How to set up an automatic irrigation system for watering?

[KSB]

Hi I’m an absolute Newbie at this and keen to do a DIY set up of an automatic irrigation system for watering grass,gardenBeds & Pots some on the deck. Will appreciate help from the community starting from absolute basics. This is for a new Build where the wooden deck goes in Next week and grab the following week. 

cheers

 

[KSB]

Hi @JacobZ just returning to this project. Can you please explain in more detail how I can make room to run the line under the footpath please? It sure sounds doable! 
I’m planning to have a 2 or 3 line distribution on the tap is there any recommendations on how the initial setup next to the tap can be made neat maybe attached to the wall so all the pipes/distributor aren’t just hanging in the air? Else Boss may just scrape the project 😁. Photo attached along. I’m thinking maybe get the pipe coming down from the tap attached to the wall (What could be used to cover the gap from the tap tip to the wall if attaching pipe to the wall to run down), then where it touches the concrete thinking of putting a L there to run towards the grass then another L on the side of the concrete ( about a 2” drop on the side of the concrete) with a splitter one towards the grass for lawn and the other running from the concrete point towards the bins for drip sprayer line. Thinking of running each zone at different times? What do you think?

 

 

which will run all along the wooden fence. 

[KSB]

Hi @R4addZ how deep do you think the trench will need to be? I’m assuming the height of the sprinkler + the connector +pipe below it! Seems pretty deep maybe about 6-8” it seems? Would I be on the right lines?

 Cheers

[R4addZ]

Hi @KSB 

It depends on the type of tubing you are using, if rigid, yes but if you opt for black polypipe, you can simply go that low at the sprinklers (or a bit wider) and do a slight s bend down to the level at each sprinkler (don't kink the pipe). Just make sure it is low enough not to be at risk of damage inadvertantly.

[EricL]

Hi @KSB 

I agree with @R4addZ in regards to the pipe work, I propose doing a dry assembly of the parts, you'll have a much better idea of how tall your assembly is once they are put together.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[KSB]

Hi @JacobZ  most of my grass isn’t a very wide area there’s about 1m or less at most places while the widest is maybe 1.5-2 m width as the deck is built all along (refer the image). You’ve suggested the metal sprinklers and heads but those I’m assuming will cover a big area if the area to be covered was wide but in my case most of it is pretty narrow. Can you suggest what sprinklers can I use to cover about a 1m or less throw in some areas while 2.5-3 in others preferable not pop up ones but installing on the side. The length of the section is about 30 odd meters but not that wide. The widest point will be around 2.5-3m. 

Cheers,

 KSB 

[JacobZ]

Hi @KSB,

Assuming you have the pressure required, then these K-Rain 180° Vari Flow Micro Sprayers seem like a good option. With a flow rate of 98 litres per hour, they can cover the wider parts with a 3m radius and in narrower areas can be turned down to reduce wastage.

Have you conducted a flow rate test? If not, use the calculator here - Flow Rate Test DIY with Bucket 

If you have the flow rate required, then these seem like a great option.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[KSB]

Hi @JacobZ just returning to this project. These Variflow adjustable micro sprinklers don’t seem available in NZ would there be another similar option? Also would these fit directly onto the hose or would they need to be installed on a riser? Ideally I’d prefer if it can go straight into the hose as don’t want to use such high risers for aesthetic reasons. About an inch or two from the ground would be ideal so it can be concealed and don’t show up much. I’m planning to use the 19mm hose. Any advantages or disadvantages using a 19mm against a 13mm? I’ve calculated the flow rates. Two downline 2 taps have 960LPH after taking out the 20% penalty and the last tap on the line has 1054 LPH after the 20% penalty. Adjustable throw and variable flow micro sprinklers should work fine in my opinion as long as they’re available here in NZ. Not sure if the store here can have it shipped across from Aus. 

cheers,

 Karan

[EricL]

Hello @KSB 

After much searching, the closest device I could find is the Pope MicroJet Variable Flow Spray Half Circle Pk5. but it only has a maximum throw of 1.5m. It will be necessary to use a Pope 300mm Rigid Riser with 4mm Adaptor as the sprayer itself is not designed to penetrate an irrigation pipe. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric   

[R4addZ]

Hi @KSB 

Remember that the risers can be cut down to the height required and you can buy small packs of the double screw thread adaptors so the off cuts can also be used.

For neatness I would run the feed pipe out to the fence and then screw a manifold (distribution valves) or battery powered/manual timer with distribution on there and then run the pipes where you want them from there. Use as large a pipe as possible to the distribution point and it is worth doing your flow test off one of those outlets as there can be considerable differences between the flow at the tap and the flow at that point (if you want to get technical it's due to the bernoulli effect) and this will govern how many sprinklers you will be able to run on each line.