The use of a drip irrigation system is an effective and eco-friendly method to water your garden. This type of system allows for a reduction in water consumption by delivering water directly at the root level of plants. In this article, we will explain how to install this automatic irrigation system in your garden, step by step.
Step 1: Planning the Drip Irrigation System
First of all, you need to determine which areas of your garden require watering, such as flower beds, shrubs and other plants. Draw a plan of your garden with the different areas to water, as well as the location of taps and existing water sources.
Equipment Selection
Depending on your needs, choose the type of irrigation system that suits you best: porous pipes, drippers or microspray. Porous pipes are suitable for hedges, flower beds and borders while drippers are ideal for planters, pots and hanging baskets. Microsprays can be used for large areas such as lawns or vegetable gardens.
Calculation of water pressure and flow rate
It is essential to calculate the pressure and water flow you have to ensure optimal operation of the system. For that, measure the water pressure at your tap (in bars) and the water flow rate (in liters per hour). This will enable you to correctly choose the components of your drip irrigation system.
Step 2: Preparing the Equipment and Tools
Before starting the installation, gather the necessary equipment to set up your irrigation system:
- A main pipe to connect the water source to the system
- Secondary pipes to distribute water in different areas
- Drippers or microsprays according to your needs
- Fittings, elbows and junctions for assembling pipes together
- Valves and pressure regulators if necessary
To install the system, you will also need the following tools:
- A cutting pliers to cut pipes
- A tape measure to gauge the distances between plants and elements of the system
- A shovel or a trowel for digging trenches for the pipes
- Fixing collars to hold the pipes in place
Step 3: Installation of the Main System
Connection to the water source
Start by connecting the main hose to your water source (faucet, rainwater collector, etc.). Install a filter if necessary to prevent impurities from clogging the drippers or microsprays.
Installation of the main pipe and branches
Then roll out the main hose in your garden following the plan you previously established. Dig trenches if necessary to bury the pipes and place the diversions where the secondary pipes connect. To ensure an even distribution of water, strictly adhere to the distances between each dripper or microspray recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 4: Installation of secondary pipes and drippers or microsprays
In this step, you will connect the secondary pipes to the branches of the main pipe and place the drippers or microsprays at the locations determined on your plan. Also be sure to place a cap at the end of each secondary pipe to avoid any water leakage.
Connecting Secondary Pipes
With the cutting pliers, cut the secondary pipes to the desired length based on the distance between areas to be watered. Connect these pipes to the branches using suitable fittings (direct, elbows, T…). Ensure that the joints are well sealed and secure the pipes with fixing collars if necessary.
Installation of drippers or microsprays
Then place the drippers or microsprays at the locations defined on your plan following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure they are correctly positioned and oriented to efficiently water the desired area. To do this, you can use a fixing stake to hold the dripper in place and adjust the orientation if needed.
Step 5: System Adjustment and Commissioning
Once all the elements of the drip irrigation system are installed, it is time to adjust the system and proceed with its commissioning.
Verification of connections and possible leaks
Before putting the system into operation, make sure that all connections between the various components (pipes, drippers, etc.) are well sealed. If there are leaks, tighten the concerned fittings.
Adjustment of valves and pressure regulators
Depending on the type of system chosen, it may be necessary to adjust valves and/or pressure regulators to ensure a uniform distribution of water throughout the network. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to adjust these parameters according to the needs of your plants and the available water pressure.
Commissioning and system control
Finally, open the faucet of the water source and start the drip irrigation system. Observe the operation of each dripper or microspray to check that they are watering the desired areas correctly and that the amount of water distributed is suited to the needs of your plants.
Maintenance and management of your drip irrigation system
To ensure a long lifespan and proper functioning of your drip irrigation system, it is necessary to maintain it regularly:
- Check the filters and clean them if necessary to prevent the obstruction of drippers or microsprays by impurities
- Regularly inspect the condition of the pipes and replace those that are punctured or damaged
- Adjust the water pressure and flow settings if you notice that some areas are not sufficiently watered
By following these steps and tips, you will have an efficient and eco-friendly drip irrigation system in your garden. This type of automatic watering will notably allow you to reduce your water consumption while providing the plants with the hydration they need.