How to Install an Outdoor Misting System

With an outdoor misting system you can extend the use of your patio or garden even when it is unbearably hot. Designed to convert hot air into cool air, outdoor misting systems can bring surrounding temperatures down to 30 degrees F.

Step 1 - Measure the Patio

Measure the floor of your patio or backyard and the parallel distance where you will mount the pipes. You have to hang your pipes at least eight feet above ground for the misting system to work well. Once you jot the measurements down on a notepad, break them down into segments to ascertain how many lengths of PVC pipes you need to purchase.

Step 2 - Cut and Coat PVC Pipe

Measure and mark your PVC pipe every 24 inches and cut with a PVC pipe cutter. Use a PVC primer to coat 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the end of the pipe outside, and the inside of the nozzle ends.

Step 3 - Attach PVC Pipes to Nozzles

Coat the end of the PVC pipe with PVC glue and insert the misting nozzle over it. Turn it just a bit to lock it in place so it is secure. Continue applying a coat of primer and then glue other nozzles and PVC pipes for the misting system. Make sure you line the nozzles up straight with each other as you glue, since they cannot be readjusted after the glue dries up. Lay each straight run of the pipe on the floor of the patio as you complete it, and remove all the nozzle heads.

Step 4 - Mount Pipes

Attach clips to each straight run of PVC pipes. Stand on a high ladder and loosely hammer the clips at least eight feet high on your wall, using three clips along the start of the run.

Hammer the starting clip one-inch higher than the ending clip to allow the pipe to drain when necessary.

Attach all the lengths of pipe loosely in the same manner.

Step 5 - Adjust Nozzles

Adjust the nozzles to slightly tilt out rather than pointing directly down. Glue the runs of pipe together using primed elbow fittings. Adjust the nozzles to keep them at the correct angle. You may place additional clips between each nozzle for extra stability. Take a piece of pipe eight-inches long and glue a primed elbow fitting to one end and the drain to the other. Glue the elbow fitting to the lower end of the system. The drain will prevent pipes from freezing and cracking in the winter by draining water.

Step 6 - Connect to Water Source

Run the pipes to a faucet and screw an adapter to it. Use elbow fittings where necessary, and glue the pipe to the adapter. Allow the glue to set over the system for one hour. Turn the water on and allow it to run for several minutes to drain the system. Insert the nozzle heads back on and close the drain.