A Guide to Understanding
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is a highly efficient method for delivering water directly to the root zone of plants. It’s particularly beneficial for medium to large planting areas with long, continuous rows, though it can be adapted for various uses. We will be discussing the essentials of setting up and utilizing a drip irrigation system.
What is Drip Irrigation?
Drip irrigation involves the use of various components such as polytubes, microtubing, emitters, and drip tapes. Each element serves a specific function and is suited for different purposes. For larger areas with long rows, drip tape systems are commonly used. These systems consist of a mainline connected to header lines, which distribute water to individual drip tapes laid out along the planting rows. We will be concentrating on drip tape today, but if you have a smaller area or individual plants to irrigate check out this article about tubing based drip irrigation.
Key Components of Drip Irrigation Systems
1. Mainline and Header Line: The mainline is the primary water supply line, usually coming from a hose bib or irrigation system. It connects to the header line, which distributes water to the drip tapes. The header line can be various sizes of tubing, such as half-inch or three-quarter-inch polytubes, depending on the area’s size and water requirements.
2. Drip Tape: Drip tape is the primary delivery mechanism for water. It is a perforated hose that releases water slowly along its length. The tape should be installed with the perforations facing up to prevent clogging by soil. Drip tape is connected to the header line using connectors and can have valves to control water flow to specific areas.
3. Connectors and Fittings: Various fittings, such as elbows, tees, and barbed connectors, are used to assemble the mainline and attach the drip tapes. Using heat to slightly warm the tubing can make it easier to attach these fittings securely. It’s also essential connect them firmly to prevent leaks.
4. End Caps and Plugs: At the end of the drip tape and header line, end caps and plugs are used to prevent water from just running out of the open end of the pipe. For drip tape, an end cap is placed at the end of the tape, and for the header line, a plug is used to seal the line.
5. Additional Equipment: Depending on your setup, at the hose bib you may need a Y-splitter to allow you to use the irrigation system and a hose You might also want a timer to automatically automate irrigation schedules. A pressure regulator might be necessary if your water source has high pressure, as excessive pressure can damage the system. A strainer and backflow preventer are also recommended to protect the system and ensure clean water flow.
Installation Tips
1. Testing: Before covering your system with landscape fabric or mulch, test the irrigation system to ensure all parts are functioning correctly and water is distributed evenly.
2. Landscape Fabric: If using landscape fabric for weed control, lay the drip tape underneath the fabric. This setup helps reduce evaporation and maintain soil moisture. You can also easily reach under the fabric and move the tape to put more water in dry areas.
3. Maintenance: Regularly check for leaks or clogs in the system. Having extra fittings and repair tools on hand can help address any issues promptly. Straight couplers will allow you to remove damaged sections of tape. Electrical tape can be used on small leaks, but the pipes must be completely dry for the tape to stick.
Where to Get Drip Irrigation Supplies
Drip irrigation supplies can be purchased from garden centers or online. Home garden drip irrigation kits are available and often include everything needed for a basic setup, with parts guaranteed to fit together. For more customized systems, individual components can be purchased separately. Always make sure you have a few extra parts to handle any unexpected repairs.
Drip irrigation allows you to evenly water a large area with minimum effort. By utilizing individualized combinations of components, you can create a customized watering system tailored to your specific garden.
Related Videos:
Installing a Drip Irrigation System
Eleven Common Landscape Mistakes
Landscape Planning
Related Resources:
Drip Irrigation for Home Gardens
Drip Irrigation Systems
What is Drip Irrigation?
Drip irrigation involves the use of various components such as polytubes, microtubing, emitters, and drip tapes. Each element serves a specific function and is suited for different purposes. For larger areas with long rows, drip tape systems are commonly used. These systems consist of a mainline connected to header lines, which distribute water to individual drip tapes laid out along the planting rows. We will be concentrating on drip tape today, but if you have a smaller area or individual plants to irrigate check out this article about tubing based drip irrigation.
Key Components of Drip Irrigation Systems
1. Mainline and Header Line: The mainline is the primary water supply line, usually coming from a hose bib or irrigation system. It connects to the header line, which distributes water to the drip tapes. The header line can be various sizes of tubing, such as half-inch or three-quarter-inch polytubes, depending on the area’s size and water requirements.
2. Drip Tape: Drip tape is the primary delivery mechanism for water. It is a perforated hose that releases water slowly along its length. The tape should be installed with the perforations facing up to prevent clogging by soil. Drip tape is connected to the header line using connectors and can have valves to control water flow to specific areas.
3. Connectors and Fittings: Various fittings, such as elbows, tees, and barbed connectors, are used to assemble the mainline and attach the drip tapes. Using heat to slightly warm the tubing can make it easier to attach these fittings securely. It’s also essential connect them firmly to prevent leaks.
4. End Caps and Plugs: At the end of the drip tape and header line, end caps and plugs are used to prevent water from just running out of the open end of the pipe. For drip tape, an end cap is placed at the end of the tape, and for the header line, a plug is used to seal the line.
5. Additional Equipment: Depending on your setup, at the hose bib you may need a Y-splitter to allow you to use the irrigation system and a hose You might also want a timer to automatically automate irrigation schedules. A pressure regulator might be necessary if your water source has high pressure, as excessive pressure can damage the system. A strainer and backflow preventer are also recommended to protect the system and ensure clean water flow.
Installation Tips
1. Testing: Before covering your system with landscape fabric or mulch, test the irrigation system to ensure all parts are functioning correctly and water is distributed evenly.
2. Landscape Fabric: If using landscape fabric for weed control, lay the drip tape underneath the fabric. This setup helps reduce evaporation and maintain soil moisture. You can also easily reach under the fabric and move the tape to put more water in dry areas.
3. Maintenance: Regularly check for leaks or clogs in the system. Having extra fittings and repair tools on hand can help address any issues promptly. Straight couplers will allow you to remove damaged sections of tape. Electrical tape can be used on small leaks, but the pipes must be completely dry for the tape to stick.
Where to Get Drip Irrigation Supplies
Drip irrigation supplies can be purchased from garden centers or online. Home garden drip irrigation kits are available and often include everything needed for a basic setup, with parts guaranteed to fit together. For more customized systems, individual components can be purchased separately. Always make sure you have a few extra parts to handle any unexpected repairs.
Drip irrigation allows you to evenly water a large area with minimum effort. By utilizing individualized combinations of components, you can create a customized watering system tailored to your specific garden.
Related Videos:
Installing a Drip Irrigation System
Eleven Common Landscape Mistakes
Landscape Planning
Related Resources:
Drip Irrigation for Home Gardens
Drip Irrigation Systems