Tip 27 - New Irrigation System: Pipe Size

Pipe size does matter when a new irrigation system is being installed. The smaller the pipe the less gallons per minute of water that can flow through it and the larger pipe size the more. When your irrigation system is being installed ask what pipe size and schedule (schedule 40 is the standard - it's thinner walled or schedule 200 it's thicker wall but restricts more water flow). If your property has a steep hill, ask how they will handle that. It often requires larger pipe to maintain proper water flow so that you don't having "weak" sprinkler heads! Proper pipe size is a design element of irrigation systems and the most crucial component.