Automatic watering with micro-sprinkler system

15 years ago

I thought that this system would be the answer to standing with a hose for hours on end. I am not too sure. When everything works, it works very well. When it fails, it does so with gusto.

In a few months, I've had expensive digital timers fail, three Y splitter valves at the faucet break in half or leak horribly, and last night something in the system gave out and was spraying like Old Faithful.

It is clear that this kind of system needs maintenance and a watchful eye. I can't possibly leave it on, to water over the summer when I am gone, as I had hoped. Last summer was dry and I lost a few plants. This year, they'll have to be on their own. I'll be back every few weeks to visit my mother, so I can keep an eye out.

Is this normal for a system like this? (I wanted to put a similar system in for our Cape Cod gardens, although soaker hoses work well for years there.) Would a traditional irrigation system be more reliable? Our County likes the smaller microjet and drip irrigation systems, they are subject to less watering restrictions than the conventional irrigation.

I don't think I'm going into aquaculture!

Carol B. in Sarasota

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

babalu_aye
15 years ago
I've been using a micro-drip and sprayer system for about 9 years without any major problem, though I have had to replace a few of the sprayers after they blew their tops. I run the micro-drip system through all of the beds in the front, back, and side yards, and have it all set up as one zone on my regular irrigation system. The other zones are all regular pop-up sprinklers. The whole thing is controlled by a timer that runs a pump from the well and switches on and off the various zones.

John
greentfinger
15 years ago
This is my second year using drip irrigation products. I have forty 4 gallon pots on three seperate systems. I turn the pump on every other day for about 6 hours. Moisture is checked often by a moisture meter I bought and IT WORKS. My irrigation equipment came from Drip Depot, on the web, no catalog. I have improved my system by usung more 1/2 inch leader hoses with quarter inch coming off for individual pots. I used four 1/2 Gal. per hour 180 degree sprayers for my short row crops, beets, swiss chard, collards and turnips. I did find buying cleanable emitters helps considerably. The cost is negligable, a few cents.The small dripper type have a tendency to clog up with my well water in spite of filters. The cleanable emitters have a removeable disc that cleans well in hot water and dish washing detergent.

I hope this will help you.
Related Professionals
Springfield Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Vineland Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Fredericksburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Peoria Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Barnstable Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Winona Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Orange County Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Marietta Landscape Contractors · Ardmore Landscape Contractors · Anniston Landscape Contractors · Lewiston Landscape Contractors · Manhattan Landscape Contractors · Olympia Landscape Contractors · Oklahoma City Kitchen Remodelers · Saginaw Kitchen Remodelers
pabrocb
Original Author
15 years ago
I bought my system from Drip Depot, as suggested by Lou of Floral City, if I remember correctly. I know the landscaper added some additional parts.

Maybe I need to get my husband on the job. He's good at fussy jobs requiring patience.

CB
loufloralcityz9
15 years ago
Carol,
That wasn't me that recommended the Drip Depot.

I bought my watering systems from an outfit in Rustin, Louisiana that sells watering systems for orchard growers.

The only item that I did recommend to you was the Orbit Water Timer which I have used them for many many years with complete confidence. My original Orbit Water Timer is still operating and it is over 20 years old.

Lou
mrs_tlc
15 years ago
Bumping this back up because we just installed a drip system and I have some questions I hope you all can help with. How long/how often should I water?