Layout Basics
One of the key aspects of any well done layout is graph
paper. It makes it easy to draw to scale because you
can say that one block on the graph paper is equal to a
certain number of feet, depending on how big your yard
is.
Another useful tool to have is a compass preferably one
that actuates with a screw. This will allow you to draw
consistent circles that represent the range of your
sprinklers. This allows you to represent the area each
sprinkler covers. Remember to cover all areas. Some
overlap is alright, but you cannot leave open spaces
between circles
Another thing to keep in mind is that you want to
avoid running your lines near trees as they will be hard
to trench by and roots entangle sprinklers because
they are water sources.
In most sprinkler systems today you run 1.25" main
lines and then run 1" lines off of those. This allows
you to run up to five sprinklers off one main line and
its runners per zone.