Traditional irrigation valves have some advantages as well, such as the ability to link to more sophisticated timers, however

they do add significantly to the project’s

complexity.

Orbit also offers single hose timers, which I also use in my system (to help cover the front lawn). Both have performed flawlessly.

Here is another shot of my main timer, showing the hose coiled next to it. I plan on adding an irrigation box (see parts list) in the spring, along with some 4″PVC pipe
under the interlock walkway on the side of the house to fully conceal the system. Given the layout of our property, this allows all hoses and Poly tubing to be buried
without having to dig up any grass. You may not be quite so lucky, but if you plan carefully this may be possible.

Here is a shot of my secondary timer, which I have mounted in the garage. I find it much more ergonomic having a leader hose to raise the timer up. It makes making
adjustments a lot easier. I mounted it on a scrap of 3/4″ plywood I had lying around. I added a Y connector and some quick connects (see parts list) so I could use the
same hose if I want to do manual watering or wash the cars etc. Having a hose exiting under the garage door works fine. This secondary zone doesn’t get nearly as
much sun as the rest of the property so I only use it during periods of intense heat or drought.
SPRINKLERS
There are many types of sprinkler heads available and the appropriate sprinkler heads should be used based on the irrigation needs of the landscape. For my system I
chose to use mainly Rain Bird brass impact sprinklers (check price on Amazon). I chose them for the following reasons:
1. They are super easy to install and adjust (from 20°-360°) with infinite pattern adjustment;

2. They are powerful (long range) – with a spray distance from 20 to 41′ radius. This gives you tremendous flexibility in designing your system – to minimize, or
possibly eliminate, the need to dig trenches in your lawn;
3. Their brass, bronze, and stainless steel construction lasts longer than competitors;
4. They make very efficient use of water, even in high winds, as the water stays low to the ground; and
5. They rarely, if ever, get clogged because the water discharge hole is very large.