We have a big relaxation area in our front yard full of gardenias. There's an open area in the middle of it measuring about 10ft x 12ft. My wife and I would like to build a small pond there with a waterfall and a bench beside it. I figure the pond itself would measure about 8ft x 6ft. My wife and 10 year old would like to keep some small fish in there (like guppies) which could also keep down mosquitos and algae.
Here's my issue. The front lawn has an irrigation system with 7 zones of coverage. None of the sprinkler heads are in the garden area, but I have no idea where the pipes run for the system. The previous owner passed away and took his knowledge of the system with him. I don't want to risk busting a PCV pipe if one happens to run right under this area so what would be the best way to go about finding out where those pipes run? I imagine the pipes wouldn't be more than 6-8" below the surface, right? If so, could I just gradually (gently) scrape the surface down to about 8" depth and if I don't hit anything, probably safe to continue on down to 2ft?
Thanks in advance for any advice on this. Also, any general advice on garden ponds is appreciated.
Here's my issue. The front lawn has an irrigation system with 7 zones of coverage. None of the sprinkler heads are in the garden area, but I have no idea where the pipes run for the system. The previous owner passed away and took his knowledge of the system with him. I don't want to risk busting a PCV pipe if one happens to run right under this area so what would be the best way to go about finding out where those pipes run? I imagine the pipes wouldn't be more than 6-8" below the surface, right? If so, could I just gradually (gently) scrape the surface down to about 8" depth and if I don't hit anything, probably safe to continue on down to 2ft?
Thanks in advance for any advice on this. Also, any general advice on garden ponds is appreciated.