Rewiring your lawn's irrigation system can seem daunting, but with some planning and the right techniques, it's very doable as a DIY project. Here are six uncommon tips to make rewiring your sprinklers easier and more effective.

Choosing the Right Wire Gauge

The gauge, or thickness, of wire you use for your irrigation system is crucial. Thicker wire is able to handle more current. For sprinkler systems, you'll want to use 12 or 14 gauge wire. This will prevent voltage drop over long cable runs and allow all of your sprinklers to operate properly.

Using the proper wire gauge will lead to a system that activates reliably when you need it to.

Installing a Dedicated Valve Manifold Box

Rather than having valves scattered around your lawn, install them all in one dedicated box. This makes your irrigation valves far more accessible down the road.

With a dedicated valve manifold box, you'll be able to quickly find, access, and service your system's valves. No more hunting around the yard!

Organizing Wires by Color

When rewiring your irrigation system, adopt a color coding convention for the various wire types. This makes troubleshooting and repairs much simpler.

With color-coded wires, you'll be able to quickly identify and fix any problems down the road.

Installing a Master Shut Off Valve

A master shut off valve allows you to stop all water to your irrigation system with a single valve. This makes repairs and emergencies like leaks far less of a headache.

With a master shut off in place, you'll have the convenience of an instant kill switch for your entire sprinkler system.

Building a Scale Map of Your System

To keep your wiring project organized, assemble a scaled map showing the layout of your irrigation system. This helps immensely with planning and troubleshooting.

With a detailed scale map, you'll better understand how everything interacts. It's an invaluable resource when issues eventually arise.

Installing Extra Wire Loops at Components

When wiring runs up to sprinkler heads or valves, always leave some extra coiled wire. This allows the components to be relocated or adjusted if necessary.

Having this extra wire on hand makes altering or fixing your system much easier. You won't have to splice in new wire right away.

Conclusion

Rewiring an irrigation system takes planning and attention to detail, but these uncommon tips will set you up for success. Choosing the right gauge wire, installing a central valve box, color coding, shutting off water, mapping your system layout, and having spare wire available will all make a complex project more manageable. With some diligence and these techniques, you can have your rewired sprinklers operating smoothly.