How Long Does Sprinkler Installation Take?

The Short Answer

Sprinkler installations generally take at least a day, but can take up to a week or more for complex projects or if complications arise. Many factors impact the installation process and timeline, requiring complex expertise and causing the project to take longer to complete, such as:

• Size and layout

• Number of zones

• Soil conditions

• Existing infrastructure

• System type

Note: These timelines cover installation only, not inclusive of design, planning and quote times.

When planning a sprinkler installation, the timeline is important. Many property owners assume it can be done in as little as a day, and often it can be, but that’s not always the case.

Many factors can impact installation procedures and timelines, making them more complicated and time consuming.

In this article, we will explore the various factors impacting sprinkler installation timelines, what you can expect during installation, and how our irrigation specialists can help.

What Impacts Sprinkler Installation Timelines?

Property Size and Sprinkler System Layout

The size and layout of your property and sprinkler system directly impact the time needed for installation. Expansive properties with extensive lawn area and large gardens require more trenching, more pipe and more sprinkler heads, each increasing the timeline.

But it’s not just about the size of the block. Navigating irregular shaped landscapes, sloped land, garden beds and other obstacles also adds time. Installers need to spend more time navigating the space to ensure proper head placement and even coverage. 

Brisbane's typical suburban blocks sit between 400–700sqm, allowing for most sprinkler installations on standard sizes and non-complex landscapes to be completed within a single day.

Number of Zones

Most sprinkler systems aren’t just a single continuous loop, they’re generally split into independent zones. This allows for flexible and customised irrigation times and settings to ensure that each part of the landscape gets sufficient water.

Each zone requires its own pipe run, valve, and connection back to the controller. The number of zones included in the installation increases the complexity, labour requirements, and timeline. A simple, single-zoned garden irrigation system may only take a few hours to install. However, a large muti-zone system that covers lawn irrigation and multiple gardens could take days to a week to complete.

Soil Conditions

Soil types and conditions can significantly impact the ease or complexity of a sprinkler installation. Depending on your landscape and soil type, digging the trenches and setting the pipes could be quick or time consuming.

Clay soils, often found in Brisbane’s northern and inner suburbs, are heavy and slow-draining, making them more challenging and time-consuming to trench. They also tend to shift over time and when wet, which needs to be factored in during installation to ensure that pipes are well positioned and set, preventing future movement or damage.

Moreover, rocky grounds or soil filled with thick tree roots can also be difficult to navigate and trench. Whereas sandy soils, often found in outer or coastal suburbs, are generally much quicker and easier to work with.

Existing Infrastructure

A fresh installation or new build provides a clean slate, whereas if you have existing infrastructure, we need to either remove it or work with or around it, potentially adding or subtracting time from the project.

If we need to run a new connection back closer to the metre, or install a separate irrigation tap, that adds time, therefore, if your property already has an existing tap connection in a convenient location, that can be a time saver. On the other hand, if your property already has an irrigation controller or pipe installed from a previous system, we will need to evaluate whether it can be used with the new system, or whether it needs to be removed completely to make way for the new system. Either way, this can add significant time to the installation.

Additionally, in South East Queensland, most irrigation systems require a compliant backflow prevention device installed at the point of connection. If your property doesn't already have one, we will need to install one, further increasing the timeline.

Type of Sprinkler System

There are various sprinkler systems to choose from, each offering unique benefits for landscapes and requiring different setups. The type of system you choose can impact how long the job takes.

Common sprinkler systems include:

• Pop-up spray heads are the most common type of sprinkler system in Brisbane. These systems cover a fixed radius, retract when not in use, and suit most lawn areas. These sprinklers are also efficient to install.

• Rotary heads cover larger areas with a rotating stream rather than a fixed spray pattern. They're better suited to larger landscapes and use water more efficiently, however they require more careful placement, spacing and adjustment to ensure even coverage, thus taking longer to install.

• Drip irrigation sprinkler systems are typically used in garden beds and veggie patches. These systems feature individual dripper lines, delivering water directly to plants rather than spraying across the area. These systems can be more time-consuming to install.

• Smart controllers are gaining popularity for providing flexibility and full irrigation control from anywhere. Installation of the sprinkler system is relatively straightforward, however, programming schedules, setting up Wi-Fi connectivity, and walking through the app adds time to the final stage of the job.

A Typical Brisbane Sprinkler Installation Process and Timeline

Regardless of the above factors, each sprinkler installation project follows a straightforward process, from approved designs to final tests.

1. Once the designs are approved, our irrigation specialists will inspect the site and mark out the system. This can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on the size and complexity of the design. 

2. We then start digging the trenches to make way for the pipes and controller wiring. This can take a number of hours depending on the property layout and soil type.

3. We then lay the pipes and wiring, place the sprinkler heads and ensure secure connections throughout the system, before setting them in place and covering them back over. This can take another few hours depending on the size and complexity.

4. Next, the controller is programmed to ensure effective irrigation. This typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.

5. Finally, we test the entire irrigation system, ensuring there are no leaks, inconsistencies, or issues. We adjust sprinkler heads and programming as necessary to ensure your system is set up correctly. This step requires another 30 minutes to an hour depending on whether any issues are found and the adjustments required. We will also walk you through how to adjust your sprinkler system for future use. 

Get Efficient Sprinkler Installation with Irrigation Group

At Irrigation Group, we specialise in sprinkler design and installation. Our experts work closely with you to design and install your system as seamlessly as possible, ensuring even watering and full compliance.

When we plan your sprinkler installation, we provide clear, constant communication, so you know exactly how long the installation should take, and we will keep you informed if any unexpected issues arise that could impact the timeline.

Contact our team today to discuss your irrigation needs and discover how we can help ensure an efficient sprinkler installation tailored to your landscape.