PEX okay for underground irrigation system?

[Buttonsrtoys]

I'm a DIYer and have a sod delivery arriving Monday for my small suburban yard (2500 S.F.). Last minute it occurred to me that a simple irrigation system with 3-4 heads would be a god send, so ideally need to get something in the ground this weekend. I'm looking at the Orbit system, which takes 1/2 inch "flexible polyethylene tubing". None of the local suppliers stock the Orbit brand (I'm in Nova Scotia) and it would take 10 days to arrive. Is this simply 1/2" PEX? Or is there something special about polyethylene that goes underground?

 

[Reach4]

I don't know irrigation.

For a given nominal size, PEX is smaller than Irrigation poly which uses ASTM 2609 size fittings.

So if you use PEX, you would need to use PEX fittings.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Buttonsrtoys]

I don't know irrigation.

For a given nominal size, PEX is smaller than Irrigation poly which uses ASTM 2609 size fittings.

So if you use PEX, you would need to use PEX fittings.

Thanks. Hadn't considered that. So would need an adapter when connecting to the timer and heads. Would that be a problem?

 

[WorthFlorida]

As Reach mentioned, pipe sizing for fittings will be a hassle. Not sure on your knowledge of irrigation systems so I added some additional comments.

Most irrigation systems use rigid PVC pipe to bring water to the sprinkler heads. From the PVC with the required fittings you then change it to what Rain Bird calls "Swing" pipe, also know as "funny pipe". It can be bought in 2' lengths or 100' coil or 6" with fittings. You use barb fittings to connect to the funny pipe. The first URL has pictures that shows typical connections. In CA it might not be Rainbird" labeled but this is pretty much standard components from any brand.

I looked it up and there is three Home Depots in Nova Scotia but your irrigation stock is probably far less than we have in Florida. Your most important part is the water source connection. If you're using your drinking water supply you must install a anti-siphon preventor. You also must have some way to drain the system or blow compressed air to remove the water to winterize it. I hope this all helps.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rain-Bir...l-for-Sprinkler-Installation-N89500/100212620
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rain-Bird-2-ft-L-Swing-Pipe-SWGP2/203258173
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rain-Bird-6-in-x-1-2-in-x-3-4-in-Swing-Pipe-Assembly-SA65/203258176
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rain-Bir...n-Swing-Pipe-Elbow-10-Pack-SWGE075B/206127183
http://www.homedepot.com/p/3-4-in-Plastic-FPT-Automatic-Anti-Siphon-Zone-Valve-57623/203020016

 

[Rmk9785e]

You could use this Rainbird design manual to become better informed about irrigation systems. Another useful resource is How to install drip Irrigation 101. WorthFlorida provided links above will get you pretty much everything you need.

 

[Gary Swart]

For God's sake, use PVC. Cheaper, easier to work with.