(Sprinkler parts and fittings overview)
Before you start your Lawn Belt Irrigation System installation be sure to take readings from your garden spigot to test PSI and GPM.
Tools Required
- Utility Knife
- 5/16″ box wrench or Flat Headed Screw Driver
- Spade or Flat Shovel
Familiarize yourself with the Sprinkler System
Before installation, layout the Lawn Belt in the sun – by the time you get to the next step it will be more pliable and easier to work with. In the meantime check contents of your kit with the list shown for each below. (clicking will open a separate window)
- Water Saving Sprinkler Kit
- Lawn Sprinkler Kit
- Garden Border Kit
- Hidden Hose Kit
- Drip Irrigation Kit
See all of our in-ground sprinkler kits
“Having an irregular size lot made watering the lawn and shrubs very difficult. Repetitive moving of hoses was a regular occurrence. After the easy installation of my Lawn Belt system, my water usage has dropped and the results are quite evident…makes this system too good to be true!”
Design the Layout of your System
Locate all the sprinkler head locations on your grid sheet (pdf file). Then go outside to your lawn and mark their actual locations.
Using a 50 foot piece if string (or the total length of your lawn belt conduit) tie a knot at your spigot. Next, using your grid plan measure out the distance to your first sprinkler head and place a stake there.
Then tie your string to this stake and proceed to the next head in your zone and repeat until you have reached the last head location and tie off your string.
Later on this string will act as a guide for locating the slit in your lawn. Be sure to double check the total string length to equal 50 feet.
How to put the system in the ground
Starting at the spigot and using your string as a guide, cut a 3″-4″ deep into the sod using a flat spade (can be purchase at any garden tools store). Rock the spade back and forth to create a V-shaped opening in the earth. Press the assembled Lawn Belt into slit as you go.
Make sure to install vertically in the ground – pointed end first. Top flange of the Lawn Belt sits just below surface of the top soil.
At each sprinkler head locations dig a deeper and wider V-shaped opening 9-10″ down.
For better drainage place a couple of handfuls of pea gravel under sprinkler drain before pressing U drain fitting into slit. Make sure sprinkler heads are flush with ground surface. Once the system is in place close the seam over Lawn Belt by firmly stepping on the sod to seal it’s path.
How to assemble the Sprinkler System
Important tips & overview of installation
Lawn Belt has a top and bottom. The top is the flat flange and the bottom is pointed part. Make sure to install vertically in the ground – pointed end first. Top flange sits just below surface of the soil.
! To ensure a tight leak free System, wrap fitting connections with Teflon Plumber Tape (included in each kit). Do not overwrap.
Both Collar Halves and Converter fittings are marked with a “UP” direction. Make sure that they align with the top part of Lawn Belt and that their shape matches the shape of Lawn Belt.
All Belt Clamps screws must be positioned at the bottom of the Lawn Belt and then tightened all the way.
Insert all “U” and End fittings into Lawn Belt completely. Push the Belt all the way past the barbs to the end of each fitting. Center Belt ring over the raised barb for best seal. (about 1/8″ away from end of fitting)
Insert all Converter Fittings into Lawn Belt completely. Push the Belt all the way to end so that Converter Flange is flush against Lawn Belt.
Converter fitting connection at HoseBib End
Place the small converter clamp over the end of the Lawn Belt Converter. Make sure that the word “UP” is in the top position. Next push the Insert Elbow completely into the Converter Fitting with the brass fitting facing UP.
Tighten the Converter Clamp making sure the screw is on the BOTTOM. You should NOT be able to move the elbow once the clamp is tightened.
Note for Hidden Hose System kits only: the Female End Fitting must be installed at the spigot end. The Male fitting connects to the Lawn Belt at the end of the System.
» » See also how to connect Lawn Belt to a PVC Pipe
Connecting Lawn Belt to converter fitting
Place clamp over the end of Lawn Belt.
Look at the converter fitting and find the “UP” label – match it to the shape if Lawn Belt.
Insert the Converter fitting into the end of the Lawn Belt until the end of the Lawn Belt is squarely against the Converter Flange. Make sure fitting is tight and wrap with Teflon Plumbers Tape to seal.
» » See also how to connect Lawn Belt together
Screw in brass female swivel connector into the 1/2″ 90 deg. NPT elbow. Tighten using the handle end your pliers.
Tip: If the fitting is too tight try using a small amount of dishwasher soap over fitting and carefully work it back and forth around the opening while pushing.
Installing the Collar Halves
Place the two collar halves on each side of the Lawn Belt. The tops of the collar halves are marked “UP”
Slide the Belt Clamp over the Collar Halves and slide the entire assembly towards the connecting fitting. Make sure Collar Halves sit squarely against the converter flange. With a flat head 5/16″ box wrench or screwdriver tighten clamps until snug – do not over tighten.
Cutting Lawn Belt
With the Lawn Belt stretched out beside your string, cut each section of the belt to match your string lengths. Use a utility knife or PVC cutters and verify hose length before cutting. Then attach fittings, collars and clamps.
Connecting Lawn Belt to “U” and End Fittings
For each Lawn Belt zone or kit there will be 2 U fittings and 1 End Fitting at each sprinkler head location.
To ensure a tight fit wrap the U fitting threads and raised barbs with teflon plumbing tape. Tightly screw on each drain located to the bottom of each “U” and End Fittings.
Place clamp over the ends of Lawn Belt. Then connect Lawn Belt hose to these fittings. Make sure Lawn Belt sits square against each fitting (push it on all the way past the barbs to the end!)
Next install the Collar Halves. Center Belt ring over the barb rib for best seal. (about 1/8″ away from end of fitting). With a flat head 5/16″ box wrench or screwdriver tighten clamps until snug – do not over tighten.
Then attach sprinkler heads. Attach end of Belt to a short garden hose then to your spigot. Turn on system to check for any leaks. Leave system assembled to prevent dirt from getting into the line and adjust spray patterns to full range.
Attach an automatic timer (optional)
Now that you have an underground sprinkler system you may want to water your garden automatically. There are many battery operated timers that attach directly to a spigot.
Water in early AM before work and try to minimize runoff. Visit our parts store to find out more about these automatic timers.
Enjoy years of trouble free watering!
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