PVC Mister Sprinkler {tutorial}

Do you need a fun way to beat the summer heat? Well here is an easy and fun way to get the kids wet this summer.  I found this idea on Instructables.

First you will need to gather your materials.

What you will need:

 Head to your local hardware store for the following 3/4" pipe and fittings:

2 ten foot lengths of PVC

3 end caps

1 threaded female hose connector (slip fit)

2 elbow joints (90 degree)

2 T connections

1 pack quarter circle mister jets or raindrip jets

Next Find all your tools. 

Tools needed for this project are:

measuring device

pen or pencil

pvc cutter or saw

PVC cement and primer

drill

5/32" drill bit

Now it is time to cut your pipes.  

2 at 5 feet

1 at 4 feet

4 at 18 inches

Cut one of the 10' lengths in half so that you have two 5' sections.

Then, cut a 4' section from the second one. Cut the remaining 6' section in half and then each of the 3' sections in half.

Now make your center lines. 

To help keep your misters pointing in the same directions you will need a center line.  Take your three longest pipes and mark a line on them.  To do so, hold two pipes together, using one as a guide run your pen or pencil  along it to make the line. As long as you keep your pen or pencil angle the same you will get a straight line.

Make your drill markings. 

This step really depends on the amount of misters you have.  I had 10 in my package so I placed 4 on the top and 3 on the sides.  My markings were as followed.  9" from each end on the top and then every 10" for the other two.  For the sides I placed my holes every 12 inches from the top end for 3 holes on each side. 

Drill your holes for the jets. 

Make sure you check your jets, but for my jets the 5/32" drill bit worked the best.

Assemble upright poles.

When assembling you will need to for a "U" shape.  Each of the drilled holes will need to be facing up. Once you're satisfied glue up the "U", making sure the holes stay facing up. To do so you will prime it first and then glue.

Screw in the jets.

You can skip this part and just have streams of water shooting out all over the place, but the misters are lots of fun.

 

You will need to use some good pressure for this step.  However, once the jets begin to make their own threads into pipes it will become easier.  Face the jet holes toward the center.  My jets made it possible to move them around depending on how the kids wanted to you the sprinkler later.

Assemble and glue the base. 

Your "U" shape is up and the misters are installed so you are just about done.  Now it is time for the base.  Before you glue all parts together, MAKE SURE YOUR HOSE FITTING FITS YOUR HOSE, then glue.

Almost done...Attach your base. 

First assemble the "U" and the base without glue. Make sure the base pieces are parallel with each other, and perpendicular to the plane of the "U". The edge of a sidewalk is a great reference to make sure your base pieces are parallel with each other, and perpendicular to the plane of the "U". Once everything is lined up you are ready for glue.

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT

make sure everything is dried before turing on the water.  It doensn't take too long, just have patience.

Now it is time to turn on the water.

Finally after many windy days, the kids have been able to enjoy their new sprinkler. 

They can run through it.

They can ride through it.

Or they can just sit under it and enjoy the cool water.

Hope you enjoy your summer!  We Are!