This document provides information on retrofitting an in-ground irrigation system into a microirrigation system. Retrofitting involves replacing sprinkler heads with adapters, tubing, and low-volume emitters to convert entire irrigation zones to microirrigation and conserve water. The process involves locating sprinkler heads, removing and replacing them with appropriate fittings and tubing, and installing emitters. Regular maintenance like checking for clogs and cleaning filters is needed. Retrofitting is recommended to conserve water compared to traditional sprinkler systems.

1. Hillsborough County Extension
5339 S County Road 579
Seffner, FL 33584
(813) 744-5519
Website: http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu
FACT SHEET: Retrofitting an In-ground Irrigation
System into Microirrigation
LYNN BARBER, B.A., FLORIDA YARDS & NEIGHBORHOODS AGENT
(Adapted from Retrofit presentations by Jack Tichenor, Extension Agent, Manatee County Extension
and Maria Carver, Water-Wise Program Coordinator, Hillsborough County Extension)
Retrofitting is the process of converting your traditional inground irrigation to a microirrigation (low volume)
system. Low volume is defined as 30 gallons per hour (gph) or less. Inground systems emit landscape
irrigation in gallons per minute (gpm). Retrofitting is environmentally-friendly because it conserves water.
However, retrofit microirrigation cannot be used on turfgrass zones. Retrofitting involves the conversion of
entire irrigation zones. Partial conversion of an irrigation zone is not recommended. In-ground irrigation
sprinkler heads can easily be replaced with a retrofit assembly.
Retrofit Installation Procedures:
 Locate sprayer head or rotor in the landscape bed
 Dig out existing pop-up sprayer or rotor head. Flush out the system. Note: When you turn the
water on, the hole surrounding the existing pop-up sprayer or rotor will flood and can cause soil to
enter the system and delay retrofitting progress.
One outlet option: Replace sprayer with adapter elbow or tee, install multi-outlet device,
sprayer adapter or cap off sprayer if not needed. Install distribution tubing on fitting and install
throughout landscape bed.
Multiple outlet option: Insert multi-outlet on poly riser or insert sprayer retro-kit. Run spaghetti
tubing from multi-outlet to plant and install a selected emitter from the variety available.
Water filters may be needed to remove particles and minimize clogging potential. The easiest water source
to convert is municipal, and additional filters may not necessary but are recommended. Converting from a
reclaimed water source is easy, and additional filters are recommended. Depending on the presence or
absence of a pressure tank, conversion from a well water source can be easy or difficult. Pressure
regulators are important because they reduce incoming water pressure to help prevent the rupture of plastic
tubing and fittings and provide usable pressure ranges for emitters, especially drip.
Retrofit System Maintenance:
 Periodically check for clogged emitters
 Regularly clean filters
 Flush lines when possible
 Check for broken lines or missing emitters
 Check spray patterns to make sure they are not blocked by plants
 Adjust run times seasonally and as plants become established
 Add or remove emitters according to plant needs
Retrofitting - another environmentally-friendly concept that conserves water.
For additional information on Extension Retrofitting workshops, view our Calendar of Garden Workshops at:
http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu/HomeGardening/event-calendar.html
Hillsborough County Extension is a cooperative service of Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal
Employment Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age,
disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M., University Cooperative
Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.