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Post by littleminnie on Jan 27, 2011 13:28:18 GMT -5
I am getting ready to order drip irrigation for part of my garden. I am reading and understanding more of how it works now. What I am wondering is this: The watering system I use is an irrigation pump for fields. It has a lot of pressure from a main pump and then two regular spigots coming off and two big pipes to connect to farm irrigation. I want to connect my drip lines to one of the big pipes instead of the regular spigots if possible to leave the two spigots for the regular sprinklers and a hose for washing that I will be using. Does anyone know how to connect a garden hose ultimately to a big pipe like that? I don't know if it is possible. It would be nice to run all the irrigation at once so that the power to the pump isn't on twice as long. I will have 3 pulsating sprinklers, a short hose for washing and 700 feet of drip line tape. If they all have to go on 2 spigots I can work that out. If anyone knows where to find info on attaching a hose to a big pipe let me know please.
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Post by Joseph Lofthouse on Jan 27, 2011 15:59:27 GMT -5
Can you post a picture? If you lived close to me I would recommend "Valley Implement". They are the local tractor and irrigation parts supplier... Anything I need for irrigation they either have on the shelf already or can build it up from parts. You might have a similar store near you. My main-line irrigation pipes are made of metal so that they will hold up long-term. After I get the water out of the main-line though I often convert to PVC. I can get PVC at most hardware stores, and easily add hose connections, even to large pipes. Here's pictures of my connection: 1- The 4" main waterline as it comes out of the ground: 2- The main-line valve and end-plug. Notice the hose connection on the end-plug. I machined the hose-connection myself, but they can be bought that way either attached to the valve or to the end-plug. Normally there would be a few hundred feet of pipe between the valve and the end-plug, but if I want only a tiny bit of water from the mains this is how I get it out. This connection is pricey. 3- To get water from the mains for the yard we install a connection with PVC like this. What is not shown is the 4" to 2" T and the brass valve that is buried 18" underground. The 6" open PVC pipe next to the riser provides access to the shut-off valve for the 2" line. Cost of this connection is around $20. (Without the brass valve which would not be required on a small private system, but is required on our large semi-public system.) 4- And finally a close-up of the PVC to hose connection. I intend to install a second valve in the spring. In general, the larger the diameter of the pipes and valves the better the performance of the system. For example I used a 3/4 inch valve here instead of the slightly less expensive 1/2 valve. I used 1.5" pipe for the riser which is more than adequate for running a couple of sprinklers, and for washing vegetables. (I didn't feel like spending for a 2" riser since I already had 1.5" pipe on hand.)
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Post by steev on Jan 27, 2011 21:10:24 GMT -5
Bear in mind that drip doesn't want pressure much above 25#. I run my drip straight off the well pump, regulating the pressure by the number of emitters of whatever flow capacity adds up to the pump capacity. You probably want an in-line pressure regulator (not very expensive) or an adjustable valve with which you can regulate the flow down to what the drip can handle. Don't forget a cleanable filter. You don't mention your soil; the faster it drains, the more you need organic matter to keep your water in the root zone, and the more you need to mulch to keep the surface from getting dry and crusty.
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Post by littleminnie on Jan 29, 2011 15:03:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the photos. Maybe in spring when I go over there I can get a photo but not now in the snow.
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