Common Mistakes To Avoid In Drip Irrigation

Using a drip irrigation system in your garden is one of the most important things you can do for it. Drip irrigation systems deliver the right amount of water exactly where it is needed, saving you money and creating stronger, healthier plants. There are a few rules you should follow when installing a drip irrigation system in your garden to ensure you get the best results, below is a list of things to consider when designing and installing your new drip irrigation system.

The most common mistake people make when designing their system is not including enough emitters in the plan. Having the right amount of emitters will ensure that your plants’ root systems receive the water they need. The more emitters you have, the happier and healthier your plants will be, and by having more than one dripper per plant, you eliminate the risk of a clogged dripper killing that plant. If you have a smaller plant that only requires one dripper, you may want to use a washable dripper to avoid this risk.

Placing emitters too close or too far apart is another bad decision. Even placement will ensure that plants receive the proper amount of water without oversaturated areas. A good rule of thumb is to place an evenly spaced emitter along the plant line and a minimum of six inches from the base of the plant.

Filtered water is best for the overall health of your plants and many drip irrigation systems come with a filter to ensure you get many years of trouble-free use. Using a filter with at least 155 mesh is best if you want to provide adequate protection for the tiny holes in micro sprinklers and drippers.

It is important for any drip irrigation system to have the proper pressure; without it, the system will fail and plants will suffer from lack of water. If there are too many emitters on a single line, the water pressure will be insufficient and this could lead to clogs and improper watering. Also use a good pressure regulator to ensure that your drip irrigation system is working properly.

When you “zone” a drip irrigation system, you are actually separating plants that have different watering needs from others. Let’s say you have trees, shrubs, and dry climate plants; you will need three separate drip irrigation zones to provide them with the water they need without over- or under-watering them. You can also separate your zones by soil type and plant size. There are many ways to properly zone your system, and knowing the right way will make all the difference for your plants.

There are no set rules for watering schedules; doing your research and knowing what your plants need will go a long way in helping you achieve the perfect watering schedule. Don’t assume that a drip irrigation system is a “set it and forget it” type of system; you may need to make periodic, seasonal changes to your watering schedule to achieve the balance you are looking for. Only you know what your plants need at any given time of year and a properly installed drip irrigation system will ensure that your plants receive the water they need without getting too much or too little.

Incompatible thread types can lead to leaks, loss of pressure, and ultimately damage to the entire system. When ordering your new drip irrigation system or parts for your current system, you want to make sure you get the proper threads that match the threaded parts you already have installed.

You will have two different types of threaded parts: hose thread and pipe thread. Although there are certain parts in the drip irrigation system that have different types of threads, most will use either the pipe or hose thread and the option of a male or female connector.