Following these steps will go a long way to installing a system that will last for many years.
There are no “magic’ formulas when designing and installing drip irrigation systems, but following a few guidelines can extend the life of a system indefinitely.
Use high quality components
Gardeners very often overwater plants, even in drip irrigation systems. Poorly-drained, improperly prepared soil can damage and even kill plants. Prepare soil properly before installing your drip system and plants. That includes obtaining a soil test.
Use a Y-connector at the faucet outlet (also called a hose bib). A garden hose can then be connected to the other side of the Y.
Wind mainlines through the garden or landscape. This allows for expansion and contraction of the lines.
Don’t kink lines. For tight corners, use connectors with right angles. Anchor the lines with wire liners at three foot intervals.
Put the mainline under mulch. This not only maintains the aesthetic of the garden by keeping it out of sight, but it also eliminates trip hazards. Also, plastics tend to eventually disintegrate or weaken by exposure to UV. Burying lines eliminates this problem.
Changing the systems. Plants grow and change in size and shape. Change the system according to those changes and needs. Sometimes, feeder tubes must be removed from mainlines because they are not needed (plants grow and their watering needs change, gardeners relocate plants and sometimes plants die and need to be removed). When these lines are removed, holes are left in the mainline. Plugs are available to stop up these holes. They may even be included in the initial drip package.
Install a filter or pressure reducer at the head of the system if required.
Do not add too many drip emitters. This can reduce the overall delivery capabilities of your system.
Install a valve at the lowest point on the drip system so lines can be drained in winter. Remember that simple draining may not be adequate. Use pressurized air to blow out any remaining water from the system. This prevents the water from freezing inside the lines. Most lines are capable of withstanding winter temperatures if they do not have water in them.
Don’t compromise sprinkler systems. Purchased kits can convert a sprinkler head to a connection point for a drip system. However, even if only one sprinkler head in a zone is converted to drip, the rest of the sprinklers in the zone must be disabled.
Different types of drip devices can be used in the same zone, but microspray systems and drip systems should not be mixed.
