A beautiful lush green lawn, beautiful flowers or a fruitful vegetable garden are the result of hard work and a willingness to devote time, energy and money to the final result. An important step in obtaining this green oasis for the mind, body and spirit, however, is to make things easier by installing an irrigation system.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Types of Irrigation Systems
Step 1. Decide the type of irrigation system that meets your needs
The types most often used in the home are drop-shaped, fountain-shaped and rain-shaped. Each type will be able to irrigate, however each of these behaves better in specific situations. You have to decide if a type, or a combination of them, is the right choice for you.
- A drip irrigation system is exactly what the expression implies and implies low water pressure and no aerial spraying to achieve the goal of watering the plants correctly. The system consists of a perforated hose or a pipe laid on the surface, or just below, connected to a control unit. This system works best for flowers or garden beds.
- The fountain irrigation system is based on moderate pressure that raises the head of a sprinkler which, rather than spraying, allows the water to "overflow" and slowly soak the soil. This system is associated with small water pipes governed by a controller, or by a valve, which activates as needed. It is a specific system for deep watering. Systems such as these are used for shrubs or trees and the surfaces around them.
- The sprinklers raise and provide pressure overhead spraying that uses a zoned system to irrigate flowers and flower beds as well as lawns. This type of sprinkler often spills water into roads and drainage systems. This depends on the supply of excessive volumes of water and the fact that they tend to irrigate more than the soil can absorb.
Method 2 of 2: Installing an Irrigation System
Step 1. Connect to a water source, and then lay out the hoses and sprinkler heads you need from that point on
The water source can be as simple as an external water connection that can be connected to a flexible hose. You have to find more complicated water sources according to the needs of your garden
Step 2. Inspect the garden to find the best locations for your system and sprinklers
Track the system using a water-based spray paint.
- The pipes will be laid both just below the surface and on top of the ground, if you are installing a drip or puddle irrigation system. This will require minimal excavation or excavation for the power lines. It will only require the need to lay or unroll small diameter pipes on top of flowers or in flower beds. Secure the pipe to the ground using a stake, which you can easily find at plumbing stores.
- Fountain systems or overhead sprinklers will require excavation for the sprinkler supply pipes.
- Start the installation of the lines using PVC pipes and fittings (tees) near the fixing point of the sprinklers. Use putty and sleeves to make the connections. Cut the pipes to the correct length using a PVC hacksaw or suitable cutters.
- You can start by installing the sprinklers and cutting the hose from the fitting once the irrigation lines and fittings for the extensions have been installed. Use PVC putty for this.
Step 3. Fill your pit and test the pressure of your system by slowly opening the water
Increase the pressure on the line slowly. The sprinklers should start running at this point.
Step 4. Adjust the sprinklers for maximum coverage and check for any water leaks from loose joints
Uncover and repair the line if you see water leaking from the ground.
Advice
- Install a purge valve at the lowest point of the system to drain the water from the pipes and to prevent the water from freezing and breaking the pipes.
- You will most likely need to draw from a domestic water source or your home's power line. A qualified installer should install a faucet and a check valve. You can do the rest of the irrigation system yourself.
- Cover the irrigation hose or the drip irrigation pipes arranged on the surface with an agricultural sheet covered with cedar or pine bark mulch. This helps to keep the moisture in the soil and reduces the necessary watering. Mulching also helps prevent damage to PVC pipes from the sun's ultraviolet rays.
- Establish a good relationship with your local home improvement store as they are a good source of advice.