How to plan drip irrigation - Layout & zones?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/30613#Comment_30613

Thanks Jason for sharing these links. I have watched Adam's video and couple of other posts. I will look at others which I have not yet. In my case I am unable to decide on some specifics and need advice. So looking forward to some help. So as you mentioned, I will wait while reading other posts you shared.

Thanks

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/77769#Comment_77769

Hello @tanveersattar

Thanks for sharing your question about planning a drip irrigation system. Let me try and answer some of your questions.

Between a 19mm and 15mm pipe size, I would recommend using the 19mm as it future proofs your line just in case your plants require more water in the future.
I don't think it's necessary to run a separate line, you can branch off if you need more than one line, but that section can be controlled with its own pressure reducer. My thinking on this is you'll need less parts if it is just a single line and fault tracing becomes very easy.
If you do decide to do two lines, you can use separate water controllers for each line.
I suggest sticking to one type of system so that you won't have pressure problems. If you are using drip lines, then its best to use it for the entire garden. If some of your plants require the use of micro sprayers, then its best to have these on their own line.
I highly recommend using a pressure reducer and back flow preventer on your system.
Your question about using recycled water in the garden has got me thinking. Let me double check with my gardening specialist and I'll get back to you regarding its use on vegetables.

In the meantime, I suggest drawing up a pipeline plan indicating where it will run. This will help you calculate how much pipe you'll need plus, the number of elbows and connectors. It will also address your plan regarding having two lines and two controllers.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/102955#Comment_102955

Hi Eric,

Thanks for taking time to answer those questions.

As for Q1: Apologies, I have mistyped polypipe diameter options to be 19 and 15 mm. I wanted to ask about 19 and 25 mm. (Updated my post to clarify that). But if 19mm suffice then I will go with it.

On Q2/3 (about separate lines): I got your point about simplicity and ease of maintenance, but I am not clear how I can adjust frequency and duration of water delivery to different types of plants using one line. For example, if I run my line to water the vegetables on alternate days, the trees might not need water that frequently so how can I reduce the water delivery to trees on the same line? Is there a way to handle this on one line (unless I put in-line valves and on/off them manually)? Or I can run two lines with two controllers (or a controller with two zone settings) like Holman WX2 or similar.

Q4: Thanks for suggesting same system on one line (drippers or sprayer), that makes sense to ensure consistent water delivery.

Q5: I will use the pressure reducer and back-flow preventer. A silly question on that:) Do they go between tap and timer OR between timer and irrigation system?

Q6: About the use of grey water, please let me know when you have more info. I recently read that because it is treated, you need use less fertilizer for the plants as compared to when fresh water is used. It will be good to know.

I will start with pipe measurements and plan so that I have a list of parts with me. Also need to measure the water flow rate as per Adam's bucket method.

Regards

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/118499#Comment_118499

Hello @tanveersattar

Once you've drawn out your pipe plan, you'll immediately see if a single hose system will work with your garden. If you are looking to control the amount of water going through a section of your system, it will be necessary to place a control valve at that junction. If you were to use two independent lines, they will still need controllers specially if you only want one side to function for that day.

You can use a traditional vacum breaker valve such as the Brasshards 25mm Vacuum Breaker - Suits 20mm Hose Taps. A good example of a pressure regulating valve is the Rain Bird 1" 40 PSI Pressure Regulating Filter, its specifically designed to work with drip irrigation systems.

In regards to recycled water it's ok to use it on vegetables as long as they are thoroughly washed in regular clean water before it is cooked or consumed. However, don't use greywater on your vegetables as it is untreated and contains bacteria and harmful chemicals.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127688#Comment_127688

Thanks Eric,

In case of single main line, control valves need to be manually opened/closed, but with two main lines I can put water timers at the tap and split from the start and thus control them independently (more costly option though). I will draw the plan and see what suits. As with the recycled water, thanks for checking it for me. I will not be using grey water anyway. So all good with the use of recycled water then. And thanks for pressure valve recommendation.

I think it is time for me to get started 🙂

Regards

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133708#Comment_133708

Hi @tanveersattar

Once you've finished your pipe plan why not share it with the community. We'll be more than happy to provide additional advice and information.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137439#Comment_137439

Sure Eric.

Here is the draft. I am thinking if I can reduce the drip line loops (at the moment it is one ring around each plant/tree. I may make them straight runs, what you suggest?

another layout on east and north sides.

robchin

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139994#Comment_139994

A good project here and well done for being adventurous. You'll benefit a lot from having a sprinkler system or three here. Some awfully good advice already. I would just note that if you are using drippers - you can use an awful lot of them at one time. Most gardeners have30-50 lpm available to them. My favourite dripper is this one: Pope 100mm Trickler Dripper On Spike - Bunnings Australia - you add a bit of spaghetti tube and they have a lot of flexibity - you can tweak the amount of water up or down depending on the size of the plant. They use about 1.5 lpm fully on so you can run 20-30 of them at any time - fully opened. Most run them at much less than that so can run 40-60 at any one time. BUT just because you can - doesn't mean that you should.

As @EricL has intermated - you should split the system up so that the same plants get the same type of watering. Veges and flowers need watering every day, whilst fruit trees and shrubs might only need watering every 2nd or 3rd day. You might find you end up running parallel lines in your garden beds to get the best effect for your plants.

My only variation to what Eric has suggested is that I would run the Photinias as a separate line. If I read what you have said right - they will get very different environmental conditions to the plants in the other area so will benefit from having a different watering cycle. Not a big deal - no extra cost - just one extra line at the tap. You'll benefit from one of these; Nylex Brass Four Way Manifold - Bunnings Australia

Veges: I would note that if you have vege patches with lots of plants in them - drippers are impractical - but you can get a good effect with dripper tube - excellent stuff. Pope 13mm x 30m Drip Eze Drip Irrigation Tube - Bunnings Australia have a look at this.

One final practical tip in relation to pipe sizing. It is only a little bit more expensive to use the bigger 19mm pipe than 13mm - I do like to only have one size of fittings in the shed - makes life so much easier.

Good luck.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141796#Comment_141796

Hi @robchin

Excellent nuggets of advice there, thanks.

I went shopping to Bunnings today. I bought 19mm poly pipe (as per my plan above) to run two main lines along the perimeter and I will take out 13mm tubing from it where needed to take to either drip lines (as in vegies or trees) or (as you suggested) drippers along shrubs. I have bought few drippers but will add more as I go. I have also bought 13mm dripline.

I bought 3-way Holman manifold as well to put on the tap to split from the start. But instead of two timers I chose Holman WX2 (which has two outlets and two zones configuration). So I will use one outlet from manifold to put this timer on and start two 19mm pipes from there. Lets see how it goes.

One question regarding Photinias in the side path: you are suggesting a separate run because of their low water requirement? I have a patio in the middle and running another pipe from tap may be tricky (as it gets on the concrete path and then over the garden bed along the fence. If I put photinias on zone 2 (on which I have trees) and put less drippers if the water requirement is low, do you think it should work?

Another question which you or @EricL might be able to answer; as per suggestion from Eric I had a look at Rain Bird pressure regulator but it has outlet pressure of 40 PSI and I have been reading that people suggest not to go above 25-30 PSI if you are not using sprayer (which I am not as I am not using system to spray the lawn, I have turf). Also I was unable to find the connectors/adapter to fit in the timer and then to poly pipe. So I bought Holman 19mm Pressure Reducer and Filter Assembly. Its reviews are not very positive 🙂 but it has outlet pressure of 180kpa (26 PSI) and has filter inbuilt and adapters for my setup (to timer and to 19mm poly pipe). Any comments/feedback/suggestion regarding use of pressure reducer?

Regards

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143144#Comment_143144

Hi @tanveersattar,

@robchin will hopefully be able to clarify, but it sounds like you could go with your plan but use a variable dripper on the Photinias to regulate their water flow. You'd adjust the dripper flow if they require more or less water than the other shrubs on their line. However, Rob might be implying that the requirement difference might be outside the realm of control with a variable dripper, requiring a separate line entirely. It would still be the one line crossing your patio, just isolated, not an additional one.

A pressure reducer will help with even water distribution through your emitters. Too much pressure, and you'll find different delivery rates at each emitter depending on where they are in the system. Let us know if you have any issues with the Holman 19mm Pressure Reducer and Filter Assembly, and if you do, we'd be happy to facilitate a return of it.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144099#Comment_144099

Thanks @MitchellMc

Yes variable flow droppers in photinia pots is a good idea.

robchin

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144818#Comment_144818

Hi all.

Firstly - gardens are not designed around irrigation systems - you will never have a perfect system.

I would run the Photinias on a separate line because they will get different environmental conditions eg. Sunlight, shade, rainfall, wind etc than other parts of your garden. Given my comments about and your notes on the time - a compromise is always OK if not ideal. Without getting too complicated it might be a good idea to put in a couple of simple inline shut-off valves AFTER the timer and before the first dripper to allow you to switch either of that line of drippers off if you need to. K-Rain 19mm Barbed Inline Valve - Bunnings Australia Does that make sense?

In relation to the pressure reducer - don't be stressed about that. 40PSI - which is about 280kpa is fine for drippers. Not perfect but you won't notice the difference in performance. Much better than not having one.

Good luck.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145368#Comment_145368

Thanks @robchin
I have started laying down the pipes now and on the sides of the house I have put valves as you mentioned to shut off flow if needed. I am starting off with drip line around trees and variable flow drippers on all shrubs/flowers. I will share my learnings here as I go.

Regards.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145792#Comment_145792

Hi @tanveersattar

Please keep us updated with your progress. We look forward to seeing your drip irrigation system up and running.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146116#Comment_146116

@tanveersattar - based on my exp with 4 different irrigation lines including a pop sprinkler here are some hard learning’s:

1. drippers take a long time to drip and provide enough water for the bed. My bed is 50 cm wide and it doesn’t wet the entire are even after 2 hours

2. Tricklers also wet that particular area and don’t water completely.

3. I found sprayer (180 or 360) seems to do a better job in wetting entire area

4. K-rain is cheaper than pope or Holman and comparable in quality

5. 13mm pipe was enough to water about 25m with about 20-30 emitters.

6. Use sprayers for veggies beds, emitters for single plants and trees (they might need two)

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146391#Comment_146391

Hi @J-P

Thanks for sharing your experience.
I have put two rings of drip line around my trees for now. I also feel that it takes lot of time to deliver enough water. I will monitor for sometime and may take your advice to switch to couple of emitters for each tree instead, if dripline does not work effectively.
I have already installed K-rain variable flow emitters for all my flowers/shrubs and they look good to deliver water quickly. As for vegetables I have to install something yet, so let me think about sprayers for that.

I am using 19mm as my main delivery line and then 13mm poly or 13mm dripline for taking off to trees, 4mm from mains for drippers.

I bought K-rain where I can find their product and Holman/Pope if I could not find it from K-rain. I agree they are cheaper and look ok for my use around garden.

Regards.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146116#Comment_146116

Hi @EricL yes sure, let me take some photos during and after installation and I will share here.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146392#Comment_146392

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I have finally installed my drip irrigation after few weekends work.

First of all, here is the updated plan:

This is the head assembly at the tap with 3-way outlet, timer and then pressure reducer/filter:

Note: WIFI hub installation can be tricky if you have mesh router.

I have marked poly pipes with Z1 and Z2, after laying them down, for me to remember which pipe I am putting the fitting on (I made a mistake of putting two dripper holes on my zone 2 pipe which I have to plug later).

I am using 19mm poly pipe as my main lines for zone 1 and 2. This image below shows pipe going to shrubs with 4mm pipe and dripper at the end.

It then runs along the south garden bed, where zone 2 is supplying water to fruit trees with 13mm drip line rings.

In round vegetable patches I made a 13 mm poly pipe ring, attached it to 19mm main line and then put 360 degree variable flow sprayers on that 13 mm pipe.

Two 19 x 15mm Single BSP Female Poly Threaded Tees are placed in corner for flushing water when needed.

It then continues along western edge in same configuration (zone 2 supplying water to Lilly Pillies with 13mm drip line rings and 4mm drippers from zone 1 supplying water to shrubs.

In the corner again, two 19x15m BSP tees for flushing.

On northern side of the border, same configuration continues.

At the end of the northern bed, pipes are coming back to connect at the start (making a loop).

But also zone 1 pipe continues along the side fence to water Photinias in the containers. I put valve on that line in case I need to shut it off sometime.

A pipe, from zone 1, was brought in from north west corner to supply water to three large pots. At the end I have drippers attached inside the pots.

This is how it looks like finally:

I am running it for few days (manual and automated) to test. If all goes well. I will put mulch to cover the pipes.

Some learnings:

- Buy some extra fittings (elbows, joiners, tees). You don't want to run to Bunnings in the middle of your work. But you can return those packs that you have not opened and used.

- Measure the pipe correctly, I bought some extra 13 mm and I went short on 4mm.

- It was good idea to mark pipes with silver sharpie with zone numbering to avoid making wrong holes for fittings in the wrong zone pipe.

- An old thermos with hot water came in handy to dip poly pipe ends in it, to make it soft and easy to use on barbed fittings (tees, elbows, joiners etc), your elbows will thank you 🙂

- Think twice before cutting and puncturing tubes.

- Driplines around trees take longer time as @J-P mentioned, but I had my pipe cut for rings, so I used it. But two drippers on a tree instead might have been better. I will see if I need to do it later. Good thing is they are on zone 2 (separate zone for trees only so I can run that zone for longer).

- I have 46 variable flow drippers along the length of about 50m on 19mm pipe and so far they are working ok. Variable flow drippers helped me adjusting some of them on slower rate than others (depending on the plant or size of container).

Here are the links of the items I used.

=================================================================================
--- Misc.
=================================================================================
Holman poly pipe cutter

Jack 20cm Heavy Duty Irrigation Pins (hold-down pins)

Holman poly pipe punch tool

=================================================================================
---- 19mm Poly Pipe and Fittings
=================================================================================
K Rain poly pipe black 19mm

K Rain 19mm rachet clamps

K Rain 19mm barbed elbow

K Rain 19x13mm reducing joiners

Toro 19mm Tee x 13mm Barbed Reducing Joiner

K-Rain 19mm Barbed Joiners

K-Rain 19mm Barbed Tees

K-Rain 19mm End Plugs

=================================================================================
---- 13mm Poly Pipe and Fittings
=================================================================================

Holman 13mm x 25m Black Poly Pipe

Holman 13mm Techline PC Irrigation Drip Tube

K-Rain 13mm Ratchet Clamps

K-Rain 13mm Barbed Joiners

K-Rain 13mm Barbed Tees

K-Rain 13mm Barbed End Plugs

=================================================================================
---- 4mm Tubing and drippers/emitters
=================================================================================
Pope Repair Plugs

Holman 4mm x 10m Irrigation Drip Flex Tube

Pope 4mm Barbed Off-Take Joiners

Pope 4mm Barbed Tees

K-Rain 360°Adjustable Emitter Trickler

=================================================================================
---- Head Assembly
=================================================================================
Holman 3 way metal tap outlet

Holman WX2 Dual Outlet Tap Timer and Wi-Fi Hub

Holman 13mm Pressure Reducer And Filter Assembly

Toro 19 x 15mm Single BSP Female Poly Threaded Tee

Once again thanks for all the help and let me know your thoughts/feedback.

~Tanveer

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146618#Comment_146618

Great work @tanveersattar. It's very satisfying getting an automated watering system up and running. It will save you plenty of time in the long run - and keep your garden looking great!

We appreciate you sharing the end results with plenty of detail so others can replicate your handiwork.

Let us know if you need any further assistance, and we are looking forward to seeing what you tackle next around the house or garden.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146618#Comment_146618

Finally got a chance to read this completely and imagine myself in that situation and visualising it.

I am curious to see how the water pressure is working out? I wasn’t successfully with more than 15 K-rain tricklers. So decided to break it into two lines. Vortex spray also worked betttwe than tricklers in wetting the area.

wouldn’t the dropper needed to run longer time than tricklers?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146803#Comment_146803

Hi @J-P

Let me tag @tanveersattar to make them aware of your question. In regards to the drippers and tricklers you could use the Pope Veri-Flow Threaded Trickler Dripper with variable flow rate. This will allow you to control the amount of water coming out.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146803#Comment_146803

Hi @J-P

I think I am at capacity with the water pressure (with these many tricklers). I have two zones; zone 1 for shrubs/vegies etc. and zone 2 for trees. On this zone 1, not all tricklers are adjusted at full capacity, some are in smaller pots or near small plants so I put them on lower rate. This way so far it seems working fine. Not sure if I need to use a pressure regulator which has more than 180kpa outlet pressure (the one that I have now) if I need to run all of them at full capacity. vortex spray worked better to soak larger area but it requires more pressure to use it to its effectiveness.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146950#Comment_146950

@tanveersattar - I used drip then switched to trickler and then to vortex and finally with jet spray to keep wifey happy. She wants to see the entire veggie bed soaked like it would when gig water with a hose.

But once it is all set it is very easy to control them and have good watering. You feel like you are ready to buy a farm now and start taking care of it 😀.

robchin

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/147072#Comment_147072

Interesting - we must keep our partners happy. BUT be prepared for the extra weeds that come with that 🙂

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/147072#Comment_147072

@J-P do you need to have enough pressure to use jet spray? I don't know with the areas I wanted to cover and length of the pipe it will work for me.

But as @robchin said, keeping partners happy is priority 🙂

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/147179#Comment_147179

@tanveersattar @robchin

I have used 180 Deg jet spray and about 13 of them straight on poly (poly pipe held the back of garden bed capping by twist wire nailed to capping. I am using rain water pump (think it has more pressure than tap) and I can still put another 7 to make it 20 and still be ok to soak the entire bed. The bed is 50cm wide and runs along the perimeter of house

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/147271#Comment_147271

Thanks @J-P if you have product link from Bunnings website please share.