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[DIY] Installation of overhead greenhouse sprinklers system guide and cost in USA

Overhead sprinkler systems make things simple, automatic, precise, and effective inside the greenhouse. Even it can save water by up to 20%, Although it uses more water than a drip irrigation system.

Some people think that it is adventurous work to install it DIY. But most of the time, it brings disaster for people without plumbing experience. 

Also, it is costlier than other sprinkler irrigation systems. So if you make any disaster through it, it can cost you a big loss of money. 

Overhead greenhouse sprinklers installation

Without having plumbing experience, it will be challenging to install overhead sprinklers, even simple sprinkler systems. With some basic information and knowledge, you can't consider yourself to work with ease and lightly.

overhead greenhouse sprinkler irrigation system installation in USA

Even if you don't have a plan and you want to start things without the proper way, then it may be a disaster for you. In such cases, the most comfortable is to irrigate your plants manually. 

So, let's understand what are the requirements, steps to follow, and initial cost to install overhead sprinklers inside the greenhouse. 

Before starting sprinkler installation

Although the overhead greenhouse sprinklers system is a post-automatic working system after installation still, you should keep aware and be careful while installing- 

  • If you are a beginner then it is best to at least ask for help from an expert plumber. 
  • Be careful while using PVC cutters otherwise, you can be badly injured. 
  • Wear a body-protecting kit while installing the irrigation system. 
  • Check all the electric gadgets working properly and that they are shock-free. 
  • Use quality tools and machines or you have to maintain it before time. 
  • If you have a bigger greenhouse, then install overhead sprinklers with multiple sections.

Requirements to install

Considering you already have plumbing experience or you have an experienced plumber with you, the following are basic requirements if you want to install overhead sprinklers in a greenhouse DIY- 

Metal platforms

Metal platforms are the simple structure of solid metal rods that provide support to bind the main supply line at a height inside the greenhouse. These metal platforms are adjustable for various joints of overhead sprinkler pipelines. 

Many vertical rods provide support to these platforms to stand and be stable. 

PVC pipeline

The PVC pipeline will allow the water supply to reach every section of the greenhouse and rest in the roof platform of the greenhouse.

These pipes are easier to repair and can handle cold and hot weather easily.

Generally, we use 1.5 to 2 inches diameter PVC pipes in overhead sprinklers but we can also 1-inch diameter pipes in small greenhouses. 

Control valve 

The main control valve controls the water supply from the source to the greenhouse. The control valve should be made of quality material or metal. This control valve connects the electric motor to the main pipeline.  

Electric motor 

A 2 hp electric motor can create enough pressure to supply water pressure to all the sprinklers. If you have a single source in a big greenhouse then it is always better to use a more powerful electric motor.

Water filter

A water filter is important to clean water from visible and small particles like dust, stones, dirt, etc. Water filters shouldn't affect water pH to be more acidic or alkaline. 

We fix it next after the main control valve and then connect it with the main pipeline.

Sprinklers

The type of sprinkler depends on the height you want to fix it. If you fix your main supply line too high, then you need fewer sprinklers that can cover wide areas and vice versa. 

These sprinklers are connected with the main supply directly or sometimes through a secondary line for a more comfortable run.

Other tools

All the basic plumbing tools, water tank, stitching ties, PVC elbow, socket, PVC glue, etc. 

Process of installation of overhead sprinklers 

The following steps will guide you to install overhead sprinklers inside your greenhouse simply and quickly- 

Making roof platform

Measure the horizontal length of the greenhouse and the height at which you want the height of the sprinklers.

Now, for the comfort and support of the roof platform, fix the vertical metal stands inside the greenhouse safely Either you can fix them with cement or any wooden or metal support.  Considering somehow you got the metal rod pieces that are helpful to make a roof platform.

Now, bind every rod rectangularly with the help of binding wires. Remember, all the edges of these platforms should have strengthened with the vertical stands.

Supply system installation

To install the supply system, we need to find the electric motor pump with the main supply source. Next, connect the main control valve to control the pressure of the water supply. Another end of the main control valve connects it with the water filter(clean water dust) which is very helpful for fruit and vegetable farming. 

Next, connect the main supply line with the help of a socket nipple to another end of the water filter. 

Thus, we have a water filter installed in the main source and water supply line.

Measuring pipes and cutting

According to the pots and bed location, you need to measure and cut the pieces of PVC Pipes. Use inch tape and cut PVC Pipe pieces according to measurement. 

Also, cut a few pieces extra to connect the main supply line to the source.

Make holes in the main supply line according to the size of sprinkler mouths. Also, make one more hole for the secondary control valves in the main pipe. 

Binding pipes with roof 

You need to bind the PVC pipes in columns with the metal roof platform. Either use strong thread or use binding ties to bind pipes with metal platforms. 

So finally, you will make multiple columns of the main supply line. 

Secondary valves installation

Make comfortable holes in the pipe pieces that connect every column of the main supply. These holes will help to connect secondary control valves. Now, connect the secondary control valves airtight with the help of PVC glue. 

Bind every piece with the help of an elbow socket in the main column supply line. 

If you want to cover a particular section of the greenhouse then you can fix these secondary control valves right in every column instead of connecting row pipe pieces. 

Installing sprinklers

Now, you can fix every sprinkler on a certain gap according to its range. If the range of the sprinklers is adjustable then you can fix them according to their average range.

Finally, check all the PVC pipes, control valves, and sprinkler connections are airtight. Thus, we can install an overhead greenhouse irrigation system DIY. 

Cost of DIY overhead greenhouse sprinklers

Here comes the major part of the installation overhead sprinkler irrigation system. Let's know the estimated cost for overhead greenhouse irrigation sprinklers in a 10x10 square meter area-

  • Water pump cost- $200
  • Rooftop platform cost- $150 
  • Vertical stands cost- $120
  • Water filter cost- $30 
  • Main control valve- $30
  • Secondary control valves(4 pieces)- $$60 
  • PVC pipes cost- $50 
  • Sprinklers cost- $120
  • Water tank cost- $150
  • Additional cost- $100

Total cost- $1,010

Maintenance cost of greenhouse sprinklers

Although DIY installation is slightly complex for beginners but still troubleshooting problems in irrigation system and maintenance work is quite easier. Following is an overall annual estimated maintenance cost for overhead greenhouse sprinkler irrigation-

  • Sprinklers replacement cost- $50
  • Sprinkler repair cost- $20
  • Broken pipes repairing cost- $30 
  • Control valve replacement cost- $30
  • Water filter cost- $30

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