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Mar 11, 20223 min read

EXTENDING MDPE PIPES, ADDING FITTINGS & SPRINKLER (Irrigation)

In this video I talk through how to tee off existing MDPE pipes to add fittings & a pop up sprinkler to your irrigation system.

First, we dig up existing MDPE pipes to identify the irrigation zone that we want to extend. I always mark my MDPE water pipes by adding coloured electrical tape to identify the different zones. The pipes are marked at regular intervals which means we don’t need to dig too far before finding an identification marker. For this job, I will be extending my black zone which is for the flowers at the borders of the property.


Once we’ve identified the correct pipe, we double check identification before cutting the pipe with a Pipe Cutters. You can also use secateurs if you don't own a pipe cutters. I do not recommend cutting with a hacksaw as this tends to leave burs which you would need to file and this may block your sprinklers if they get into the pipes. Once we have cut the pipe, we insert 20mm pipe liners to strengthen the joints, before connecting a 20mm MDPE Equal Tee fitting. This allows us to branch off the pipe to run a length of 20mm MDPE pipe to where we want to install the new sprinkler.


Trenches can be dug with a spade, hoe, pick axe or mattock. The latter is ideal as it’s a bit like a pick axe but with a broad horizontal blade. You want to select a narrow tool to reduce the amount you have to dig and to avoid excessively damage to your lawn or flower beds. The top of your pop up sprinkler should be level with the ground but you do not need to run the entire length of the pipe at the same depth. You can run your pipes shallower and just slant the last bit down to where the sprinklers are located. This reduces the amount of digging, however your pipes need to be deep enough that they will not be damaged if you aerate your grass or dig in your flowerbeds with a fork.


With that done, we can now weigh down the pipe in the trench with bricks or wood, before cutting the pipe to the desired length for where the new sprinkler will be positioned. We then connect a 20mm MDPE elbow which has a ½ inch male thread, and then screw in the pop-up sprinkler. Take care not to screw the sprinkler in too hard as this tends to break the bottom casing causing the sprinkler to leak. You do not need to use Teflon or plumbers tape for this connection.


Always remember to test all your connections and sprinklers for leaks, before backfilling trenches.


Lastly I aerate the compacted ground around the new installation, before sowing grass seed, top dressing and levelling the soil. You can add a fertiliser to help seed germination. Regular watering completes the job and a few months later you have a beautiful looking lawn with a new pop up sprinkler installed.


Happy digging!! All the products and tools used in the video can be found in our shop

-- LINKS --


MDPE Pipes (20mm)

► MDPE Pipe (25m): https://geni.us/20mmMDPEpipe25m

► MDPE Pipe (50m): https://geni.us/20mmMDPEpipe50m


MDPE Fittings & Sprinklers

► MDPE Equal Tee (20mm): https://geni.us/20mmMDPEtee

► Pipe liners/ Inserts (20mm): https://geni.us/20mmMDPEliners

► MDPE Elbow Threaded male (20mm x ½”): https://geni.us/20mmMalethreadelbow

► Claber adj 350° Pop-Up Sprinkler: https://geni.us/Claberadjsprinkler

► Claber 360° Pop-Up Sprinkler: https://geni.us/Claberroundsprinkler

► Claber Square Area Pop-up Sprinkler: https://geni.us/Clabersquaresprinkler

Tools

► Water Pump Pliers: https://geni.us/waterpumppliers (Amazon)

► Pipe Cutters: https://geni.us/Pipecutters (Amazon)

► Electrical Insulation Tape: https://geni.us/electape (Amazon)


Necessities:

Freshly brewed Coffee: Lavazza Qualita Rossa (Arabica & Robusta Medium Roast), Coffee Mate & no sugar thanks

► Coffee ~ Freshly brewed: https://geni.us/LavCoffee

► Coffee creamer: https://geni.us/Coffeecreamer


Links to products and services may be affiliate links that provide a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I use Geniuslink to try and help ensure you are directed to the correct countries Amazon website. ______________________________


-- TIMESTAMPS –

00:00 Intro

01:00 Step 1: Dig up pipes

02:02 Step 2 Cutting pipes (Pipe Cutters)

02:42 Step 3: Connect pipes (MDPE fittings)

06:00 Step 4: Connect sprinkler

09:49 Step 5: Test system before backfilling trenches

10:04 Step 6: Fill in trenches & seed lawn

11:26 Outro

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