Rain Bird Easy to Install In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System Expired

This is a great beginner system for the price, but running a single zone with all six sprinklers isn't a very efficient use of water. I believe the minimum flow rate for these nozzles is over 2GPM, so if you're using all six heads, you'll need at least 12GPM from your faucet, ideally around 18GPM to get the full radius from them.

I ran this set all last year and even added a 7th nozzle for a small strip of grass. Adding the 7th nozzle caused the pressure in my system to drop enough that some of the heads would intermittently fail to pop up.

That said, it is an easy system to install and use, the drains allow you to skip any complicated winterization procedures beyond just shutting your water off (and I disconnected the hose), and the poly tube makes it easy to set the system up above ground and test placement before digging. I will say there probably won't be enough barbed fittings or tubing for most people's application, and they can be tough to find.

I have this system in my yard, going on 3 years now. I'll leave some tips and echoing some of the stuff previously mentioned.


1) You're going to need help. It's not fun to dig this thing by yourself. And call before you dig. This will take about half a day to dig. We didn't burry this very deep, 6 inches for the line and about 12 for the sprinkler heads. Use whatever tool you're comfortable with. We went with 6 inches because it was easier to cut the ground with a shovel and lay in the line. You're going to need to get pass roots and rocks which isn't fun if you dig deep. Burry the sprinkler flush with the ground, else your mower will hit it. Use rocks to stabilize, and cover with dirt. This is basically a heavy object expected to stand upright on a hose.

2) There's a reason why they limit this setup to 6 sprinklers. They're set at 1GPM on each of those heads. Most homes will have 8-9 GPM rating. Adding one more is pushing it.

2a) The 32SA heads you buy at the store....MUCH MORE POWERFUL. I don't know why but I feel like these that come with the kit has less distant than the store bought one. I checked, same model and everything but once you replace the head, you'll see.

3) Definitely add drainers. They included 2 (?) in there but they can be bought at home Depot for about $4 a piece. I don't need to blow out my line at the end of the season with multiple drains.

4) Add a smart hose timer. You'll thank me later. Recommend Orbit BHyve. They're finicky in the app but they're dependable as in it'll last season after season.

5) If you need an Y splitter at your faucet from the house, DO NOT buy those common brass ones. They'll reduce your rate by about 1GPM. The backflow preventer on this already reduced it by half a gallon. Instead buy the Melnor splitters. Bigger diameters and won't cause reduction.

6) DO add a water hammer. The noise once this thing shuts off sounds like someone used a sledge hammer on the side of your house.

7) This system is meant for a small yard. About 3000 SQ ft. You try to water this with a 6000 sq ft yard like I did, you'll end up with redundancy and inadequate watering in areas. My GPM is at 8 with everything setup. I installed an extra head and regret it after one season. It was hit or miss; sometimes the sprinkler head would pop up and other times it wouldn't. Added to that, certain areas got more water and other areas got very little. It'll "cover" but not cover equally. I split my backyard up into 2 zones and was much happier.

8) $66 is a steal. But you can do it cheaper and better once you figure out what parts you need. This is but a kit. If you wait until end of season, you can buy parts for much cheaper.

If you have any questions, just leave a comment..I'll check back on this to answer.

Just fyi, this has been an expensive hobby to continue. Did the back yard, and then had to split it into two zones. Then did the front yard. Added 3 smart timers. Then did the two gardens. Added timers on that. Then the grass seeds. Smh.

I really recommend a couple things if putting a sprinkler system in.

1: Self draining. Basically when pressure is low, the lines will mostly empty. This, if done properly, will remove need to winterize the lines.

2: Rent a trenching saw from local big box store and bury lines deep. This will allow you to fill, if needed, with soil that is free of rocks. Also burying lines deeper protects against freezing and accidental breakage when digging in the yard.
I have clay/rocky soil.....and a lot of trees... doing by hand would be a nightmare!

3: Get utility to come mark area you're planning to dig, especially if using a trenching saw.

4. Get a digital wi-fi controller... they're often being sold on SD for $75-150.... %100 worth it when making sprinkler adjustments or needing to customize watering (like when re-seeding).

My lines are buried 1.5-2' deep... They're not self draining, but I've NEVER winterized. Only had one line break, but it was due to a tree root. My manifold is inside an attached garage... I just drain it and shut off water in winter.


My $.02! I'm not a professional, but have a happy, healthy lawn that I'm proud of.