Drip Irrigation

Although I learned about drip systems in school, I had never installed one until last weekend. I went to a local hardware store and was asked by an elderly gentleman (probably in his mid-70's) if he could help me. When I mentioned drip systems he said "Drip is my middle name." He then escorted me to the back of the store where a myriad of fittings and tubing were stacked.

Mike took a look at me and said with a smile "Let's play." He was a wealth of information and humor, and even had a drip hose set up with all kinds of fittings on it. He showed me how each fitting sprayed or dripped. I drew my yard and he told me how many t-joints and elbows I'd need. I went home feeling confident that I had all the supplies and information for the project.

The installation only took an hour or so. I laid out the tubing as I went around the yard and added t-joints. The parts all fit together simply by using firm pressure to connect them inside each other. Drip fittings were added by using a tool that punched holes in the tubing and helped insert them. I used mostly 2 gallon/hr emitters for the small 1 gallon shrubs I planted. As my plants grow, I'll add more 2 gallon/hr emitters or switch to a 4 gallon/hr emitter.

After finishing the installation, I checked each emitter to be sure it was putting out water. The only problem was a leaky faucet that was easily fixed with the use of an 'o' ring. At this point I haven't decided if I will use a timer or not, but am told battery timers are excellent for drip systems.

My boss (Ed Perry) says the important part of using drip irrigation is to realize that it's a dynamic system. Weather, animals and other events in the landscape cause things to shift or become plugged. Remember to visit your emitters on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning (every week or 2). Otherwise, a dead plant will be the only signal that something is wrong with the system.

For those new to drip, visit a small hardware store or nursery and find someone willing to explain how it works and what you'll need. Then install your landscape and tell me how it goes!
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