Moderate to Low. While some trenching and pipe laying can be accomplished by a skilled homeowner, professional design is highly recommended for proper hydraulics and water conservation. Installation, testing, and annual certification of backflow prevention devices, as well as higher voltage electrical connections, often require licensed professionals and inspections.
Involves coordination of plumbing (backflow prevention, frost depth, system hydraulics), electrical (controller, wiring, safety), and significant site work (trenching, utility avoidance). Requires adherence to multiple specialized codes and potentially licensed professionals for specific components.
Project Guidelines & Rules
General Project Administration & Permits
4 Rules
Obtain all necessary permits from your local building department prior to commencement of any work. Separate plumbing and electrical permits may be required.
2024 IRC R105.1; Illinois Plumbing Code 105.1
All work shall comply with the manufacturer's installation instructions for all system components, in addition to local and state codes.
2024 IRC R104.1.1
Contact JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) at least 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to any excavation to locate existing underground utilities.
Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (220 ILCS 50)
Ensure all system components and their installation adhere to DuPage County Zoning Ordinances and any specific local municipal ordinances regarding setbacks and easements.
DuPage County Zoning Ordinance / Local Municipal Ordinances
Water Supply & Backflow Prevention
5 Rules
Connection to the potable water supply system must be made in accordance with approved plumbing practices and under a valid plumbing permit.
Illinois Plumbing Code 603.2, 603.5
A reduced pressure principle backflow preventer (RPZ) is required for all lawn irrigation systems connected to a potable water supply. This is a critical requirement for public health.
Illinois Plumbing Code 608.3(a), 608.13
The backflow preventer shall be installed in a readily accessible location, protected from freezing, and at least 12 inches above the surrounding grade (or flood level rim of the highest fixture served) but no more than 60 inches.
Illinois Plumbing Code 608.16.2
The backflow preventer must be tested upon installation and annually thereafter by an Illinois EPA-certified cross-connection control device inspector.
Illinois Plumbing Code 608.3(a)
Approved atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVB) or pressure vacuum breakers (PVB) may be acceptable for specific zones or individual sprinkler heads under certain limited conditions, but must always be installed downstream of the main RPZ device and above the highest point of water discharge for that zone.
Illinois Plumbing Code 608.13
Plumbing System Installation & Frost Protection
5 Rules
All underground water distribution piping, risers, and valves must be installed below the DuPage County established frost depth of 42 inches below grade, or adequately protected from freezing.
Illinois Plumbing Code 305.6.1; 2024 IRC P2603.5
Provisions for draining or blowing out the irrigation system (e.g., drain valves, blow-out connections) are required for any portion of the system not permanently installed below the frost line.
Illinois Plumbing Code 305.6.1; 2024 IRC P2603.5
Approved materials for irrigation piping include PVC, HDPE, or other materials listed in the Illinois Plumbing Code for underground cold water distribution, ensuring they meet pressure ratings.
Illinois Plumbing Code Chapter 6, Table 605.3
All piping shall be adequately supported, protected from physical damage, and installed to prevent water hammer and excessive stress.
Illinois Plumbing Code 314.0, 604.0; 2024 IRC P2603.6
Isolation valves shall be installed to allow for maintenance and repair of system components without shutting down the entire water supply.
Illinois Plumbing Code 606.1
Electrical System Installation
6 Rules
The irrigation controller and all associated electrical components shall be installed in strict accordance with the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC).
2023 NEC Article 426, Article 725
All 120-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed outdoors for powering irrigation controllers or other equipment shall be Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protected.
2023 NEC 210.8(A)(3)
Low-voltage (Class 2) wiring for solenoid valves must be installed with proper insulation, separation from power-limited circuits, and mechanical protection as required.
2023 NEC 725.130, 725.133, 725.136
Underground electrical wiring (both line voltage and low voltage) shall meet or exceed the minimum cover requirements specified by NEC Table 300.5, based on the specific wiring method and location.
2023 NEC 300.5 (Table 300.5)
Wiring within enclosures, junction boxes, and where exposed shall be properly secured, supported, and protected from physical damage and environmental factors.
2023 NEC 300.4, 314.16, 314.29
All outdoor electrical connections must be made using approved weatherproof and watertight methods and materials suitable for the environment.
2023 NEC 300.5(B), 314.15
Site Work & Landscape Integration
3 Rules
Trenches for irrigation piping and wiring shall be excavated safely, maintaining proper slopes and shoring if necessary, and backfilled properly to prevent future settlement or damage to the system.
2024 IRC R403.1.7.1; OSHA 1926 Subpart P (Excavations)
Excavated soil shall be placed to avoid damage to existing structures, landscape features, or public pathways, and proper erosion control measures shall be in place.
DuPage County Stormwater Ordinance; Good Engineering Practice
The irrigation system design should prioritize water efficiency, minimizing water waste through proper head selection, spacing, and avoiding overspray onto impervious surfaces.
DuPage County Stormwater Ordinance (Water Quality & Conservation); Good Engineering Practice
