When I first started, I had no one to teach me, and I wish there had been more resources around to help me get started. Unfortunately, irrigation and reticulation are often done very poorly for home residential systems. This is why I have started ‘The School of Retic’ so I can teach you and give you the help I struggled to find.
This course is ideal for landscapers, gardeners, beginners, homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, other trades wanting to expand their irrigation knowledge and anyone interested in learning more about irrigation.
How to Install Automatic Irrigation System is designed to teach you how to install solenoids, wire up the controller, run the main supply pipe, handle the wiring, install solenoid boxes and piping, and do everything from start to finish the right way—like a professional.
I want to teach you how to install irrigation properly, the right way, and avoid common mistakes. And plan for the future so you’ve got a successful long-term irrigation system.
Having installed and repaired reticulation and irrigation systems for nearly 20 years, I am excited to share my knowledge with others.
This course is focused solely on the setup side of an automatic system from the controller to solenoids
An itemised parts list that you can download with product codes for our recommended supplier
A map of what we are doing that can be downloaded as well
Step by step video instructions of me slowly installing each section and each fitting. I have filmed the entire installation!
Lots of tips and knowledge shared along the way in far more detail than on my social media posts
We will be getting more courses ready based on feedback from our clients and followers so hang tight if you wish to learn more and let us know what you would like to learn next.
We began with the automatic side of irrigation because it’s the most common area where people need help. Based on feedback from our customers and others, we believe this is the most crucial starting point.
Sprinkler installation and design
Bore systems (although if you have a bore, you can still learn a lot from this course)
Other things beyond this such as testing the pressure, how many zones your property may need, design, etc. These will be in future courses. Remember irrigation has many variables.
Unlimited Offline Support. While installing your own system, we cannot provide unlimited support and answer individual questions due to the volume of inquiries, work, and social media commitments.
Additional Information. For more information, our social media channels offer plenty of free resources.
BUT what you are getting is me sharing my decades of experience with you in this area AND this is the way I do my own installations! (with a few variations of course)
I’ve been successfully self-employed installing systems to a high standard almost my entire adult life and the most important thing you need to know is
I WANT TO HELP YOU! And I have put a lot of time into this.
Ready to take control of your irrigation? Enrol now and start building an auto irrigation system yourself. Avoid the high costs of hiring professionals or increase your own skill to help your own clients and gain the confidence and skills to do it right.
Before you begin...
Introduction to the course
Download the course materials
How to set up your workspace
About the irrigation controller
Controller walkthrough
Wiring overview
Plumbing connections
Basic overview of a solenoid
What's a master valve and why is it important?
Installing the master solenoid valve
Connecting the master valve to PVC
Connecting the master valve to blueline
Starting the main supply line
Stormwater/prelay setup
Prelay/stormwater installation
Pushing piping through stormwater/prelay
Finishing blueline plumbing piping
Manifold workspace setup
Overview of solenoid manifolds
How to connect from PVC to the manifold
How to connect from blueline to the manifold
Assembling the solenoid manifold
Additional solenoid install tip
Flushing the main line
Recap
Connecting the main line to the solenoid manifold
Rolling out the wire
Installing the conduit
Threading wire through conduit
Leave extra wire at each valve
Threading wire through conduit using a draw wire
Pushing the wire through the prelays
“I reached out to Luke with a reticulation problem I was looking to sort out and Luke sent me a video and parts list to be able to have a crack at sorting it out myself which was right up my alley and rewarding!
Luke’s willingness to share and explain retic should be commended.”
Cameron L
“We had such a great experience with Luke. After finding one of our valves was stuck open and having no success in locating it (I came close) Luke was more than happy to come up and fix it. He was prompt, really friendly and easy to talk to about our system and found the broken valve in no time and replaced it. He even took the liberty to film it and send me video at work to what he had done and how close I was. I like the fact that he doesn't mind you "having a go" and suggested for future work if I wanted to do the trenching it could save some money in getting extra stations laid etc. You could hardly even tell he had been there! We will be using Lukes services and expertise again - thanks mate!”
John H
“For years I've not known what to do with my poorly laid out reticulation eg, multiple dry/dead patches both front and rear lawns. Luke has guided me through how to design and what products to use and to have a crack at it myself. The result now is amazing coverage front and rear. Highly recommend Luke for anything regarding reticulation.”
Dave A
