Lawn fixture sockets make it easy to put up and take down everything from patio umbrellas and flagpoles to volleyball nets and sprinklers.

To make lawn fixture sockets from PVC pipe:

  1. Buy a piece of PVC that’s the right inside diameter to fit the fixture.
  2. Cut one end of the pipe at about a 45-degree angle so it forms a sharp point.
  3. Cut the other end of the pipe to the length you want the socket to extend into the ground.
  4. Drive the pipe in the ground.
  5. Pull the pipe out of the ground and remove the dirt inside it.
  6. Push the pipe back in the hole so it’s flush with the ground.
  7. Insert the fixture in the pipe.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Joe Truini: Chances are sooner or later, you’re going to have to stake out some fixtures on your property, whether it’s a patio umbrella, flagpole, volleyball nets, in this case we’re putting in a portable lawn sprinkler. But if you just stake them up, then they’re always in the way—you can trip over them or have to mow around them.

So here’s a solution where you just make a buried socket out of a piece of PVC. In this case we’re using half-inch PVC, which perfectly fits the sprinkler. But you can get PVC in various diameters, so you can always find one that’ll fit your project.

The first thing you need to do is take the PVC and use a hacksaw to cut off a sharp angle on one end, then cut it three or four inches longer than you need it. Then, drive it into the ground, pull it out, and then tap out the dirt. Then trim it to size.

What you end up with is a perfect size and depth hole in your lawn where you can bury the socket. Just push it in, make sure it’s perfectly flush with the ground, and then you can put in, in this case, the lawn sprinkler. And when you’re done with it, just pull it out, the socket’s always there for reuse, and you can mow right over it and not worry about hitting.


Further Information


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

Learn More