Designing a Home Irrigation System: Materials, Components, and Best Practices

Planning a new residential irrigation system? Here's a concise guide to specifying quality components so you can compare bids apples-to-apples.

Backflow Prevention

Most codes require a backflow preventer. Use copper piping (not PVC) for the inlet and outlet legs of the device for durability. Recommended reduced-pressure (RP) assemblies, in order of preference: Wilkins 975, Febco 825Y, Conbraco 901901, Watts 909, Watts 009, Febco 860.

Sprinkler Heads

• Spray heads (8–15 ft radius): Rain Bird is top-tier; Toro and Hunter are also excellent.
• Rotor heads (20–40 ft radius): The Hunter PGP is the industry benchmark—durable, reliable, and long-lasting.

Avoid Nelson-brand heads; they're prone to sticking up and getting damaged by mowers.

Valves & Controllers

Most major brands (Rain Bird DV, Hunter, Toro) make reliable valves. For controllers, choose one with an intuitive interface—avoid models overloaded with unused features that complicate basic programming.

Piping

• Mainline (constant pressure): Schedule 40 PVC from backflow preventer to valves.
• Laterals (flow pressure only): Polyethylene (poly) pipe from valves to heads—more flexible and easier to install.

Both pipe types are manufactured to high standards and widely available.

Final Tips

Require all vendors to quote the same materials. Specify copper backflow legs, Hunter PGP rotors, Rain Bird sprays, and a user-friendly controller. This ensures fair comparison and a system built to last.