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bayarea_girl

Looking for a good drip irrigation system

11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago

I bought my first drip system from DripWorks.com for the front yard and am planning to buy a second drip system for the backyard. I like the system from DripWorks but they don't sell their parts in Home Depot, Lowes or any local stores where I live and I like the convenience of if I need some parts, I can pick it up from a store or order from amazon.

If you have a drip system in your garden, please share your experience. Thanks.

Comments (4)

  • 11 years ago

    I have a Dripworks system, and have been able to use parts that I find at one of the locally-owned hardware stores on the system.

    bayarea_girl_z10a_ca thanked diane_nj 6b/7a
  • 11 years ago

    Unless you need to vary the amount of water the plants receive then one continuous 1/2 inch poly hose should handle your complete area. From what I’ve read you can connect up to 600 dippers to a 1/2 inch hose. Thus you only need one timer for the complete system.

    I run my 1/2” around the top of our chain length fence, tie-wrapping it every 18”, then attach 4 feet of 1/4” hoses for each plant that is next to the fence. That allows me to replace a broken dripper by only cutting off 1/2” section of the 1/4” hose. Just make the hose long enough to reach the plant then add 6 inches. I’ve had mine in place for close to 20 years and it’s still going. You can also attach up to 20 drippers in line, using the 1/4” hose.

    Orbit makes a nice timer that allows you to set 4 start time and 4 drip time. Model 62001/62401. You can even remover the timer part, take it inside the house to set everything up while watching tv, then just reattach it to the valve unit.

    Don’t forget to install a back flow preventer right after the timer. That way when it shuts off air goes into the 1/2” hose stopping any back flow of water into your homes water system.

    To fill the birdbath that sits far away from the house I ran a 1/4 hose out to it, pegging it to the lawn every 18 inches or so. Within a week or so you couldn't see the hose. An on/off valve allows me to fill the bath while sitting in the porch swing… lol Birds love it.

    Here is where I get parts: http://misterlandscaper.com

    Lowes sell some parts. Backflow preventers and pressure units.

    bayarea_girl_z10a_ca thanked toolbelt68
  • 11 years ago

    Dripworks is old problematic technology. In-line drip is the only way to go. Much less problems and maintenance issues. Much better distribution of the water in the soil. There's a product called Netafim that was developed in Israel. Toro and Rainbird also have a version. The Rainbird version has better adapters. Forget HD on this one. Go to your professional irrigation store to do it right. Your investment will pay off easily.

    bayarea_girl_z10a_ca thanked hugogurll
  • 11 years ago

    I have been using DripWork systems for 20 years in both my own and client gardens. I use a variety of in-line drip, sprays and individual emitters. Drip works has a good variety of in-line drips in both 1/2 and 1/4 in lines, with various spacing. I keep a tool box of spare parts so I don't have to run to the store/order all the time. I haven't kept up with newer systems because I'm retired now, so it's just my system. I currently have 450 roses plus other plants on drip. Here are a few tips:

    You can pull 300 gallons on one line--ie, 300 1-gal emitters, 600 1/2 gal emitters, however many in-line emitters--whatever combination.

    Be sure it is a closed system, ie, that it loops back onto itself so the water continuously circulates. If it is just one long line, you will lose pressure at the end of the line.

    Orbit makes the best automatic, battery-operated best timers; they come in a variety of sizes. But I also use the cheap wind up timers for a couple of beds and I always keep one on hand in case something goes wrong with an automatic timer.

    bayarea_girl_z10a_ca thanked catsrose