Irrigation or Planting- Which to do first?

[Ric]

You are correct Ric, I didnt say irrigation first. Reason being if you had read the post, it was a question as to what was going to be used to water the planting area's.

Walt

Iclandscapes

Re-read the question. The man is asking which order not what to use. Double T answered the question correctly. Everyone else was just playing Idiot Expert. Now even if you finish the drip system after the installation of the plants. The pipes to the drip irrigation should be done first.

[PNA]

Ric,
I am in Cape Coral; not too far from you. I just completed the drawing (site plan) on AutoCAD (was in the drafting business for about 17 years). Anyway, the plan shows the locations of trees, shrubs, flowers, beds, etc. Now that this is done, I can layout the irrigation system and implement the plan. My original question (irrigation or planting first) seems to be answered; " Irrigation first baby!"
Thanks folks,
PNA

[Ric]

Ric,
I am in Cape Coral; not too far from you. I just completed the drawing (site plan) on AutoCAD (was in the drafting business for about 17 years). Anyway, the plan shows the locations of trees, shrubs, flowers, beds, etc. Now that this is done, I can layout the irrigation system and implement the plan. My original question (irrigation or planting first) seems to be answered; " Irrigation first baby!"
Thanks folks,
PNA

PNA

Since you are so close, I could double check or help your irrigation design at no cost to you. I also have Code trees and Plants that I could supply you for reasonable prices. I also can deliver Sod and spot it in so you can lay it. Please feel free to call me if I can help. My area code is different than yours and you should know it. My numbers are 629 ANTS or 639 ANTS or 764 YARD or 505 YARD. If the phone lines are busy you will just have to keep trying like everyone else. My PBX is on the blink because of Charley. I can PM you my unlisted number if you can't get through.

[Mats]

too much chance for damage ... irrigation parts are somewhat delicate.
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if you worried about breaking your pipes then you probably wheren't putting them in deep enough.

I see very few pipes installed deep enough here in So. Calif.

Between the heavy clay soil and the fact we never get a freeze, I guess irrigation contractors think they can get lax. My main gripe is the predominate use of Class 200 pipe. I know it meets specs, but within a couple years it's so brittle that just tapping it with a shovel shatters it. Our lots are so small that using Schedule 40 would add less than $100 to the entire irrigation system.

[Ric]

I see very few pipes installed deep enough here in So. Calif.

Between the heavy clay soil and the fact we never get a freeze, I guess irrigation contractors think they can get lax. My main gripe is the predominate use of Class 200 pipe. I know it meets specs, but within a couple years it's so brittle that just tapping it with a shovel shatters it. Our lots are so small that using Schedule 40 would add less than $100 to the entire irrigation system.

Matt

It is the UV light that causes PVC to shatter with age. Schedule 160 is in fact better in our sandy soil because it does flex with the ground easier. Irrigation is in fact plumbing and should be left to a experienced Tech.

[Mats]

It is the UV light that causes PVC to shatter with age.

That's true, but Class 200 is pretty brittle after being buried for 10 years and never seeing the sun. I can't tell you how many pipes buried 6" I've broken when relandscaping. A glancing blow from a shovel and it's in pieces. Schedule 40 is much more durable.

Irrigation is in fact plumbing and should be left to a experienced Tech.

I don't care for sprinkler work and sub out the vast majority of that work to a licensed contractor. I'll replace heads or fix what I"ve broken, but the bigger jobs gets subbed out.

[Scott]

Our lots are so small that using Schedule 40 would add less than $100 to the entire irrigation system.

If it was installed when the house was new, I can guarantee that your contractor will not reimburse you a $100 just to use sch 40. They'll go somewhere else.
Although, if you're dealing with a home owner it might be a different story. I would never offer it but then again, I wouldn't turn down a job if they insisted I use it. IMO sch 40 is overkill. Install it right the first time and move on.

That's true, but Class 200 is pretty brittle after being buried for 10 years and never seeing the sun. I can't tell you how many pipes buried 6" I've broken when relandscaping. A glancing blow from a shovel and it's in pieces. Schedule 40 is much more durable.

Early this year I just changed over a hydro unit to electrical and that pipe (200) was just fine. It cut like new pipe, didn't crack or chip. It's been 6mths since and I haven't heard from the H.O. so everything must be good. Oh one more thing, this system was initially installed over 30 years ago.