Irrigation System Planning and Installation Guide - Philmac

Fig. M. Punch the hole
with a PK4 Punch/Spanner
Irrigation equipment available from:
Irrigation
System
Planning
and
Installation
Guide

1 Introduction
Thank you for considering a precision irrigation system for your landscape.
A precision irrigation system will reduce your watering costs, provide you
more freedom and keep your landscape healthy all year round. This
planning guide will assist you with the design and installation of a fully
automatic irrigation system using quality Philmac and Hunter products.
We recommend you also seek advice from a professional irrigation outlet
where you will also be able to obtain the latest specification sheets.
2 Measure and Plan
Measure all the areas you plan to water as well as major structures such
as your house, pergola, driveway, shed etc. Place these details on the
graph overleaf and mark your scale e.g. 1 cm = 1 metre or 1 cm = 2
metres. Also mark your water sources such as taps or where a licensed
plumber can tap into a mainline and install an isolating valve and
backflow device. Philmac do not recommend operating sprinkler systems
from garden taps.
3 Measure the Water Source
Fig. A. Bucket test
To determine how many sprinklers, spray
jets or drippers can be operated you first
need to undertake a flow test. For spray
jets and drippers this can be done by using
a 9 litre bucket (see Fig. A). From the
tap/outlet location you plan to use, time
how long it takes to fill a 9 litre bucket
with the tap fully open. Remember to
ensure all other taps/outlets are turned
off and undertake the test as close as
possible to the time you plan to water.
Flows will vary over a 24 hour period.
To determine how many litres per hour
are available, apply the following formula
or use the table below:
Litres per hour = 9 x 3600
Time to fill bucket (in seconds)
e.g. 9 x 3600
15 sec
= 2,160 litres per hour (L/h)
Now deduct 20% from the result to allow for the systems operating
pressure and seasonal fluctuations. This gives a nett flow rate of 1,728 L/h.
If other taps or outlets are to be used then they need to be measured
as well. For sprinklers, it is essential a “Flow/Pressure Test Kit” is used.
Talk to your Irrigation Specialist about this.
Litres per Hour - Using a 9 Litre Bucket
Time Litres/ Time Litres/ Time Litres/
Taken Hour Taken Hour Taken Hour
7 sec 3,702 11 sec 2,356 18 sec 1,440
8 sec 3,240 12 sec 2,160 20 sec 1,296
9 sec 2,880 14 sec 1,851 22 sec 1,178
10 sec 2,592 16 sec 1,620 24 sec 1,080
4 Selecting the Emitters
There are a number of emitters available to water plants with, including
drippers, jets, fixed sprays, pop-up sprays and rotors (gear drives). Ideally
different emitter types should not be installed on the same section. For
example drippers have an optimal operating pressure around 100 kPa
(see Glossary) and may need to be operated for several hours to deliver
sufficient water. Compare this to pop-up sprays which have an optimal
operating pressure around 200 kPa and may only require operating for
10-20 minutes. Even emitters which operate at the same pressure can
have quite different flow rates e.g. drippers versus jets.
2
4.1 Drippers
Philmac drippers with barbed inlets are available in fixed discharge
(2, 4 & 8 L/h) and fixed pressure compensating discharge (2 & 4 L/h)
(see Fig. B). They are also available in adjustable discharge (0-100 L/h)
with barbed inlets, on spikes and with 1 /2” BSP thread. The ideal
operating pressure is around 100 -150 kPa.
Drippers provide a concentrated wetting pattern and are well suited where:
• water is limited
• soils are “heavy” and runoff occurs with sprinklers
• it is important not to wet foliage
• evaporation needs to be limited
Fig. B. Philmac drippers.
4.2 Jets and Spray Jets
Philmac jets and sprays feature threaded bases which allows them to screw
into flexible 4mm tube or onto rigid risers. Sprays and Jets are normally
used to water garden beds and for shadehouse/greenhouse applications
(see Fig. C). They are available in a range of flow rates and patterns:
XL-Jet (Garden Series) – Combines penetrating streams with a feather
pattern in 360º, 180º and 90º.
XL-Jet (Specialty Series) – Strip sprays for elongated areas and a mister
for shadehouses/greenhouses.
Spray Jets (One Piece) – Provide a fan pattern in 360º, 180º and 90º
and available with 55L/h or 90L/h flow rates.
Spray Jets (Two Piece) – Provide a variety of patterns and flow rates.
Micro-Sprinklers – Have a frame and nozzle with a flipper (rotor) which
throws water further distances than jets in a variety of flow rates. They
are available as anti-ant versions such as Orbitor and StreamMaster or as
a standard version such as the Challenger.
Fig. C. A fixed spray and a micro- sprinkler
4.3 Pop-Up Sprays
Pop-up sprays (see Fig. D.) are typically used to
water small lawned areas. 100mm (4”) is the
most common pop height used as it readily
pops above the height of the lawn (50mm,
150mm and 300mm are also available).
Some models such as the Hunter PS Series have
the nozzle built in while others such as the
Hunter Pro-Spray and Institutional Spray have the
ability to fit a wide range of threaded female
nozzles. Nozzles typically have a radius of 2.1m,
3m, 3.6m, 4.6m or 5.2m. They are available in
adjustable arc, fixed arc and specialty patterns
such as side strips and centre strips.
Fig. D. A pop-up spray
Sprays can also be used to water garden beds as they have 300mm (12”)
pop heights available which can water “over” plants. They also have the
advantage that they retract out of sight when not in use and are less
likely to be eaten by the family dog than rigid risers.
For best performance sprays should be installed head to head. If the radius
is say 3 metres, then the next sprinkler head should be 3 metres away.

4.4 Pop-up Rotors (Gear Drives)
For larger lawned areas (4.6m radius and above)
rotors are the ideal choice as they can provide
even watering combined with low application
rates (see Glossary). Like sprays they pop-up, but
rather than spray a wide area at one time they
have a stream of water (see Fig. E) which moves
in an adjustable arc over the area to be watered.
This arc can normally be adjusted between 40º
and 360º.
Hunter rotors are supplied with nozzle racks which
have a range of flow rates and radius of throw.
This allows the optimum performance to be achieved.
5 Designing the System
A system design is based on having an automatic controller which
operates electric solenoid valves. The valves in turn operate the emitters.
Once you have decided what types of emitters to use in different parts of
your garden it is time to start plotting where you would like to install
them. It is best to start by dividing the garden into areas that are similar
such as lawns and garden beds. Remember to refer back to your flow
test and to technical data on performance to get the best spacings.
Emitters will vary in performance depending on the pressure and some
depending on whether they are installed at 90º, 180º or 360º. There is
no point spacing sprays at 4m only to find there is only sufficient
pressure to work properly on a 3.5m spacing.
Once all the emitters are plotted then it is time to work out the number
of sections required to water each area. To do this work out the total
flow in the area and divide by the nett flow calculated in section 3.
eg Total Flow of Emitters = 3,980L/h = 2.3
Available Flow 1,728L/h
In this case we will need to divide the lawn into 3 sections or we will exceed
the available nett flow. Each section will be controlled by a separate valve.
Once you have divided the emitters into roughly three equal sections we
can determine the flow rate per section. It is then easy to select the size
of low density polyethylene (LDPE) pipe required to obtain the right flow
rate. If pipes are too small there will be a pressure loss and the emitters
may not operate correctly. The following table shows the maximum
recommended flow rates for common sizes of LDPE pipe. It assumes the
ground is flat.
LDPE pipe size Flow L/h Flow L/min
13mm (1/2”) 540 9
19mm (3/4”) 1,440 24
25mm (1”) 3,240 54
32mm (1 1 /4”) 4,920 82
All the pipework for each separate section will be connected to a
solenoid valve. In the above example we would require three solenoid
valves to control the water to the lawn. Normally these are manifolded in
a valve box (see Fig. G).
6 Automatic Controls
Fig. E. A rotor
Philmac recommends all systems are fully automated as it means watering
can take place when you are on holidays. It is also easier to water within
any time windows determined by local water regulations or restrictions.
6.1 Controllers
The purpose of an irrigation controller is to operate each of our sections
via an electric solenoid valve. The number of sections to be watered will
determine the size of the controller. Standard controllers like the Hunter
EC601A are 6 station, with each station being able to operate a valve.
For larger gardens, controllers like the Hunter Pro-C can be used which
have up to 15 stations (see Fig. F).
Each station can be programmed for start time and run time and Hunter
controllers have 3 programs so the lawn, garden beds and shadehouse can
all be treated differently. Your professional irrigation outlet can give you
more information on the features and benefits of irrigation controllers.
3
Fig. F. Pro-C Controller
Where 240V AC power is not available or where it would be difficult to
connect valves to the controller then the Hunter one or four station SVC
battery operated controllers are available.
6.2 Valves
Electric solenoid valves are linked to the irrigation controller via electrical
cable (your irrigation professional can advise on size and installation). In a
typical installation valves are manifolded together in a valve box. Valves
normally have a 1” BSP inlet which is connected to high pressure pipe
such as Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) or PVC. Whatever is used
must comply with all regulations. The outlet is also normally 1” BSP and
either 13mm, 19mm or 25mm directors can be screwed into here so
LDPE pipe can be attached (see Fig. G).
When the controller sends a 24V current the valve opens and when the
current stops the valve closes. As valves are normally connected into
a potable water source, Philmac recommends this is done by a licensed
tradesperson and all regulations are adhered to. This may include the
fitting of WaterMark approved isolation valve such as the Philmac “Blue
Handled” valve (see Fig. G) and a backflow prevention device.
Isolating Valve
Director
Fig. G. Valve Box and Valve Manifold
6.3 Sensors
Good quality controllers like
the Hunter range have been
designed so that sensors such
as rain sensors can be wired
to them. Rain sensors are
invaluable because they shut
the system down when it is
raining and prevent watering
from occurring thus saving
precious water. Hunter also
offer a wireless rain sensor
which makes it extremely easy
to install the sensor in the
correct position. (see Fig. J).
Fig. J. Wireless RainClik sensor
Manifold
Valve Box
Solenoid Valve
LDPE Pipe

7 Installing the System
7.1 Tools Required
Normally the following tools are required for installation of a system:
• Spade • Trenching shovel • Tape measure
• String line • Secateurs • Multi grips
• Wire cutters • LDPE cutter or secateurs • Ldpe punch
7.2 Preparation
Where possible all fittings should be pre-assembled. For example,
directors into valves and threaded tees and elbows into sprays or rotors.
When using threaded fittings you must use thread tape to ensure a
watertight seal. If nozzles are to be fitted to sprays or jets to risers they
should not be installed until the system is flushed.
Before beginning any trenching clearly mark where the emitters are to be
located and use string lines to indicate where trenches are to be located.
7.3 Trenching
Before digging Philmac recommend you check the appropriate authorities
for any buried services such as telephone, power, water and gas.
If trenching into existing lawn, the sods of lawn can be put aside and
replaced later. The depth of the trench can be gauged by using the spray
pop or rotor assembly.
If access is required under pathways or driveways it should be possible
to use a piece of PVC or galvanised pipe with an angle cut on one end.
A trench should be dug on either side then the angled end can be
rammed and turned to progressively create a tunnel. It may be necessary
to place a hose inside the pipe and have water assist in the process by
softening the soil. The hose should only just be running.
Once the trench is dug the LDPE pipe can be laid (Fig. K), the sprinklers
fitted and placed at the correct height and the trench backfilled. Care
should be taken that sharp rocks are not placed back in the trench or
they may rub on the LDPE pipe and cause holes over time. If necessary
sand can be used around the pipe for protection. It may be advisable to
pressure test the system for leaks before filling in the trench.
Fig. K. Digging the trench and laying the pipework
7.4 Connections
When using LDPE pipe all connections are done with barbed fittings.
Philmac fittings are manufactured from nylon to ensure they have a
sharp barb which bites into the pipe and prevents it from coming apart.
It is still important that ratchet clips are used each time a piece of pipe is
attached (see Figure L). All cuts of the LDPE pipe should be made square
to unsure they fit over the barb and a clip can be fitted.
When fitting 4mm barbed fittings directly into LDPE pipe it is important to
use a punch like the Philmac PK4 to get the right size hole (see Figure N).
Customer Name ......................................................................
Address ..................................................................................
................................................................................................
Phone ........................................ Date ..................................
4
LDPE Pipe
Threaded Tee
Fig. L. Sprinkler connections
Ratchet Clip
Pop-up Spray
Fig. M.
PK4 Punch/Spanner
7.5 Filtration
Filtration is most useful when a water source such as a bore or dam is
being used. Threaded filters (see inside page) from 1” to 2” can be
installed after the pump to collect debris that would otherwise block
emitters. When drippers and small jets are being used it is wise to use a
filter which has a 130 micron (0.13mm) screen or disc cartridge to filter out
the debris. The cartridges can be removed from the filter for cleaning and
cleaning will depend on how dirty the water is and how often watering
takes place. For sprinklers a 200 micron (0.2mm) cartridge is suitable.
Where water is from a potable water supply, filtration is usually unnecessary
although it is still good practice to use an inline barbed filter as a precaution
such as the one shown on the inside pages. They are available with 13mm,
19mm and 25mm barbs. These are installed after the valves.
Glossary of Terms
kPa (kiloPascals) = A measure of pressure. It can be determined using
a gauge. The lower the number, the lower the pressure.
L (litres) = A volume of water.
m (metres) = A measure of distance.
min (minutes) = A measure of time.
BSP (British Standard Pipe) = Standard type of pipe thread used
in Australia.
rad (radius) = A measure (normally in metres) of how far a sprinkler
throws water.
V (Volts) = An electrical measurement.
AC (alternating current) = A type of electrical current.
DC (direct current) = A type of electrical current.
Nozzles = Fitted to the top of spray pops they determine the pattern
and radius of throw.
Check Valves = Fitted to the bottom of sprays and rotors to prevent
puddling of water.
Micron = A measure of size. One micron is 0.001mm.
Emitter = A device that emits water such as a dripper, spray, pop etc.
Pressure Compensating = An emitter which has approximately the
same output of water over a range of pressures.
Application Rate (mm/h) = The millimetres of water applied per hour.
Calculated by dividing the total volume of water (in litres) applied by the
sprinklers in an hour divided by the area they water (in square metres).
Useful Equations
1 m head = 9.8 kPa
1 bar = 98 kPa
1 psi = 6.9 kPa
1 m3 = 1,000 L = 1 kL
This publication is produced as a guide only and while every care has been taken
in compilation, regulations may vary in different areas. We suggest you contact
your local authority to check local requirements. It is also recognised that no
single planning guide can be absolutely comprehensive. A number of Water
Authorities or Water Boards have excellent publications on irrigation. The reader
is encouraged to make use of this information. COPYRIGHT © FEBRUARY 2005.
IS-015B/2-05

C
W
LEGEND:
Controller Valve (Manual) Spray (Micro)
Water Source Rotor Dripper
Valve (Auto) Spray Pop Pipe

C
W
LEGEND:
Controller Valve (Manual) Spray (Micro)
Water Source Rotor Dripper
Valve (Auto) Spray Pop Pipe

Philmac Metric Compression Fittings
– Suitable for medium density polyethylene pipe, with PN 12.5 and PN 16 pressure ratings.
Available in 20mm to 110mm size.
SPRAY JETS
JSF12 360º Green 55 L/h
JSH12 180º Green 55 L/h
JSQ12 90º Green 55 L/h
JSF16 360º Black 90 L/h
JSH16 180º Black 90 L/h
JSQ16 90º Black 90 L/h
REDUCING TEE
3412RT 19x13mm
1034RT 25x13mm
THREADED MALE TEE
T34G12M 19mm x 1 /2”BSP
T10G12M 25mm x 1 /2”BSP
T10G34M 25mm x 3 /4”BSP
NIPPLES
90421100 1 /2”
90422200 3 /4”
90423100 1”
TEES (FI)
90451100 1 /2”BSP
90452200 3 /4”BSP
90453300 1”BSP
REDUCING JOINER
RJ3412 19x13mm
RJ1012 25x13mm
RJ1034 25x19mm
XL JETS
SF3617 360º - 140 L/h
SF1822 180º - 70 L/h
SF9009 90º - 35 L/h
BALL VALVES
95500100 1 /2”
95500200 3 /4”
95500300 1”
TEE
T12 13mm
T34 19mm
T10 25mm
THREADED MALE ELBOW
E12G12M 13mm x 1 /2”BSP
E34G12M 19mm x 1 /2”BSP
E10G12M 25mm x 1 /2”BSP
E10G34M 25mm x 3 /4”BSP
3CJ Corner 19mm x 1 /2”BSP
SOCKETS
90431100 1 /2”BSP
90432100 3 /4”x 1 /2”BSP
90432200 3 /4”BSP
90433100 1”x 1 /2”BSP
90433200 1”x 3 /4”BSP
90431100 1”BSP
ADJUSTABLE DRIPPERS
OCTA-8 Octa-mitter 0-70 L/h
SD4 Selectaflo 0-100 L/h
S360S Shrubbler® spike 0-33 L/h
S360ST Shrubbler® 1 /2”BSP
MB360S Mini Bubbler® spike
MB360TH Mini Bubbler® 1 /2”BSP
ELBOW
E12 13mm
E34 19mm
E10 25mm
FEMALE THREADED TEE
T34G12F 19mm x 1 /2”BSP
T10G12F 25mm x 1 /2”BSP
T10G34F 25mm x 3 /4”BSP
IN-LINE FILTERS
1-IS-12BB 13mm Tails
1-IS-34BB 19mm Tails
1-IS-10BB 25mm Tails
ELBOWS (MI x FI)
90469100 1 /2”BSP
90469200 3 /4”BSP
90469300 1”BSP
JOINER
12HJ 13mm
34HJ 19mm
10HJ 25mm
PLASTIC FILTERS
L-730123 1” Disk
L-820123 1” Screen
DRIPPERS
CD4 Chevron 4L/h
CD8 Chevron 8L/h
TD4 True Drip 4L/h
TD8 True Drip 8L/h
TD4PC True Drip PC 4L/h
NUT AND TAIL
N3412 3 /4”BSP x 13mm
N3434 3 /4”BSP x 19mm
N1012 1”BSP x 13mm
N1034 1”BSP x 19mm
N1010 1”BSP x 25mm
FEMALE THREADED
ELBOW
E12G12F 13mm x 1 /2”BSP
E34G12F 19mm x 1 /2”BSP
E10G12F 25mm x 1 /2”BSP
ELBOWS (FI)
90461100 1 /2”BSP
90462200 3 /4”BSP
90463300 1”BSP
SADDLE CLAMPS
PC13 13mm
PC19 19mm
RISER TUBE
FR5/39 5m Coil
FR25/39 25m Coil
FR50/39 50m Coil
QUICK ACTION
VALVE
VQA12 13mm
VQA34 19mm
VQA10 25mm
MICRO FITTINGS (4mm)
JAT Threaded Adaptor
JAB Barbed Adaptor
TB4 Barbed Tee
EB4 Barbed Elbow
CB4 Barbed Cross
V4T Micro Valve
DIRECTORS
D1325 13mm x 1”BSP
D1925 19mm x 1”BSP
D1010 25mm x 1”BSP
RIGID RISER
RGR200 200mm
RGR300 300mm
RGR450 450mm
RATCHET CLIP
CT15 13mm
CT23 19mm
CT29 25mm
BUSHES
90412100 3 /4”x 1 /2”BSP
90413100 1”x 1 /2”BSP
90413200 1”x 3 /4”BSP

HUNTER PS Series - Performance Chart
10A Red 12A Green 15A Black 17A White
Pattern Press Flow Rad. Flow Rad. Flow Rad. Flow Rad.
(kPa) (L/min) (m) (L/min) (m) (L/min) (m) (L/min) (m)
45 172 0.8 3.0 1.9 3.7 1.9 4.6 3.8 5.2
90 172 1.5 3.0 3.0 3.7 3.4 4.6 6.8 5.2
120 172 2.3 3.0 3.4 3.7 4.2 4.6 7.2 5.2
180 172 3.0 3.0 4.9 3.7 6.1 4.6 10.2 5.2
240 172 4.5 3.0 6.4 3.7 7.2 4.6 11.0 5.2
270 172 4.9 3.0 7.2 3.7 8.3 4.6 11.7 5.2
360 172 6.1 3.0 8.3 3.7 12.9 4.6 16.3 5.2
HUNTER Adjustable Arc Nozzles - Performance Chart
7A Brown 10A Red 12A Green 15A Black 17A Gray
Pattern Press Flow Rad. Flow Rad. Flow Rad. Flow Rad. Flow Rad.
(kPa) (L/min) (m) (L/min) (m) (L/min) (m) (L/min) (m) (L/min) (m)
45 206 0.9 2.1 0.9 3.0 1.4 3.7 1.8 4.6 2.3 5.5
90 206 1.9 2.1 1.9 3.0 2.7 3.7 3.5 4.6 4.6 5.5
120 206 2.5 2.1 2.5 3.0 3.6 3.7 4.7 4.6 6.1 5.5
180 206 3.7 2.1 3.7 3.0 5.4 3.7 7.0 4.6 9.1 5.5
240 206 4.9 2.1 4.9 3.0 7.2 3.7 9.3 4.6 12.1 5.5
270 206 5.6 2.1 5.6 3.0 8.1 3.7 10.5 4.6 13.7 5.5
360 206 7.4 2.1 7.4 3.0 10.8 3.7 14.0 4.6 18.2 5.5
HUNTER SRM Rotor - Performance Chart
Nozzle Press. Flow Rad.
Number (kPa) (L/min) (m)
0.50 275 1.9 4.9
0.75 275 2.8 5.5
1.0 275 3.8 6.1
HUNTER PGJ Rotor - Performance Chart
Nozzle Press. Flow Rad.
Number (kPa) (L/min) (m)
0.75 275 2.8 4.9
1.0 275 3.8 5.8
1.5 275 5.7 6.7
2.0 275 7.6 7.6
HUNTER PGP Rotor - Performance Chart
Nozzle Press. Flow Rad.
Number (kPa) (L/min) (m)
1 344 2.7 8.8
2 344 3.4 9.1
3 344 4.5 9.4
4 344 6.1 10.4
5 344 7.6 11.6
6 344 10.2 11.6
Flow Pressure
(L/min) Loss (kPa)
3.8 7.58
18.9 13.10
37.9 13.10
56.8 11.03
75.7 22.75
42.06 42.06
Nozzle Press. Flow Rad.
Number (kPa) (L/min) (m)
1.5 275 5.7 7.3
2.0 275 7.6 7.9
3.0 275 11.4 9.1
Nozzle Press. Flow Rad.
Number (kPa) (L/min) (m)
2.5 275 9.5 8.5
3.0 275 11.4 9.4
4.0 275 15.1 10.4
5.0 275 18.9 11.3
Nozzle Press. Flow Rad.
Number (kPa) (L/min) (m)
7 344 12.9 12.2
8 344 14.8 12.5
9 344 19.7 13.4
10 413 28.8 14.3
11 413 37.1 15.2
12 413 48.1 15.2
HUNTER 1” PGV Standard and Jar Top Solenoid Valves - Performance Chart
NOTE: Please consult Hunter specification sheets for detailed operating
specifications on Rotors, Sprays, Valves and Controllers.
®
®
®
®
®
PS series sprays are available in shrub,
50mm and 100mm pop-up heights.
Recommended pressure range is 137
to 275 kPa, 1 /2” female inlet.
Adjustable arc nozzles suit Hunter
SRS, Pro-Spray and Institutional
Bodies.
Recommended pressure range is 137
to 275 kPa, female thread.
SRM’s are available in 100mm pop-up
heights.
Recommended pressure range is 206
to 344 kPa, 1 /2” female inlet.
PGJ’s are available in shrub, 100mm,
150mm and 300mm pop-up heights.
Recommended pressure range is 206
to 344 kPa, 1 /2” female inlet.
PGP’s are available in shrub, 100mm,
150mm and 300mm pop-up heights.
Recommended pressure range is 206
to 482 kPa on larger nozzles, 3 /4”
female inlet.
Data is based on full-open flow
control position.
Recommended pressure range is 138
to 1034 kPa, 1” BSP or slip
inlet/outlet.