Underground Sprinkler Systems: What Are They And Should You Get One?

What Is An Underground Sprinkler System And Is It Worth It?
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Watering your garden can be quite a chore, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a big garden. Could an underground sprinkler system be the solution?

We British are very proud of our gardens, and who likes the sight of brown grass? Admittedly, it’s not something that happens very often in the UK, but it has become more frequent due to global warming.

Prolonged hot and dry periods can leave your garden or front lawn looking tired and unsightly. If only there would be a way to keep it lush and green whatever the weather.

Well, there is actually: you could install a watering system that runs underground, so it wouldn’t even spoil the view of your lovely lawn.

So let’s find out what an underground irrigation system is and if it’s worth getting one.

What Is An Underground Sprinkler System?

underground sprinkler system

Let’s start with the most pressing question: what is it?

An underground irrigation system is a network of pipes that run underneath the soil and a series of sprinkler heads that usually sit flush with the surface of the lawn but will protrude when in action.

They are then connected to a water supply, either via an outside tap or by plugging in directly to the water supply. 

The method of controlling the sprinkler system can be as simple as turning on a tap or as complex as a computerised touch screen inside your home. It depends on the option you go for and the amount you spend.

Once installed, the watering system can be left in place all year round, but maintainance will be required.

Advantages Of Underground Watering Systems

Advantages Of Underground Sprinkler Systems

So let’s look at whether it’s worth getting such an underground irrigation system, by looking at the pros and cons. We will start with the benefits.

1. Ease-Of-Use

Once installed, underground sprinkler systems are one of the easiest ways to water your lawn and plants.

No more dragging the hosepipe down the garden, everything is set up all year round so all you need to do is switch it on when you need it.

Or even better, if you have a more fancy one installed, you can programme it so that it comes on when you need it.

2. Full Coverage

An underground irrigation system can be set up to provide full coverage of all of the areas that require watering.

That means no missed patches and no dragging the sprinkler to a new position every 30 minutes to try and get water everywhere that needs it.

3. Timed Release

More advanced underground sprinkler systems can use timers and schedules to keep your garden fully watered even when you are not at home.

That’s great when you are on holiday and the UK gets a spell of dry and hot weather during your absence. You can be sure that you come back to a lush green lawn and watered plants.

4. Save Water

Some of the better systems now include features that work to help preserve the amount of water you use.

Plus, you can time the sprinklers and ensure only the parts of the garden that need it are watered, thereby using less water each day.

But be aware that if you don’t have these features, sprinklers are considered to use 1,000 literes per hour. This is way more than if you would use a watering can.

5. Prevent Yellow Patches

yellow patch in lawn during dry period in summer

Obviously one of the main advantages of watering a garden by any means is that it doesn’t turn yellow or brown during extended dry periods.

Using an underground irrigation system makes it easy to keep on top of watering the lawn so that yellow patches never appear in the first place.

Disadvantages Of Underground Watering Systems

Despite the numerous benefits of underground sprinkler systems, there are also several disadvantages, which you should consider before you get one.

1. Cost

The cost of an underground irrigation system in the UK depends on a number of factors.

Firstly, the specification of the system you’re installing, whether it’s controlled by a simple tap or complex computer, and whether it’s being installed on an existing lawn or before new turf is laid, will all affect the price.

Additionally, the size of the lawn, how easy access is, and whether you choose to have it installed by a company, or install it yourself, will also change the price.

Even the most basic self-install system, which is essentially just a hosepipe buried underground, can cost several hundreds of pounds.

You may also find that if you have low water pressure, you need extra components such as a water pump in order to get the best coverage possible. This will bump up the cost even further.

Typically though, you’re looking at anything between around £1,000 to £3,000 or more for a decent professionally installed system. However, it’s possible to save money by installing one yourself.

Gardena T 100 Turbo-Driven Pop-up Sprinkler - Black
  • Individually adaptable The throwing distance of the sprinkler can be adapted to the area to be watered and the sector can be continuously adjusted from 70 - 360 ° at the head. can be set
  • Ideal for smaller areas The pop-up sprinkler irrigates lawns up to 100 m & sup2; easy and comfortable
  • Easy installation Simply mount the sprinkler in the middle of the point you want to pour and connect it to a pipeline with a coupling

2. Disruptive Installation

While most systems can be installed with the minimum amount of disruption and damage to your lawn, there will be some upheaval and possible damage to your grass.

The best time to have an underground sprinkler system installed is before laying the turf. So, if you are thinking of replacing your lawn, or are creating a new one, decide on whether or not you would like an underground sprinkler system before you start work.

This will ensure you can install everything that is needed first, then lay the turf over the top, minimising the damage and ensuring your lawn looks spotless from the very start.

If you prefer to install your sprinkler system under your existing turf, shallow trenches will need to be dug to sit the pipework in.

Often this can be done without significantly affecting the look of the grass. However, you should be prepared for a period of recovery and possible reseeding of the turf after the pipes have been installed.

3. Maintenance

Although most sprinkler systems are relatively maintenance-free, you may find the sprinkler heads need cleaning out and unblocking from time to time.

Naturally, anything sat in the earth can become clotted with bits of soil and grit over time. And if you have a large area covered by the system, this can be a rather large job.

4. Repairs

One of the biggest issues with anything underground is that if there is a problem, it can be difficult to repair.

If a pipe becomes cracked or broken you’ll need to locate where the damage has occurred, dig down to the pipe and repair it.

The sprinkler heads can also be damaged by foot traffic, lawnmowers or a stray spade, making repairs likely over the lifetime of the system.

5. More Frequent Mowing

Our lawnmower after cutting the grass

If you’re using a sprinkler at all then you probably will be quite happy with a lush, green lawn all year round. Just keep in mind that a regularly watered lawn will need mowing more often than one that isn’t.

This is necessarily a bad thing as it means your lawn is healthy, but it is an extra job to add to your to-do list!

6. Hose Pipe Bans

You should also consider that using an underground sprinkler during a hose pipe ban is forbidden. As these restrictions tend to come into force in summer during prolonged dry periods, you might end up with yellow patches despite having such a watering system.

It’s something to consider, as it means that you might not be able to use it during the times when it would be most needed.

Breaking the ban could lead to a fine of up to £1,000, which is quite a lot.

Installing An Underground Irrigation System Could Be Worth It

So is it worth getting one? Well, this will depend on various factors, most importantly probably costs. Given the potential high costs, it’s important to ensure that you consider the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.

While there are ways to reduce the costs, by installing it yourself and choosing a simpler less high-tech option, this comes with drawbacks.

It can be quite a bit of work to install such an underground sprinkler system yourself, especially if you want to add it to an existing lawn. And you will have to remember to switch it on when required, if you don’t have a timer or artificial intelligence that switches it on when needed.

On the other hand, if you want an evergreen lawn no matter what the weather does but without having to do anything and the costs don’t bother you, such a watering system could be just the ticket for you. It all depends on your own personal circumstances.

Another thing to consider is that while an underground irrigation system is handy, it’s not the only option. And some of the alternatives might work better for your budget but still give you what you want from it.

We have looked at the alternatives you should look at in our article about alternatives to underground irrigation systems. Check it out before you decide.

Need more home improvement advice? We have you covered at Property Road.

Author

  • Paul James

    Paul James, is a marketing expert with a passion for property. As well as being a property investor, Paul has also worked within the marketing departments of some of the UK’s leading estate agents. Paul is the founder of Property Road.

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