zone 6 Zone 4 Zone 6 Zone 3/4" 1" 3/4" 1" Schedule 80 Nipple Threaded Risers Schedule 40 and 80 (also for connecting anti-siphon valves to supply line Standard 3/4" or 1" Gate Valve (or Ball valve) Compression Tee PVC Pipe (Check local codes for required pressure rating) Union 1/2" x 12" 1/2" x 1/2" 3/4" x 3/4" 1" x 1"

Description

3/4" 1"
Slip Type 3/4" Threaded 1" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1 1/4" 3/4" 1"

PVC Pipe Fittings

Street Ell 3/4" male threaded x (For connecting anti-siphon 3/4" female socket valves to sprinkler pipeline) Socket Coupling 3/4" to 3/4" (for coupling two pieces of 1" to 1" PVC pipe) 1 1/4" to 1 1/4" Reducer Bushing 1" to 3/4" (for reducing outlet size 3/4" to 1/2" of fitting) Slip Tee (to couple same size PVC pipe at 90 degrees) from main line Reducer Tee (Socket x Socket x Thread) For attaching a threaded riser between sprinkler and PVC pipe Slip Elbow To form 90 angle with same size PVC pipe Reducer Elbow PVC To form 90 angle and provide threads for riser Male Threaded Adapter For adapting a threaded outlet to a socket joint for a PVC pipe Drip Starter Kit 3/4" x 3/4" x 3/4" 1" x 1" x 1" 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" 3/4"S x 3/4"S x 1/2"T 1"S x 1"S x 1/2"T 1 1/4"S x 1 1/4"S x 1/2"T 3/4"S x 3/4"S x 3/4"T 1"S x 1"S x 3/4"T 1 1/4"S x 1 1/4"S x 3/4"T 3/4" to 3/4" 1" to 1" 1 1/4" to 1 1/4" 3/4"S to 3/4"T 3/4"S to 1/2"T 1"S to 1/2"T 1 1/2"T to 1 1/2"S 1"T to 1"S 3/4"T to 3/4"S 1" T to 1/2"S 3/4"T to 1/2"S 54100

Impact Pop-up Rotor

Impact Riser Rotor
Pop-Up 8' 10' 12' 15' 17' Shrub Head 8' 10' 12' 15' 17' Specialty Nozzles Center Strip End Strip Side Strip Sprinkler Flex Assemblies 1/2" Flex Assembly 3/4" Flex Assembly

2" 54053

4" 54057

54103 54104

Installing The System

Assembling Pipe

Youll begin the actual installation of your sprinkler system by running pipe to match the layout you sketched earlier. A few helpful hints will make positioning and joining pipe as easy as possible.

Tips For PVC Pipe

Tap Into Your Service Line

In Freezing Areas

Turn off your main water supply at the water meter. Cut into the service line as near as possible to where youll position your control valves, and remove about 3" of the service line pipe. Insert a compression tee as shown, then tighten the nuts to seal against leaking.
Installing a Shut-Off Valve
Cut pipe with a PVC pipe cutter. Use primer to clean area that will be cemented. Brush glue freely around the outside end of the pipe and to inside of the fitting. Slip the pipe into the fitting, then twist it a quarter turn to evenly distribute the solvent for a leakproof bond. Hold for about 15 seconds until pipe is set, then wipe excess glue from around the joint.
Finally, install a shut-off gate or ball valve so you can turn off your entire sprinkler system if necessary. Run a pipe from the compression tee to the shut-off valve, then lay another length of pipe from the shut-off valve to the location of your valves.
If freezing temperatures occur in your area, install automatic drain valves at the low points in the pipe run from each control valve, and between the control valve manifold and the shut-off valve. Use a reducer tee, and slope the automatic drain valve downward at a 45 angle into a bed of gravel to provide drainage. When your sprinkler system shuts off, the automatic drain valve opens to release any water standing in the pipes.

Laying Out Your system

A shut-off valve lets you turn off water to your sprinkler system without affecting your household water supply.
If the Meter Is In The Basement Tips For Poly Pipe
Poly pipe should only be used between valves and sprinkler heads since it cant withstand the surge pressure between your service lines and valves. Cut poly pipe with pipe cutters. Slip a stainless steel hose clamp over the pipe and insert the barrel fitting. Then position the clamp over the area of pipe surrounding the barbed part of the fitting, and tighten carefully. Make sure all clamps are tightened snugly on poly pipe.
Shut off your water supply at the meter and insert a compression tee as described previously. Drill a 1" hole through the sill above the foundation, or drill or chisel a hole through the basement wall. (Be sure to wear eye protection.) Install the pipe as shown below, including the shut-off valve and drain cap. In freezing areas, pipe should slope downward from the control valves to the basement entrance, and a drain cap should be installed in a low position. Seal the hole in your wall with caulking compound. Drain water from your system by closing the shut-off valve and removing the drain cap, using a bucket to catch the flow.

Service line to house Shut-off vavle

Tee 3/4' NPT female

Use wooden stakes or sprinkler marking flags to mark the location of each sprinkler head and valve. Check the layout you sketched to make sure youve positioned everything accurately before you begin cutting pipe.
PVC Pipe To control valves
Drain Cap Service line from street
Water meter Compression tee

Digging Trenches By Hand

Before digging, make sure to check with your local underground locator service to be certain that there are no buried lines where youll be digging. To soften your soil, water the ground about two days before you plan to trench your yard. Use a straight-edge spade to dig V shaped 6" deep trenches (up to 10" in freezing climates). The depth of your trenches depends on the size of the heads you are installing as well as on the number of pipes in each trench. Place sod on one side of the trench and dirt on the other, so you can put everything back the way it was.

Connecting Valves

Lay the Main Line
If you havent already done so, cut a length of pipe to run from the shut-off valve to the location of your first set of control valves. If youre planning a second set of control valves in another direction, link them to the first set with another length of pipe.

Place Your Valves

valve box available from your local retailer. Be sure to install a separate backflow device if running your system off your household water supply. Never install the backflow device inside your house or basement.
Never Install Any Valve Downstream of an Anti-Siphon Valve
Lay out the valves, risers (vertical pipe segments) and tees on the ground the way that they will fit together as a manifold. To prevent backflow, make sure anti-siphon valves are at least 6" above the highest sprinkler head (or higher if required by local codes).
One final note: if youre using anti-siphon valves, make sure that no other valve (manual or electric) is installed between them and your sprinkler heads. This would prevent the built-in backflow prevention from working.
Attaching Sprinkler Heads

Using a trencher

Renting an automatic trencher can make your job easier. Check your local lawn-supply store or equipment-rental company. The renter can show you how to safely operate the machine. Dont use it to dig trenches through flower beds or ground cover, or operate it near buildings or on steep slopes.

Fine Tune Your Pattern

Connect the pop-up or rotor sprinklers to the flex assembly. Position sprinkler head so that it is positioned evenly with the soil surface to ensure that the sprinkler will not be damaged during mowing or other yard activities. Stabilize the sprinkler with soil without filling the entire trench. Verify the sprinkler is vertical for optimum performance. Repeat this process for each pop-up or rotor sprinkler.
Adjust pop-up sprinkler heads so their patterns water precisely the areas you want. Adjust Lawn Genie pop-up spray heads by pulling up the pop-up stem and turning it to the precise direction and pattern desired. The pop-up stem ratchets to allow easy, reliable adjustment of the spray direction.

Wire The Control Valves

Run valve wiring underground wherever possible. Your dealer can provide this wire in 5 and 7 wire color-coded strands. Connect a single common (white) wire to one of the wires from each valve. Join all splices with wire nuts, then seal with waterproof connectors.
Installing The System / Additional Tips
Connect the Valves to Your Timer
Connect the wire from valve number 1 to the terminal screw marked 1 on the timer, the wire from valve number 2 to the terminal 2, and so on. This allows your timer to selectively water the zone controlled by each valve. Connect the white common wire to the terminal marked COMM.

Additional Tips

Special Consideration Handling Other Applications
Converting A Manual System To Automatic
In addition to the standard installations previously described, Lawn Genie automatic sprinkler systems are also suited to certain special situations. Heres how to handle them, as well as getting the best performance after your system is installed.

WINTERIZING YOUR SYSTEM

Adding Lawn Genie automation to your existing manual sprinkler system just takes a timer, 8" crescent wrench or adjustable pliers, and one automatic adapter per zone. Check the side of each of your control valves for its size and manufacturer. This will tell your Lawn Genie retailer which automatic valve adapters you will need. To install, shut off the water supply to your existing manual control-valve manifold. Remove the manual valve stem (not the entire valve body) as shown in the illustration. Then insert the adapter valve in its place. Install the
In areas where the ground freezes, the system should be drained of all water. 1. Close the systems water supply valve a) If your system has manual drain valves, open those valves to allow lines to drain.

Program Your timer

Now consult the owners manual that came with your timer. Different timers use different programming techniques. But no matter which timer you choose, it helps to write down your zones and their watering days in the form of a schedule before you start.

Check System Operation

b) If your system has automatic drain valves, the lines will drain automatically. 2. Open the manual drain valve upstream of your valve manifold to allow the drainage of the automatic sprinkler valves and backflow device. 3. Disassemble each automatic control valve to allow any remaining water to drain. Reassemble the valves. 4. Follow recommended winterizing instruc- timer and connect the valve wires. Now all tions for your specific sprinkler timer. thats left is to set your watering schedule and To winterize with compressed air, we turn on the water supply to the control valve recommend that you hire a professional. manifold.
Connecting a Pump Start Relay For a Well, Tank or Pond
Now youre ready to test your installation. Open the shut-off valve all the way and test each zone using your timers manual control. Adjust the radius and pattern direction of rotors, pop-ups, or shrub sprays to avoid wasting water on walks, driveways and other areas. See Troubleshooting section on page 19 if one or more valves fails to operate. When system is functioning properly, replace soil and sod in trenches.
A pump start relay lets you automatically activate a pump if your water supply requires one. The timer must be at least 12 feet from the pump to prevent malfunctions.
Pump Start Relay Min. 12" spacing Timer

6 Valve

Program
Auto System Off Set Time & Day Watering Duration Auto Start Times Days to Water System % Adjustment
Manual Override Semi-Automatic Special Features

Power Supply

See pump start relay manual for installation instructions.

Maintenance

Watering Tips

Troubleshooting

Clean your system periodically by removing sprinkler heads, inspecting for debris, and flushing pipes and risers. In freezing areas, drain all water from the system, blow water from control valves, and close your shut-off valve before the first freeze. Wait until the spring thaw before operating the system again.

Operating Your System

If possible, schedule watering cycles in the early morning, when water pressure is at its highest. This allows ample time for water to soak in while evaporation and wind drift are low. Evening watering can leave foliage damp for too long, leading to mildew under some circumstances.

Problem

In hot weather, plan on supplying about 1/2" water every other day to a typical lawn. Clay soils do better with 1/4" every day to reduce runoff and puddling. Ask your local nursery for a schedule suited to the special weather and soil conditions in your area. Once you know how much water to supply, and how often, place a flat pan or other container on you lawn and measure how long it takes your sprinkler system to deliver that precise amount. Use these run times to prevent over watering.