How to DIY drip irrigation

High-quality drip irrigation system may not only save you plenty of  time, but it will also allow you to irrigate specific plants continuously and evenly. There are several sophisticated irrigation systems on the market which make the installation of your drip irrigation system an easy task. A task that you can do by yourself. But if you like to save money, you can build your own drip irrigation system for even less. No worries, it will be highly functional as the real thing. No idea how to do it? Relax. The following will help you.

Tools you will need

• First, here is the list of tools that you need. You cannot do without these helpers.
• a spade – you need to dig ditches to lay pipes,
• a shovel to remove clay and stones from the excavated dirt,
• special shears or saw to cut piping,
• wrench or plumbing pliers to tighten plastic fittings,
• sharp knife to cut edges easily,
• cordless drill and drill bits,
• screwdriver to install and connect the control unit,
• teflon sealing tape,
• hot air gun to heat the flexible hose.

Drip irrigation: Photo Pixabay

Installation of drip irrigation system

Installation of the drip irrigation system in several steps. Mark the spots where you want to install your sprayers and outline the excavation path.

You need to know where the sprinklers will be located so you can measure the irrigation area.  Mark the location of each sprayer directly with a flag or with a transparent spray. Make sure that your hoses do not lie directly on dirt or stones. Pour a layer of fine sand into ditches. That will do the trick. Try to make your ditches as short as possible and eliminate unnecessary turns.

Water supply for your irrigation system

Water for the entire system can be supplied in several ways. The best option is to use the existing water distribution system equipped with 3/4 inch valve or larger. Use plastic and brass couplings to make the necessary connections. If you use a water

• Water for the entire system can be supplied in several ways. The best option is to use the existing water distribution system equipped with 3/4 inch valve or larger. Use plastic and brass couplings to make the necessary connections. If you use a water well make sure you have a high-quality pump able to supply water directly to the irrigation system. Do not forget to install a suitable basket filter.

Preparation work and installation of electromagnetic valves

The number of solenoid valves depends on the number of loops that you need. You need one valve per 1 loop. One-inch valves are the most suitable. It is advisable to use Teflon tape before installing couplings to seal connections.

Pipe installation

PE 32 is the most suitable piping. However, you can easily use other types as well. Measure the necessary length for each section or loop. When laying down your pipes mark each pipe with a number so you know what sprinkler a particular pipe should be connected to. To supply electricity to your water pump, you should use cable with five wires.

Spray a connection

Screw sprayers onto the distribution pipes. You will need a ¾  threaded coupling to do so. After you have connected all sprinkles you need to configure the control unit and everything should work fine. Make sure to have a connection plan before connecting the control unit or ask someone with experience for assistance.

Drip irrigation: Photo Radek Štěpán