If you’re thinking about installing an irrigation system, here are few tips to simplify the process. First, rent a gas-powered trencher—it saves a lot of time and a lot of sore muscles. Then lay out the PVC pipe on the ground, and dry fit everything before you glue it together.
Most of the work can be done on top of the ground before setting the pipe in the holes. This is particularly helpful if you use reduction fittings and flexible poly pipe to connect the sprinkler heads to the main line. This also allows you to reposition the heads without cutting and re-gluing the rigid PVC.
As you work, be sure to keep dirt and debris out of the pipe because it will clog the sprinkler heads. And finally, pick up a pair of PVC pipe cutters. They’re much easier to operate than a saw, especially when you’re trying to cut inside those trenches.