DIY ABOVE GROUND Sprinkler System (2020 UPDATE!)

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Check the description for more info and all the parts needed for the build!

[@Khaltazar]

The riser is unavailable in the link you provided.

[@drivrswntd]

Did this in my lawn and took it a step further and used Orbit B Hyve timers. I have 4 zones of automated above ground utilizing your setup and it is working awesome!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

added a new link for the riser

[@damonluvisi]

You should try to buy these wholesale and sell them as kits on your site.

[@willleftridge3218]

Ryan if I buy the hunter pop up sprinkler from home depot is that the same?

[@VolatilityTrading27]

I built these myself as Spring started to show itself. I have to run my in zones of 3 because of my pressure, but they work amazingly! I was not expecting to get much growth in the Spring but boy was I wrong and I credit a lot of it to this system! Thanks for the original tutorial and anyone thinking that they need this...you do! It's so easy and pretty cheap as well!

[@111DAKIDD]

What is your pressure at the Spicket? Trying to figure out how many I can run. Thanks

[@VolatilityTrading27]

@@111DAKIDD no clue!

[@baseballdude992]

Who else started doing these tip for fun during quarantine, but now your yard looks amazing

[@itaygs]

I legit did this on May after I was getting tired of wasting water with an oscillating sprinkler. I also didn't want to make it a permanent set up and have it professionally installed. Everyone thought I was crazy lol but it works! Thank you for putting this guide up!

[@gsp4prez]

Just saw your comment, sorry for the delay. How did you notice your water pressure was on the last sprinkler in the line? I’m thinking of doing this but worried about my water pressure.

[@MrErpman]

Love those MP Rotators. Have them in my lawn. Easy to adjust and color coded. I can adjust the end point of the spray on the right side by using the silver ring on top.

[@lindagal5891]

Worked like a charm!!! Thank you so much -- your video answered all my questions. I have a long narrow lawn with odd curves. Couldn't afford underground sprinklers and the oscillating sprinklers I tried left several parts of my lawn dead. This was perfection -- able to custom create it around circular parts of my lawn without wasting water on non-lawn parts. Used your links to order all parts off amazon except the risers (had to go to box store for them). Video made it super easy to understand and assemble -- even a noob like me did it. Thanks again!

[@TheAmateursAmateur]

This video is super dope. I decided to learn how to care for my lawn this year versus outsourcing to a landscaping company. After I seeded and fertilized my lawn, I had to manually water it. The problem is that I have 1.3 acres, and that takes me almost 2 hours twice a day. I watched many videos on how to automate watering process minus the cost of having an in-ground systems installed. Your video is by far the best one that I watched. It's very detailed and thorough, but most importantly the information presented in this video is priceless. I just purchased the majority of the supplies for this project from your affiliate link to show some support for such a great video. I thank you very much for this. Keep up the great work, and you have a new subscriber.

[@TheMitchellbegeng]

Having all resolutions up to 4k, and timestamps throughout really elevates the video quality for me. Thanks!

[@wardyrb]

Thanks for the idea Ryan. I went a step further and setup a 4-outlet timer system with quick disconnects on the sprinkler spikes and hoses.

[@theyardfreako]

Low flow sprinklers, are in my opinion, the best out there for suburban lawns. Best for wind resistance. Best for slow and steady application of water for maximum benefit. And best for water conservation. Great video Ryan!

[@DTNSU]

The material he used are good for low flow? Would 1/2 inch garden hose also help?

[@Mrs.2k13]

THANK YOU FOR THIS. I have been struggling with finding good sprinklers and wanted to do something like this and your video is so helpful. Much appreciated!

[@LlyleHunter]

I’ve alway set up my irrigation the same way except that I’ve many sprinklers and hoses, set all of them out in my garden beds where they’re laid out in their permanent positions. I bury the hoses under mulch and use mechanical egg style timers and four way split brass manifolds off of the spigot. It’s worked for me in every home since 1973 and maintenance is much easier. My way of adding zones is by adding garden beds to find places to position sprinklers yet look good.

[@jenniferpringle8277]

Exactly what I was thinking of doing! Good to see it works for someone!

[@lawncarewithtim4896]

Ryan you make lawn care accessible to everyone. For example you give alternatives that don’t need a large budget, but still give excellent results. Don’t own a toro greensmaster? Don’t worry use a push mower for a fine cut lawn etc etc. Regards from South Australia.

[@jackier7737]

I love this idea. I probably would go with green hose and try to tuck it on the edges so it looked more inconspicuous.

[@clarkevanmeter2676]

I've got a 3.5hp pump pulling river water and pushing through 12lbs of head to 24 of these. Works well, especially like how gentle they are.

[@timkosem3521]

Hey Ryan - nice video and great idea. One note about the Teflon thread tape, though. Teflon tape or pipe dope should be used on National Pipe Thread (NPT) tapered threaded fittings like the ones on the nipple you used between the stake and the sprinker can. These are the same threads that are also used on metal galvanized water or black gas pipe. It is meant to help fill the void between the threads which are sealing the connection on an NPT joint. Hose threads, on the other hand, are a flange-type connection that seal by means of a gasket, usually a rubber or plastic ring that goes into the female end of the connection. Tightening the connection compresses the gasket, sealing the joint. The Teflon tape will do you no good there.

[@Cryslr3Hun]

@timkosem3521 That is good info, I didn't know that about the hose thread. Thanks for your input

[@JJ-rf7dg]

I like this concept. I have an irrigation system and its high maintenance along with winterization.

[@BMETFerg]

Perfect timing! I really need to build this setup.

[@wadeb.5509]

For large areas you can use the pop up rotating heads. I do 'most' of an area that's over 5k sq ft in one shot. Just takes a little more running time. 3 heads so you can also do "L" shaped areas and what not.

[@LlyleHunter]

I’ve been doing it this way with rotors and pulsators for decades however I’ve set them up in my garden beds, buried the hoses under the mulch every year and place them permanently. It works very well

[@ty-wrap8184]

I built this last year and worked great. I dont need them anymore if your interested in buying my used ones...

[@jasonvanengen5695]

Nice tutorial! Those Zero G hoses are nice!

[@kylechambers4048]

Yes I love those zero G hoses! Great metal hose ends on those and super light weight, easy to coil

[@jrmc3187]

I've thought about using these type of hoses..I am very cautious with anything "as seen on TV". My first thought is they are cheap junk with some goofy spokes guy pitching a snake oil type product. I guess like everything, some are good and some are not so good.

[@aidancollingwood7308]

Thanks for a very informative and, as usual, professional video. Your lawns look really good. I hope to one day get a nice, smooth, level, striped lawn. Even though I live in England with different weather and grass types, I find your videos - and those of Connor Ward and others - to be very useful and full of good ideas. Keep up the good work on this channel.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks 👍

[@DIYDad1]

Those zero g hoses look awesome especially when storing the entire system over the winter time. I got the cheap 25ft hoses from menards they aren’t great but they work. I set up a similar system last year for my reno using a melnor 4 way hose timer. Just left the sprinklers out for a few months and set the system to run a few times a day during seeding and then backed it off once the seed was established. Each zone is a mix of the hunter MP’s, some melnor rotors, and an impact on one zone. It works but I wish I would have just bought all MP rotators you begin with! Those nozzles are so amazing I really like how even the coverage is compared to trying to shoot a single rotor like 30 feet. Great update video, even thought the original is still very useful 😄

[@juanreyes25]

The zero g hoses are awesome. I have a 50' and a 100 ' . Super light to drag around. I move em around on 2 acres. Have lasted 3 yrs so far, no leaks.

[@kentmerrill8925]

That is a good video. Starting this project soon this is a good start. Thanks

[@yamil_rivas]

Thank you for redoing this DIY guide! I will most definitely be doing this in a few days!

[@artschulte1897]

Great demonstration and really efficient for watering without the unground sprinkler cost

[@BattsLM]

Thanks for the tips. I just had seed put down and was looking for a starter system. This is perfect!

[@j.g.7054]

Fantastic video! Thank you! We just subscribed and you have taught us so much. Great work Ryan!!!!!!! We really appreciate your hard work!

[@kristycannon7923]

I just purchased the items you had listed to make my own system! I'm super thrilled to give this a whirl and to make my "grass-watering-life" easier! Thanks Ryan!🤗

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Glad to help!

[@jasonb8081]

I set this up for my front and side yards. Works just great. Thanks for the Idea.

[@jessiegarcia1734]

This video just improved my lawn watering sanity. Thank you!!!!!!! Great video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@scottbrynjulfson2776]

Like your MN Wild hat! Great vid Ryan.

[@minhajeee]

Thanks this is exactly I was looking for as my house doesn’t have sprinklers system.

[@seanwinchell492]

Man, you are it! I am looking to you from now on for my #Lawngoals, which just started this year for me btw. After putting in work aerating, and dethatching and wanting to generally improve my lawn i have found your channel by far the most helpful as i stumble through what to do now that the season is winding down. Thanks so much for everything you do and inspiring me to create a great lawn myself. Keep it up brother!

[@tammyarneson7032]

So there are several for each hose that are connected by the hoses. I like. I think I will try to do this.

[@alexn5520]

Thanks for the nudge! I was thinking of doing this as a stepping stone to true inground irrigation. Just ordered your setup and will try it on a small section of my front lawn that’s awkward to irrigate with my impacts. I smell a renovation in my future. I think I might just tell my wife I accidentally killed that section of lawn hehe

[@dlvh007]

Very informative, and I like the timestamps! You always do a nice job there Ryan, and the yard is looking really good!

[@Moondoggy1941]

This is a good system for getting your deep watering done.

[@eagle2742]

Nice job Ryan!

[@ExperimentalLawn]

Hey everyone, I know the link for the risers is sold out or unavailable. Probably thanks to Ryan for a great video. Don't fret or fear, most of the time Home Depot or Lowes carries these in their in-ground sprinkler parts section which is usually nowhere near the garden center! Good luck on your builds because these things work!

[@liontamerxxwvwxx1280]

I'm a few months late, but they're usually in the plumbing section in the same aisle as the PVC pipes and components.

[@rkwatchauralnautsjediparty7303]

@@liontamerxxwvwxx1280 Thanks, Lion.

[@AssembleShow]

thanks ryan! been looking for an easy solution for my backyard. this is awesome cheers

[@ronwheeler8590]

Enjoyed. That set up was actually how I found your channel last year

[@andrewpeters531]

Orbit water timers work well. You can add a splitter to run two sets of hoses to get coverage to multiple areas. Jake the lawn kid also did a video where he had a timer with 4 hose connections. Just as Ryan said water pressure will be a factor is some cases.

[@nj2996]

love the orbit ecosystem. I have 5 of their bhyve wifi /bluetooth timers all over my property. I use rechargeable ni-mh batteries which last about 2-3 weeks with twice daily valve activation. the hardware was finicky to set up but once they were all connected, works very well. thanks for the video Ryan. Iam putting together some temp sprinklers of my own and found this to be very helpful.

[@gangrenebob7281]

I'm running 350 GPH volume from the outdoor tap and I can only string 3 MP-3000-90 together in a chain using a 5/8 50-100 foot hose up front and 1/2" 25 footers between spikes. My heads are set to 180 span and I have to decrease the radius of the first one to compensate for the end spike in the chain so they are all even or else the final head won't turn. It's a great system though, love it with a 4 zone timer. Best way to calculate it get the hunter brochure with all the head outputs and calculate how many head output will equal your flow rate in a zone. Of course if you have more heads set to 90 degrees, this will increase output down the chain compared to if you try and use 3 heads set to 360 coverage which doesn't work. I use 3x 180 spread because I have large areas to cover but I'm going to add more zones so I can get a few more corner heads setup with 90 coverage which will increase flow rate down the line to the other heads in the large gaps between corners.

[@rosscraddock6241]

Legend. I’ve been watching your old one loads as I need to build one in the UK....

[@backpacker3421]

Thanks for this. I want to install an in ground system eventually, but part of what's holding me back is not being too sure about the design. I need to get that right, and I don't trust the companies around here to do it. I see too many of my neighbors with poorly installed systems. So I got enough bodies and heads to do my back yard with this DIY system and custom cut hose. First try at a set up is working well and getting full coverage with almost no overspray. Before the real heat gets here I'll get the front set up as well. Then I can experiment with placement and head settings until I'm certain it's spot on to what I want... then I just need the time and energy to dig the trenches and run the pipe. Almost certainly won't happen until next year... And then it'll be time for a smart controller.

[@marcieb19]

EXACTLY what I'm looking for! Thanks 😊

[@theANGRIERone]

This is my next project, after I finish my DIY roller/striper for my riding mower. Got all the parts in my cart! Thanks dude!

[@b1gdave514]

Prolly going to use this idea for my newly cleared woods that i made a awsome sitting area in..use it to water my flowers..awsome ryan..

[@adamlimo5228]

Love getting these notifications, especially when it's exactly what I'm looking to do. 👍👍 thanks for all the awesome content and info

[@marksTips466]

Great video - note at 7:20 you blocked the picture on how to make the adjustment. thanks

[@spintowinslots7141]

We just bought a new home and I’ve been going crazy watering and fertilizing to keep our grass green and healthy. This is really going to help me, thanks for the updated video!

[@michellerivera5419]

Thank you so much for the info! I needed this!!

[@tombrownrigg8794]

Thank you Sir. I like it. Very simple 👍

[@davidgc6794]

This is an awesome guide! I will do that in my yard. Thanks a lot!

[@answernotfound5278]

For the hose faucet timers I have always used orbit.

[@unixmky]

Thanks for the tips Ryan! This was a very easy to follow guide. Love my improved sprinkler system.

[@xvedit6104]

Damnit Ryan I just got back from Home Depot. got a couple sprinklers, A 100ft dia. Brass impact and a couple other simple ones along with a hose end spray gun.

[@ze_german2921]

Flexzilla is the best Water and Air hose out there. Walmart now sells 50' Flexzilla for $35

[@Moondoggy1941]

They seem to be just like the Fat Max from Stanley.

[@Robert-ug5hx]

Two thing wrong , walmart and china made

[@philthelawnman]

So glad to see my tips are helping others. Great job.

[@lettersandlove]

Ive always been impressed with this setup. Good stuff!

[@anangrytexan2244]

I found another option that actually worked better for me when it comes to the body and nozzle. I picked up the Saturn III gear drive from Orbit for less money than the other bodies and nozzles. Sprays up to 30 ft and does the job nicely.

[@phillipreausaw1774]

good info and descriptions.

[@Chu_on_This]

Yes! This is what I needed! Been trying to fine tune and setup for your lawns.

[@MerariBonova]

Thank you for making this video !!!

[@sonub5401]

Ryan, I bought this great timer for my hose to help me with irrigation. It monitors weather and won’t turn the timers on if it has rained or is gonna rain, according to the schedule you have in place. I’m also thinking about getting this sensor for soil moisture and a rain gauge. The system will tell you if your lawn or garden needs watering. I think that these two things would be great for someone who doesn’t have much time in their week. The riser you linked to Amazon is out of stock, would you have an alternate that would work as well? I would love to see a review on these two things and to see what your thoughts are. The two said items are the Orbit B-Hyve and the Ecowitt weather sensor paired with the soil moisture sensor and rainfall sensor. Thanks for all you do to help us with our lawns. Looking forward to what you think.

[@francoj8751]

Bout to run to The Home Depot tomorrow.

[@YardGuy]

Great video Ryan!

[@danieltillman3858]

This makes me want to build on of these for my 270 sqft yard lol. I just have a oscillating sprinkler propped up on a bush.

[@FrankC656]

This was super helpful I’ll be doing this myself. I don’t believe my oscillating sprinkler put down near enough water this fall after overseeding.

[@RenegadeX74]

I use the Gilmour pattern master for my lawn and I love them 😍 ❤

[@ernmondwong1448]

93, Dougie!!

[@robertmilbury7216]

Ryan what is your water pressure? Mine at spigot is 59psi, so I was thinking of using -three mp3000 on a 5/8 hose. Will it work you think?

[@maryelizabethallen2054]

Ryan, thanks for the helpful video!

[@johnrackham7076]

Saw lots of questions about water pressure and also though my pressure was inadequate. My rotators would not spin reliably. I found my problem had to do with air in the line. As water flows, air pockets are created by turbulence. Any turn in the hose or connection can cause this. I solved the problem by installing an automatic air release value just before the problem sprinkler head assemblies Ryan shows you how to build here. Requires a 3/4" hose threaded tee, a 3/4" GHT to 3/4" NPT double female adapter, and a 3/4" male automatic air release value. If your heads pop up, but don't always spin... and if you push the head to one side or the other while running and hear a whistling sound... this is the solution for you.

[@kylemorris3080]

Going to try this, I have this problem

[@wackerwacker]

Wonderful content Ryan! Keep it up!!!

[@uswcboy]

I would change from the Hunter style head (nozzle) to the Rain Bird R-VAN, which does not require a special tool to adjust the heads. In fact, I think the Rain Bird would work better if these were not "dedicated to certain areas within the area to be watered. Far easier to adjust than the Hunters. Toro also makes a great nozzle that is female threaded and will fit onto Rain Bird, Hunter, Orbit, etc pop-up spray bodies.

[@troyhenry3267]

What type grass you have? Beautiful

[@VW.907]

Love my zero-g hose.

[@dawghunter18]

Hey Ryan, could you tell me exactly what those parts are again so I can pick them up at Home Depot

[@CrimtideStreams]

Question for you.. I am a novice but I am tired of my yard looking like a mess.. I got tired of watering my yard with 1 hose and 1impact sprinkler, having to move it around every 15-20 minutes or so.. so today I bought 2 more impact sprinklers, and 2 extra hoses the type with spikes, not the flat base like you showed in this video.. do those require more flow to work? I thought I was going to be a good home owner and setup 3 hoses daisy chaining 3 impact sprinklers, but all they did was spit out water in one direction and not actually go back and forth.. would something like this work for me? Do they require less flow, etc? Or should I just get a better heavy duty impact sprinkler, like you have in this video, set it in the middle of my square yard, and let it rotate 360º?? My impact sprinklers, even when there is only one hooked up to the spigot, don't spray near as much as yours is showing to do.

[@johnspanos3862]

Love your videos. Question, we are about to do a renovation on our rectangular 10000sqft yard. We are on well water and pressure in the house is usually perfectly fine with a 40psi minimum and 60psi cut off for our well tank. We plan to follow this DIY to set up an above ground zoned system where basically I have a bunch of the same system you outlined in the video hooked up to a manifold of sorts. I probably will get a 6 way digitally controlled zoned manifold so at any given time I'm running 1 zone, etc. not to overwhelm our well. Do you agree with my approach? it's about 60 feet from the house to the street so I'm trying to figure out how best to size the rows of each zone to effectively cover a 10,000sqft rectuangular area. Any help with this would be immensely appreciated!!

[@davidmancini2198]

Hey Ryan, just found your channel. I'll be a home owner by end of the year, could you make a video about when and why you use each of your many mowers?! Love the channel cuz I'm determined to have the best lawn in town! Stay safe!

[@Alex-fs6kz]

Amazing. Thank you for this video!

[@Irrigationplus]

Great video

[@seminole715]

Thanks for the video Ryan great info!

[@ericbeck3617]

Hi Ryan! Do you not use your in ground irrigation system anymore?

[@Sami-rp7mf]

Thank you..I'll get the sprinkler set up.

[@mk4_willy826]

Hey Ryan I love your channel keep up the great work but I wanted to know if you can make a specific video of what kind of grass seed you use for the front yard with all the percentages because I want to try out a small section in my yard to see if I can get results like you

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

This is the seed I use ryanknorrlawncare.com/product/perennialryegrass/

[@mk4_willy826]

Ryan Knorr Lawn Care hey Ryan is this seed you use also the one that’s mixed with the different verities of KBG

[@sagartale1]

Hi Ryan, really nice video. You mentioned we need to have head to head coverage. The end head would not have head to head coverage, right?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

On the last one I set it to 90 degrees so it's still getting coverage from the sprinkler next to it in line. If you set it to 180 then one side would not be getting full coverage

[@michaelwallach4352]

I’d bury the lines (but use in ground irrigation tubing instead of garden hose) and just leave an above ground hookup for the hose from your spigot.

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

First Aussie 😁. Another great video. 😎👍👍

[@RealList10]

I really like this idea and want to try it but was wondering, how would this do with watering trees also? We live in a new housing development so we have young trees we are trying to keep watered. Is this only for grass? Thanks!

[@YardGuy]

Great video Ryan! I do something similar with my setup. Works good for me.

[@micenroad2]

Great video! Great idea! Question to everyone, I’ve attempted to do this and I can only get two (2) sprinklers on one line. Adding the third there isn’t enough pressure. Any suggestions? Or am I stuck at 2? I have a booster pump on my home but it is probably 15 years old. Could that be dead and I need an upgrade?

[@Cryslr3Hun]

Hello, I appreciate this video as I am getting more involved in learning about lawn care. Can you tell me the total cost of building this kind of sprinkler and can I get all the parts at a local Home Depot or Walmart

[@StevePatak]

I did this set-up with a mix of 2 3000s and 3 2000s yesterday. All operating off an Orbit 2 zone timer. Hindsight, I should have just gone with all 3000s because despite decent water pressure, the losses running through 100' of hose to get to the last head is too much and I can't get the max distances. Ultimately, I am going to separate the zones into 2 3000s and 3 3000s to ensure I get the best coverage. I also wonder if using the 40 PSI regulated body is limiting my range.

[@anonymous_friend]

I get 3/4" contractor grade hoses from ACE hardware. They have held up well and dont kink.

[@stenguyen1]

thanks for updating this

[@AlexFrenkel]

Can you cover also irrigation computers? Valves?

[@Terry11111]

Thanks Ryan...good stuff

[@exploring247]

I believe Mp Rotator says you want 40psi as optimum across each sprinkler head