How to set up an automatic irrigation system?

[Sugar]

Hi beautiful people. 

I am looking for recommendation of automatic irrigation system/control that seem to be reliable. 

Being a little bit busy with works, my wife and I cannot keep up with plants on the pots, herbs on the ground and green veggies on the ground. I was wondering if anyone has success on finding automatic controller that turns on the water at certain time of the day. I think that will be great outcome and plants will keep growing. I have seen some have mobile app to do that too. 

I have plants (both at rear and back of the house) and veggies at backyard with temporary garden beds, but would love to try this method. 

Only thing, I am concerned is if there will be detectiono of water leakage (in worst case scenari) from the main tap where the system will be integrated, just in case they system fails now and then etc..

Thank you.

[EricL]

Hello @Sugar 

Thanks for sharing your question about automatic irrigation controllers. I often look at the ratings & reviews section of a product to see what others have to say after purchasing a product. When people are happy and satisfied with their purchase, they often leave a positive review and point out the advantages of that product. Below is a picture of four controllers with a minimum of four-star ratings which is an indicator that these controller's function very well. I propose visiting your local store and looking at which one will suite your needs. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Sugar]

Thanks @EricL  this is really good idea. I will visit them. 

[AlanM52]

Hi @Sugar ,

RE: Only thing, I am concerned is if there will be detection of water leakage (in worst case scenario) from the main tap.

The recognized wi-fi irrigation leak detection devices are expensive.

I can provide guidelines based on the Tuya Smart WiFi Irrigation System with Water Flow Meter.

.

Tuya Smart WiFi Irrigation System with Water Flow Meter 

You will also need a Tuya ZigBee hub (low cost), 2.4G wi-fi network and someone with skills to install the phone app and connect to the irrigation device.

From Google AI.

Yes, the Tuya Smart WiFi Irrigation System with a water flow meter has a flow alarm, which alerts you to issues like leaks or pipe bursts. It sends notifications to the Tuya app when abnormal flow conditions are detected, allowing for timely intervention. 

How the flow alarm works

• Leak detection: 

  The system can identify a flow of water when the system is not supposed to be running, triggering an alarm for a potential leak. 
• Pipe burst detection: 

  It can also detect a high flow rate, which could indicate a broken sprinkler head or a pipe burst, and send an alarm. 
• App notifications: 

  When an abnormal condition is detected, an alert is sent to the connected Tuya app on your smartphone. 
• Actionable insights: 

  These alarms enable you to address problems promptly, such as shutting off the water supply to prevent damage. 
• Other alarms: 

  Some systems also have alarms for other issues, such as a "shortage warning" if no water pressure is detected when the system is supposed to be on. 

The device is compatible with both Alexa and Google so you will able to issue voice commands like 'Alexa... turn off irrigation system'.

Here is my Alexa running on Win11 desktop.

Come back if you want to discuss some more...

PS. I just ordered two of those for our front and back yard irrigation systems 😊

Cheers

[Sugar]

Thanks @AlanM52 

Have you tried your system in this setup ?

Apologies if the picture is not good. 

Like this. 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009655892264.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.462d6479nK6GFD&al...

or even 

I am preferring to suck the water from tank just to be in safe side, as I travel a lot and what if the hose come out and nobody at home to take care. So I would rather prefer to have a bigger tank at the back of my house which can at least supply water for a week to the plants at least two times a day. Better if they have both options. Even better, if they have smart valve to close the water, just in case leakage happens. 

And I am also looking for option where I can extend small pipes from controller which can branch to so many places and deliver water to not only so many pots and few Garden beds ( even better if sprinkler can be put for Garden beds). 

I will show you if I find it. You seem like you have already got for yourself, may be useful for other users here.  

Looks like Alibaba and Aliexpress have numerous options. What's your purchase experience with them in terms of delivery and trustworthyness ? And, if you have bought, does the controller and device itself looks worthy of the price ?

Regards

[AlanM52]

Hi @Sugar,

I have a basic system because I am retired, home most of the time and also outside most days doing yard work or in my workshop - maybe watching the roses grow.

Starting from left:

#1&2 supply back yard irrigation system.

#3&4 supply the front yard irrigation system.

Both via poly pipe.

  

I use a regular tap timer modified so it behaves like a normal snap-in fitting.

The short hose connects the timer to one of the manifold outlets 

And the pair of irrigation via the bottom splitter.

I see you are into the smart home stuff which is good (y)

Alibaba is commercial:

Find quality Manufacturers, Suppliers, Exporters, Importers, Buyers, Wholesalers, Products and Trade Leads from our award-winning International Trade Site. Import & Export on alibaba.com

I use Amazon, Temu and AliExpress.

Amazon:

Is the most reliable, it's suppliers fairly well regulated and there are many well know brand names.

Their delivery system is amazing to check the order status all I have to say is 'Alexa... Where's my stuff' and she will give full report.

Temu:

Need to be careful the product descriptions and photos can be misleading, always check the size and weight.

I ordered what I thought were garden statues and got pictures stuck to a board with a spike at the bottom lol.

They also have a minimum order amount or you pay for postage.

AliExpress:

This is currently my choice for shopping usually for tech stuff, I get what I am expecting and there is no postage cost.

Cheers