Diy Drip Line Irrigation System
Many gardeners believe that drip lines are the way to go with regards to irrigation systems. They definitely do have their benefits. You can line them up to perfectly water each plant and if you add an automatic timer, you can set it to water them at the right time of the day. Incidentally, you should never water your garden plants during the hottest part of the day so set your timers to give them a drink around dusk.
Tutorial: homefortheharvest
How To Install Your Own Sprinkler System Step By Step
Learning how to install a sprinkler system isnt overly complicated, but it is important to do it properly. Otherwise, you can end up with water flowing places you dont want it to go, or not flowing anywhere at all. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your sprinkler project is a success. One thing to do before you get started is to check with your local building department to see if you need a permit for your DIY irrigation system. You also need to call 811 before starting any digging project to make sure you dont disrupt any underground utility lines.
Install The Backflow Preventer
- 2.1 – Locate the main water supply line. If below-ground, dig deep enough to expose it. Note that some water supply lines are located in the basement.
- 2.2 – Shut off the water at the water main. The knob is often located next to the meter.
- 2.3 – In the house, relieve the water pressure by opening one or more faucets until the water has completely drained.
- 2.4 – Choose a location downstream from the meter for the new connection for the irrigation system. Clean the exterior of the pipe before cutting.
- 2.5 – Splice in a T-connector onto the main water line, which can be either PVC or copper. If the main water supply line is copper, solder on a copper T-connector.
- 2.6 – Glue a 90o PVC elbow onto a male PVC adapter.
- 2.7 – Thread the adapter into the T – connector installed on the main water line.
- 2.8 – Install the backflow preventer device according to the manufacturers instructions.
- 2.9 – Dig a trench from the main water supply line to the location for the spigot valve box and install the PVC pipes.
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Diy Automatic Drip Irrigation System
A good drip irrigation system is going to automatically provide water to plants when it should. This one is pretty easy to build and you have a few options regarding materials. You can also learn more about how much water to give your plants and the best times to set your timer for the water to be delivered. And, since you have different material options, this one may not cost you anything if you have the right supplies on hand.
Tutorial: makezine
The Dos And Donts Of A Sprinkler System
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Irrigation Installation: A Good Plan Saves Water
It takes a lot of know-how to figure out how many zones to install and which sprinkler head goes where. A poorly designed system will waste watera lot of it! Luckily, irrigation product manufacturers such as Hunter, Toro and Rain Bird have extensive literature online to help. Rain Bird will even design your layout for you if you send in the measurements of the property.
Diy Drip Irrigation System
Did we really catch your attention when we started talking about above ground irrigation systems that would help you cover a lot of ground with your watering, but some parts of your garden actually dont require quite as much water as others? Then you might benefit from something like this homemade drip irrigation system from Two Feet First thats able to provide a slower, smaller flow of moisture to the parts of your yard that only feature hose length and not sprinkler heads.
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Diy Drip Line Irrigation
This system looks rather fancy for a DIY project. If you want something which appears quality made, this is a great system for you.
They decided to go with drip irrigation emitter tubing and connect them to an outdoor spigot on a timer. This takes a great deal of the work out of it for the gardener and should last for years to come.
Dual System Diy Irrigation
This dual irrigation system is great for raised beds or traditional in ground gardens, so you can use it even if you have a container garden. The first part of the system is a soaker hose that keeps your plants clean and refreshed. The second part is a drip irrigation system that delivers water to the roots of your plants right where they need it.
Tutorial: motherearthnews
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How To Install Garden Irrigation Sprinkler System
If you want to put in irrigation to cover the entire landscape including turf, installing an irrigation system gets a bit more complex. First, you need a schematic of the landscape. You can either draw one yourself or have a pro do it. Include trees and other obstacles.
Check your water pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to the outdoor faucet. Then remove the gauge and fill an empty 5-gallon bucket using the faucet. Time how long it takes for the bucket to fill and then calculate the flow rate in gallons per minute. This will tell you what type of sprinkler heads you will need. Be sure to look at coverage options as you choose.
Using your map, plot the course of the irrigation system using as few turns as possible. Extra turns reduce the water pressure. For large areas, use multiple loops instead of a single stretch. Mark the placement of the sprinkler heads on your map making sure to allow a bit of overlap to ensure the radius of each head covers the full area. Using spray paint or flags, mark the location of the system in your yard or garden.
Assemble the zone valve based on the number of loops you have incorporated in your irrigation installation. Consult the instructions to ensure the valves are facing the correct way. The valve assembly will connect to a timer and pipes that connect to each valve.
Full DIY sprinkler system installation is not as simple as installing drip lines, but it can be done and is a real cost saver.
Roll Out The Irrigation
- At flowerbeds and trees, connect drip-irrigation tubing to the pressure reducer and microfilter coming from the underground PVC pipes.
- Roll out the tubing along the flower bed, keeping it close to the base of the plants.
- Keep unwinding the spool back and forth throughout the flower bed space the tubing 12 inches apart.
- If necessary, join one length of tubing to another with a push-in coupling.
- When you get to the end of the layout, cut the tubing with a utility knife if necessary, flush it with water, fold it over, and slip on an end clamp.
Tip: Set the tubing in the sun for a few hours and it will soften and be much easier to install.
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How To Set Up An Inexpensive Irrigation System For Small Gardens
If youre working with a much smaller space than a lot of those that youve seen so far, then you might need to approach things slightly differently than someone with a sprawling yard and lots of ground to cover. Wed suggest checking out something like this specially designed small garden irrigation system outlined on Man Made! They show you how to do it with thinner, malleable piping rather than materials like the thicker PVC pipes you might have seen in some of the projects above.
Diy Rain Water Irrigation System
You can build an irrigation system for your lawn or garden that doesnt use any of your city water. Imagine having collected rain water to water your garden! Your plants will be so much healthier and so will your family since rain water is more natural than water that has fluoride and other chemicals added. This one is super easy to put together and it gives you a wonderful way to use up that rain water. You can even use your DIY rainwater collection system for this one.
Tutorial: bluebarrelsystems
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Do Sprinklers Add Value To Your Home
Many homeowners hesitate to complete this project because of the cost involved, but dont let this stop you from installing a sprinkler system.
Its true that installing an irrigation system requires an initial upfront investment. But completing this project will add value to your home, which makes it a wise investment.
A sprinkler system will keep your lawn healthy and hydrated, which increases curb appeal and makes your home more attractive to buyers. If you plan on selling in the near future, now is the time to invest in a sprinkler system.
Unclog The Backflow Preventer
If you notice that some areas of your yard dont get water during rainy periods or after a heavy downpour, its possible that the backflow preventer has clogged. You can do this by following these simple steps:
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Drawing Up An Irrigation Plan
The next step in planning how to install your lawn sprinkler system is the actual drawing up a sketch of the area where you will install the system.
When figuring out the zones for your sprinkler system, consider that the turf has different water requirements from trees and shrub, so designate zones according to the water requirements for the specific vegetation growing there. Using standard sprinkler heads for your turfgrass is fine, but lower spraying heads work better for zones containing trees and shrubbery. Drip irrigation works better used in areas such as a vegetable garden.
Easy Outdoor Drip Irrigation System
This easy to install drip irrigation system is hooked up to your outdoor faucet and it perfectly waters your garden when needed. You can unhook it when it is not in use so that you have your outdoor water supply for other things. This one wont take you long at all to set up and its really cheap if you have certain supplies on hand even if you have to buy them all, this one is not at all expensive.
Tutorial: thisoldhouse
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Pvc Water Sprinkler For Kids
You have got to keep you healthily busy and occupied in the summers with a homemade above ground sprinkler system! Cartoons, fun movies, video games, and exciting indoor games are just not enough. With this PVC water sprinkler idea, you can make that come true. Easy to set up an extra dosage of fun added.
We bet after exploring through our exciting DIY PVC sprinklers collection. You cant wait to make your summers exciting and thrilling. All these DIY PVC pipe is straightforward to make and insanely cheap too. With them, its pretty obvious to say, Happy Summers, folks!
Repurposed Plastic Bottle Irrigation System
Turn those old empty plastic bottles into something useful with this DIY irrigation system. You dont have to spend a lot of money on rain barrels or other containers to house your water. Plastic bottles work perfectly and you can add these to your traditional in ground gardens or a raised garden if thats what you have. The process is really simple and since you are repurposing, you are saving money when you build this one. You have to love a good plastic bottle hack.
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How Many Sprinkler Heads Per Zone Do I Need
The number of sprinkler heads you need per zone is determined by your water pressure, lawn size, and watering techniques. For example, a higher pressure requires more sprinklers to ensure that the area gets enough water.
And if youre using landscape irrigation or drip irrigation instead of traditional overhead sprinklers, you will need fewer heads.
Drip Irrigation For Potted Plants
If you grow a container garden, you may have noticed the soil in the containers dries out faster than it does in a traditional garden.
What should you do? Consider this DIY irrigation system which is designed specifically for potted plants. It connects directly to the outdoor spigot and could be placed on a timer to make things even easier.
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Connect Sprinkler Heads And An Automatic Timer
Connect a sprinkler head to each riser. Ensure they are facing the right direction and that they are ground level or just above the soil level for best results. To hold them in place, pack soil firmly around the heads.
Mount the timer on the house wall and use a waterproof pipe to wire it to the control valve. Use the manufacturers instructions to attach the wires correctly, or hire a licensed electrician to help you with this step.
Be sure to test each zone to control the valves using the timer.
And remember: rather than overextend a single zone, it’s better to add another line to keep your yard from getting overwatered.
Type Of Irrigation System
There are many different types of irrigation systems, and the one you choose will impact the overall cost of this project. A drip irrigation system is the least expensive option since it does not need to be buried underneath your lawn. Instead, it sits on top of your lawn and slowly releases water to ensure the ground has enough time to absorb it.
This irrigation system is also the most energy efficient, so choosing this option may help you lower your water bill as well.
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Install The Zone Valves
- Dig a trench from the main water line to the valve box location, as indicated on your plan. At the end, dig a hole about 18 inches deep and 2 to 3 feet long.
- Line the hole with 2 inches of gravel, then set the valve box into it. The box lid should be flush with the grass.
- Next, following the manufacturer’s directions, glue together the manifold and attach the zone valves. Set the manifold in the valve box.
- Run 1-inch schedule 40 PVC pipe from the main water line to a backflow-prevention device and then connect it to the manifold.
- Dig a shallow trench from the valve box to the location for the timer, according to your plan.
- Lay the 24-volt underground wire in the trench and connect it to the wires leading from each valve.
Just Think Of The Money Time And Effort You Will Save Once You Know How To Start Up And Winterize Your Sprinkler System
No more waiting and worrying about your sprinkler freezing up waiting for the sprinkler contractor to come and winterize your system.
And in the spring youll be saving even more when you can turn it on yourself!SAVE that $60 to spend on something you want or need more!
AND THINK OF THE PLEASURE AND LESS STRESS YOULL EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU DONT HAVE TO CALL OR WAIT FOR A SPRINKLER CONTRACTOR BECAUSE YOU DID THE JOB YOURSELF AND YOU KNEW HOW TO DO YOUR SPRINKLER REPAIRS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!
ITS A FACT.
Join the other happy DIYers that have repaired their own sprinkler systems AND who know how to winterize their systems who followed my EASY TO WATCH, STEP BY STEP SPRINKLER REPAIR AND WINTERIZATION VIDEOS.Youll feel proud when you smile and tell the neighbors
I did it myself!
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