How To Assemble A Drip Irrigation System

Brief recap of Drip Irrigation Part 1

Welcome to part two of How to Assemble a Drip Irrigation System. In part one we discussed how to set up your system from the water source, so if you haven't watched that video or read the blog, check it out first. In this blog we'll discuss how to install micro-sprinklers, sprayers and other drip irrigation emitters along poly tubing. Watch our video where Tricia explains all the different types of sprayers or emitters that can be installed.

Poly tubing with micro-sprinklers is a great choice for providing customized water delivery to the different plants in your gardens. You can choose a different sprayer, sprinkler or emitter that fits each section or each plants' requirements and even change them out throughout the season if necessary.

Importance of advanced components in drip irrigation systems

Advanced components in a drip irrigation system, such as pressure compensating emitters and non-pressure compensating emitters, are essential for maintaining efficient water delivery. These components help control water pressure and flow rates, ensuring that the right amount of water reaches plants, whether they are in hanging baskets, greenhouses, or trees.

Properly designed drip irrigation emitters and tubing reduce clogging and allow for precise watering, adapting to different soil types and plant spacing for optimal growth.

Components of a Drip Irrigation System - Essential Components

Water Source

The water source is a critical component of a drip irrigation system, as it provides the necessary supply for the entire setup. Proper management of water pressure and flow rate from the source ensures that drip emitters, including pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating emitters, deliver the right amount of water to plants efficiently.

Effective installation and maintenance of the water source, along with proper drip tubing and fittings, are essential for preventing clogging and ensuring consistent water flow to all areas, such as hanging baskets and greenhouses.

Filters

Filters are essential components of a drip irrigation system, designed to prevent clogging of drip emitters by removing debris from the water supply. Proper installation of filters ensures that both pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating emitters function efficiently, maintaining consistent flow rates and water pressure.

By protecting the drip tubing and emitters, filters help deliver the right amount of water to plants in hanging baskets, greenhouses, and garden beds, thus supporting effective irrigation and reducing maintenance needs.

Pressure Regulators

Pressure regulators are vital components in a drip irrigation system, ensuring that water pressure is consistent across all drip emitters. By controlling water pressure, these regulators help maintain optimal flow rates for both pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating emitters, delivering the right amount of water to plants.

Proper installation of pressure regulators prevents issues such as uneven water distribution and clogging, making the irrigation system more efficient and reliable.

Timers

Timers are essential components of a drip irrigation system, automating the watering schedule to ensure efficient and consistent delivery of water to plants. By controlling the duration and frequency of irrigation, timers help manage the flow rates of drip emitters, including pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating emitters, which is crucial for maintaining optimal water pressure and flow.

Properly installed timers prevent overwatering and underwatering, making the irrigation system more effective for various setups, such as hanging baskets, greenhouses, and garden beds.

Vacuum Breakers

Vacuum breakers are crucial components of a drip irrigation system, designed to prevent backflow and protect the water source from contamination. By maintaining proper water pressure and preventing siphoning, vacuum breakers ensure that water flowing through drip emitters, including pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating emitters, does not return to the main supply.

This protection is essential for maintaining the efficiency and safety of the irrigation system, especially in setups like hanging baskets, greenhouses, and garden beds.

Micro-Sprinklers Installation

Overview of Micro-Sprinklers

Micro-sprinklers offer a versatile solution in a drip irrigation system by providing uniform coverage over larger areas compared to traditional drip emitters. They are especially beneficial for watering plants, hanging baskets, and greenhouses, as they can handle various flow rates and pressure compensating options to suit different needs.

By installing micro-sprinklers, you ensure efficient water distribution, reducing the risk of clogging and optimizing coverage for soil, trees, and other plant types.

Attaching the 1/2 Inch Poly at the Initial Set-Up

Set-Up Configuration

• Y-Connector (or 4-way connector) attached to the water source
• Vacuum Breaker (especially important if using a fertigation attachment)
• Filter (important if using water from a pond or irrigation canal)
• Timer (optional attachment)
• Pressure Regulator (especially important if using Drip Tape or Soaker Hose)

Poly Tubing Setup

Choosing the Right Poly Tubing

Choosing the right poly tubing for a drip irrigation system involves selecting the appropriate types and sizes to match the needs of your setup. Poly tubing is available in various diameters and wall thicknesses, with common sizes designed to handle different flow rates and water pressure requirements.

The advantages of poly tubing include its flexibility, resistance to clogging, and ease of installation, making it suitable for delivering water efficiently to plants in diverse setups like hanging baskets and greenhouses. Properly selected poly tubing ensures that water flows correctly to drip emitters, including pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating emitters, and meets the specific needs of your irrigation system.

Attaching Poly Tubing with Power-Loc Connectors

First attachment is the Power-Loc 3/4 inch Female Hose Starter fitting to the pressure regulator. Before adding your poly tubing, make sure the locking coupler is turned all the way up (so the barb is exposed). Push the poly tubing as far as you can (should be over the first barb, but best to be pushed up to the stop). Once you've inserted the poly tubing then tighten the locking coupler over the poly tubing. To run the poly tubing along the ground in a single line you will need to add a Power-Loc 1/2 inch Elbow coupler. This will make a nice smooth flow of water from the source, at a 90 degree angle, and prevent any kinking. If you want to run your poly in two directions, add a Power-Loc 1/2 inch Tee instead of an elbow.

Sprayers and Emitters

Types of Sprayers and Their Uses

In a drip irrigation system, various types of sprayers and emitters offer specific benefits for different applications. Olson O-Jet Sprayers and Olson Ultra-Jet Sprayers are designed to provide precise water distribution with varying flow rates and coverage areas, while Micro Sprayers with Flow Control allow for adjustable flow rates to suit different plant needs.

Spectrum Spray 360, Shrubbler, and Aquatic Tri-Tip Sprayers offer versatile spray patterns and can efficiently water larger areas or hanging baskets, ensuring optimal hydration across diverse plant types and setups.

Installing Sprayers

When installing sprayers in a drip irrigation system, you can use risers, stakes, or barbs to securely connect them to poly tubing. Risers are ideal for elevating sprayers above ground level, while stakes provide stability for sprayers in garden beds.

Barbs are useful for directly attaching sprayers to drip tubing, ensuring efficient water delivery and control of flow rates to plants, hanging baskets, or greenhouses.

Adding the Olson Mini-Sprinklers

• These run directly off of the 1/2" poly tubing
• Useful for lawns or landscaping plants
• Lay down your 1/2" poly and punch a hole on the top where you want your Mini-Sprinkler
• Push the Olson Clamp (barb is on the bottom) into the hole you just punched
• Place a Stabilizer Base under the poly tubing and push the clamp into the base to lock in place. You can also use ground staples on each side of the base to keep in place.
• You can add a Riser or Mini-Sprinkler to the clamp
• If using the Riser, screw the Mini-Sprinkler to the top of the Riser.
• The Mini-Sprinkler you choose will depend on how much water you need delivered. At a psi of between 10-30, IRS620 delivers 4.4 to 7.3 GPH, vs. the IRS619 delivers 10.2 to 30.5 GPH (see website for more information.

Adding Sprayers to Your System

• Sprayers are usually added to a Riser, an Irrigation Stake or a Spike Stake.
• Three types of sprayers offered, Olson O-Jet, Olson Ultra Jet or Micro Sprayer with Flow Control
• Connection to the 1/2" poly using a barbed coupler, then attaching to 1/4" poly tubing

Olson O-Jet Sprayers

• Works at low pressure better than other sprayers.
• Spray patterns from 90°, 180°, 300°, or a 30°/30°
• Puts out a fine spray.
• Use in combination with a riser and a spike stake or an irrigation stake attached to 1/4 inch poly.

Olson Ultra-Jet Sprayers

• Use for ground covers, under trees or in areas that need moderate water coverage.
• Provides a stream type of spray.
• Comes in a 360° or 180° spray pattern.
• Works well at low pressures
• Hook up is the same as the Olson O-Jet Sprayers.

Micro Sprayers with Flow Control

• Use where customized emitter flows are needed.
• Vari-Jets™ combines a threaded barb base, spray cap and flow valve in one unit that is installed the same way as O-Jet Sprayers.
• Optimal operating pressure is 20 psi
• Available in 90°, 180° and 360° spray pattern.

Spectrum Spray 360

• These come either on a stake, which you would use 1/4" poly to go to the 1/2" poly, or on a barb that can go directly into your 1/2" poly tubing.
• At 30 psi, it will cover a 108 inch diameter and put out up to 20 GPH.
• Flow can be adjusted and even shut off when not needed.

Shrubbler

• Great for shrubs or trees.
• Comes on a stake or on a barb that can go directly into your 1/2" poly tubing.
• At 30 psi, it will spray a maximum of 26" diameter and deliver 15 GPH.
• Adjustable flow control and shut off
• On the stake, use a 1/4" poly tubing to attach to the 1/2" poly.

Aquatic Tri-Tip Sprayers

• The only sprayers that use the 1/8" poly tubing to hook into the 1/2" poly tubing.
• Each sprayer has three points to attach the tubing and will deliver different amounts of water.
• Delivers at 4.8 GPH, 7.8 GPH or 10.8 GPH at 10 psi, also has a shut-off point on the side.
• Good for using in pots.

Emitters

These are used to bring water directly to your plant. They are installed either on a line of 1/4" poly tubing or punched directly into the 1/2" poly tubing. You usually use only one on each 1/4" poly, unless you use the Mini-Flo Inline Emitters (more about those later).

Choosing the Right Emitter

Choosing the right emitter for your drip irrigation system involves selecting between flag emitters, pressure compensating emitters, Mini-Flo inline emitters, and fogger mister emitters. Flag emitters are suitable for specific targeted watering, while pressure compensating emitters ensure uniform flow rates regardless of water pressure.

Mini-Flo inline emitters are ideal for consistent water delivery along tubing, and fogger mister emitters provide fine mist for delicate plants and hanging baskets.

Flag Emitters

• These attach to 1/2" or 1/4" poly to deliver water.
• If attaching directly to 1/2" poly, insert the pointed end into it.
• They deliver either 1, 2 or 4 GPH.
• Secure in place with a Ground Staple or a Short Stake/

Compensating Emitters

• Use when inconsistent water pressure is a problem. This emitter delivers uniform flow rates (1/2, 1 and 2 GPH) even at varying pressure.
• These attach to 1/2" or 1/4" poly to deliver water.
• If attaching directly to 1/2" poly, insert the pointed end into it.
• Secure in place with a Ground Staple or a Short Stake/

Mini-Flo Inline Emitters

• Inline emitters are mini-flow and therefore multiple emitters can be used on a single line, because a minuscule amount of water is going to seep through the little hole on the emitter.
• Comes in 1/2 or 1 GPH.
• Start with attaching 1/4" to the 1/2" poly tubing. Cut when you want to put an emitter, and then continue the line.
• You can either end with a Goof Plug in the 1/4" poly or loop back around to the 1/2" poly.

Fogger Mister Emitters

These are great for making misting chambers in your greenhouse for propagating, or make something for your deck to keep things cooler in the hot summer. The can attach directly into the 1/2" poly or by using 1/4" poly.

Essential Extras for Assembling Your Drip System

• Hole Punches–some may just try to skimp and use a nail or something sharp to puncture the 1/2" poly tubing. But it is not advisable and you may get some leaking if the hole made is too big. Punches make just the right size hole for the barbed couplers to fit into.
• Goof Plugs–these are great to have on hand if you make a mistake or just want to move your line. They are also good for ending an inline string of emitters, or for the 1/4" emitterline.
• Vari-Flow 1/4" In-Line Valve–great if you need to shut off your water to an emitter or sprayer.
• Ground Staples–secures your poly to the ground.
• Short Stake For 1/4" Poly Tubing–use these instead of ground staples to secure your emitter in place.
• Spike Stake–used for installing sprayers on risers.
• Risers–Comes in two lengths but can be cut to any desired length. Used for attaching sprayers and raising it above plants.
• 12" Irrigation Stake–use with a riser or 1/4" poly tubing to secure you sprayers.
• Barbed Couplers–comes in 1/4" or 1/8" (for Aquatic Tri-Tip Sprayers) and 1/4" also comes in heavy-duty. They are longer and are a little easier to handle when installing. Couplers also come in a 90°, a Tee or threaded.

Give your garden customized water delivery with micro-sprayers, sprinklers and emitters, and grow organic for life!

Conclusion

In conclusion, setting up an effective drip irrigation system involves understanding and correctly installing various components such as drip emitters, micro-sprinklers, and poly tubing. By carefully selecting and positioning emitters to fit different plant needs and using proper spacing and fittings, you ensure that water flows efficiently and precisely to every part of your garden.

With components that are designed to minimize clogging and optimize performance, such as pressure compensating emitters and filters, you can maintain a green and thriving garden that is well-suited to the unique needs of your plants. Ensure that each piece, from the pipe to the drippers, is installed correctly and monitored regularly to provide the right amount of water for a healthy and productive garden every day.

FAQs: Drip Irrigation - Part 2

• Q: What are drip emitters, and how do they function in a drip irrigation system?

  • A: Drip emitters are components that release water slowly to the soil near the plant roots. They help in customizing the water delivery based on the plant's needs by controlling the flow rate and are essential for efficient irrigation. They come in various types, including pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating emitters.

• Q: How do I install emitters on poly tubing?

  • A: To install emitters, you need to punch small holes in the poly tubing where you want the emitters to be placed. Insert the emitter into these holes, ensuring they are secure and close to the plant roots. Proper spacing between emitters is crucial to ensure even water distribution.

• Q: Can you use mini-sprinklers instead of drip emitters?

  • A: Yes, mini-sprinklers can be used as an alternative to drip emitters. They are useful for watering larger areas and can be attached to poly tubing in a similar manner. Mini-sprinklers provide a more widespread coverage compared to targeted drip emitters.

• Q: What factors affect the flow rate of emitters?

  • A: The flow rate of emitters can be influenced by the water pressure, type of emitter, and the length of the tubing. Emitters are manufactured to deliver water at specific flow rates, which should be chosen based on the plant's water needs.

• Q: How should I handle and bury poly tubing in my garden?

  • A: Poly tubing should be laid out in a straight line and secured with ground staples to prevent movement. When burying the tubing, ensure it is not kinked and remains close to the soil surface for easy access and maintenance.

• Q: What is the importance of using filters and pressure regulators in a drip irrigation system?

  • A: Filters are used to prevent clogging by removing debris from the water supply, while pressure regulators maintain consistent water pressure, ensuring that emitters deliver water at the correct rate. Both components help in maintaining a green and healthy garden by ensuring efficient water delivery.

• Q: How do I choose the right type of emitter for my garden?

  • A: Select emitters based on the specific needs of your plants. Different emitters offer varying flow rates and spray patterns. For example, flag emitters are ideal for targeted watering, while micro-sprayers provide broader coverage. Match the emitter type and flow rate to the plant's requirements and garden layout.

• Q: What should I do if I make a mistake while installing the system?

  • A: If you make a mistake, use goof plugs to seal any incorrect holes or to cap off unused sections of tubing. This ensures that the system remains effective and prevents leaks or water wastage.

• Q: Are there any special considerations for installing sprayers?

  • A: Yes, sprayers should be installed using risers, stakes, or barbs to secure them in place and ensure proper water distribution. Choose sprayers with the appropriate flow rate and spray pattern for your garden’s needs.