Jun 08 2008
“Sprinklers and Drip Systems” by Sunset Books
I checked Sprinklers and Drip Systems by Sunset Books out of the library because my husband and I are looking at putting in a sprinkler system this summer, and I figured that I should study up so I knew what the sprinkler installation man was talking about when he explained our options to us. 
I was pleasantly surprised by how readable this book was, and yet it still managed to be chockful of information.
I’m not the world’s most mechanically inclined person (hahaha!!!!! On a good day, I might be able to tell you where the engine in my truck is at!) but even for a dummy like me, this book made sense. I’m not exactly ready to go out and install a sprinkler system myself, but I think for any readers who are fairly confident in their handyman skills but haven’t actually installed a sprinkler system before, they would be able to read this book and gain enough information to install a sprinkler system without having to pay someone to do the work for them.
If you’re wanting a brush up on sprinkler systems, and like big pictures that are clearly labeled, plus step-by-step instructions that actually make sense, then you’ll love this book. Installing a sprinkler system is something a homeowner could do on their own and save themselves hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in labor costs. The $12.95 for this book is worth it, or even better: Check it out from your local library!
Warning: It is definitely geared towards beginners, so if you’re the owner of a sprinkler installation company and you’re wanting an advanced book covering things only a sprinkler installation owner would want to know about 
then this is NOT the book for you. For the average homeowner who hasn’t installed a system before and wants some handholding, this book is a godsend.
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of gardening and lawn work, I don’t know how much wandering around my readers have done here at Today, but in case y’all missed it, there is a great gardening blog here at Today.com - In the Garden, written by my friend Teresa. Definitely worth a visit!
I give Sprinklers and Drip Systems 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Havs
Second attempt at commenting…
I’ll forego the lame joke I made, but I’m curious to know if the book mentions anything about sprinkler systems and water conservation? Do they help?
The book does talk about that - setting up a sprinkler system can actually be a great way to conserve water, since you can program it to come on at 2:00 in the morning and water until 3:00, instead of you doing it during the day when you’re awake.
Then, of course, wherever you can use a drip system instead of a regular sprinkler system, you’ll want to do that, since using a drip system can save you an insane amount of water (don’t quote me on this, but I want to say 60% savings vs regular sprinklers).
I turned the book back into the library, so I can’t give specific examples, but I do remember the book talking about all of this kind of stuff. It was very informative, at least to me.
HTH,
Havs
PS I always enjoy lame jokes. Please, don’t leave it out next time. LOL!!!
Sprinklers are so much for the kids that I forget they’re actually supposed to be working at keeping my grass healthy!