(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best automatic irrigation equipment

Drip system kit + sprinkler timer.

I got my drip kit for $20 off Amazon, and a few years back I bought a timer for my garden hose. The timer is really great you can set it to turn on every x days or every x hours. You can also control how long it runs for (15mins, ect..).

I just setup a drip system for my peppers and I'd recommend using at least two "drips" per pot.. 3+ would be great. I found that only 1 dripper wouldn't saturate the pot enough.

Edit: here's the timer: Orbit Single Outlet Programmable Hose Faucet Timer, Standard Packaging

Here's the drip kit: Kalolary 82ft Drip Irrigation, Garden Irrigation System, 4/7" Blank Distribution Tubing Watering Drip Kit, DIY Saving Water Automatic Irrigation Set for Garden, Greenhouse, Patio, Lawn

Obviously it is a little late now, but with these backflow preventers, you will want to "winterize" them in the fall/winter. Each model is different, but with mine, I remove all the internals and drain what water I can in there. After that, I use heat tape (http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Heat-AHB-019-Weather-Heating/dp/B00002N6MB/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397143706&sr=8-2&keywords=heat+tape) and wrap the pipes with it. The manufacturer suggests blowing all the water out of the lines with an air compressor, but I have never done it. I keep it covered with an trash can (it's in the side yard not visible to anyone who isn't going over to that side for a reason), but you can also use one of those fake rocks (http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-Watermaster-53016-Granite-Sprinkler/dp/B0013I2MSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397143834&sr=8-1&keywords=fake+rock).

Anyways, for your current issue, I would google the model # and look for repair kits. For my model, you can buy that plastic cap and the internals. Replacing it was a breeze, but it may be different for your model.

I know many lawn / sprinkler service companies would love to have the privilege to come winterize your system and then prepare it in the spring, but it isn't an awful task at all.

Good luck..

This is basically what I use...

The basics:

• Tote for your res
  
  
• Digital timer
  
  
• Pump
  
  
• Manifold (has an assortment of flow rate inserts so you can set it up how you want)
  
  
• fitting to attach hose from pump to manifold
  
  
• pump-to-manifold tubing
  
  
• Drip tubing
  
  Extras, that make things nice and easy:
  
  
• FloraFlex cap for even distribution through the medium
  
  
• Floraflex clips to hold the drip lines in place
  
  
  If you feed drain-to-waste, you'll want to come up with some way to collect runoff. Maybe something like THIS small HD tote, with a few holes drilled through the top. Just set your plant on top and it will collect all your runoff.

Sure, you can use this pump, and I think it's productivity will be enough for your system in your local weather conditions. And you can always lower watering cycle and spend more time for UV-cleaning.

But this unit is not handy to use - you will have to open system for cleaning and maintaining it and opening system is always a bad choice and should be avoided.

I don't know how to translate it to eng right way, but i'll try) Try building "continous-flow" system, where water coming from standalone buckets to expansion bucket passes through a disc filter (it's super handy to clean) and then external UV-device like this one. This may require a small additional water pump but will make your system much more handy in maintaining.

You should look for disc filter like this one, but with lower grid size, around 80 microns. You can clean this filter under water flow and install back in to system in less than 5 minutes.

I can post more pictures of the setup tomorrow if you want, basically since I live in an apartment building I use the water pressure from our reservoir that sits 7 floors above my apartment.

I have connected a timer to the wall that turns on a solenoid valve twice a day for 5 minutes.

The water comes out from under the sink on the balcony, goes to a 1/4" tubing that is then reduced to a 1/8" to fit the drip system.

I have just about enough water so that the water starts to drip form under the vases and since where I live is quite warm the plants usually like that.

I have set up the system 2 weeks ago so I still didn't had time to see if I should reduce or increase the water but this can be easily done by changing either the time the valve stays open or the amount of water that leaves the drip valve.

Here are the links for the stuff I used (similar):

Solenoid Valve

Timer
I like this model so you can connect the wires to the inside of the plug and keep you plug usefull.

Dripper I used these ones but I could not find then on amazon.

These look like might work aswell, and would solve one of my complaints about mine that is, when I need to change the amount of water I end up having to twist the water line witch messes up the direction of the rest of the line.

That's basically it, just pay attention to the diameter of the tubing and the voltages you use everything else should work just fine.

Super useful info, thanks!

So would i be right in saying i need:

• 1/2 black drip pipe (+necessary connectors to attach it to tap)
  
• narrow diameter pipe for attaching emitters
  
• Emitters (are these ones any good?)
  
• pipe connectors for angles/termination

Here's the album with descriptions.

Parts list:

1. Submersible aquarium pump. This way, I'm using electricity to pump water upwards, and don't need to elevate my water tank like in a Blumats system.
   
2. Pipe fitting to attach a manifold to the pump. I got one at my local hardware store, but I think this is the same thing.
   
3. 3/8" tubing to connect the pump to the manifold.
   
4. A kit with a bunch of 1/4" tubing to actually deliver water to the plants.. You could probably do it cheaper if you knew exactly which components you needed to buy, but I didn't so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
   
5. Manifold.This takes the water that comes from my pump and splits it into up to 8 1/4" lines to deliver to plants.
   
6. 5-gallon bucket. I already had one for vacuuming up my water, but you can get one for like 5 bucks at Home Depot.
   
   Total cost: ~$60. Not having to pH, add nutes, add calmag, etc. individually to like 10 individual cans of water: priceless!
   

Good call. Something like this with a bit of extra funny pipe.
https://www.amazon.com/Drip-Depot-Global-Swing-Adapter/dp/B01BE4DSEK/


Is most of the funny pipe they run to sprinkler heads this same size? Just unsure of what sized barbed connector I'd need (if there are different options). House was new, cheap, construction, circa 2011.

My 6 has so much creek. So what I did was...

1/4th inch drip tube in the inner seal atop my doors

That worked for a bit but the squeaky noises returned.

Next I used Gummi Pflege on the inside of every single seal within the door. So what I mean is. On the ones that attach to the body, but more importantly I spread open every one on the door and put a generous coating

Lastly,

I put Sailkote all over a rag, I mean soaked it, then rubbed it all over the felt side of the upper door seal that touches the body.

This can be purchased for a lot less with some hunting. I paid 12.99 at a local marina store

I got the drip line that's a drip every 6 inches. In my raised bed that's 2 x 12 ft, I had three lines of the drip line going down the bed. The automatic timer had the drips going 15 minutes twice a day. The automatic drip line + mulch on top made the garden totally easy and worked great for me since I don't get a chance to do any gardening during the work week due to long hours and a long commute.

Automatic Watering System ($35): https://smile.amazon.com/Raindrip-R560DP-Automatic-Container-Hanging/dp/B00J2NRUBI

Drip Line 6-inch spacing ($17): https://smile.amazon.com/100-Feet-Irrigation-Hydroponics-Dripline-Emitter/dp/B0746837DL

Straw Mulch ($21): https://smile.amazon.com/EZ-Straw-Seeding-Mulch-Tack/dp/B00GRSV936

No people love them though , I went a cheaper route and just got a similar product on amazon. If I am being honest I adjust the speed every now and then but I keep a camera near so I can check on it anytime anywhere .

The kit came with a hose attachment that runs off two different lines, I put it into the side of a 10 gallon trash barrel and sealed it tight.

If you spend the money for the other kit you mentioned it’s easier to install , it screws tight on both sides and seals with o rings


Philonext Drip Irrigation,100ft /30M Garden Irrigation System, Adjustable Automatic Micro Irrigation Kits,1/4" Blank Distribution Tubing Hose Suit for Garden Greenhouse, Flower Bed,Patio,Lawn (30M) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QDW8BGQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_02tODb4EJEE48

thank you. What about this? Input volatage is 120VAC @ 60Hz; Output rating is 24VAC @ 300mA. The one you suggested is 18 volt. Is that to play it safe? The bulbs are actually incandescent.

Apas 24VAC Power Adapter Transformers -Sprinkler System Power Supply for Indoor Irrigation Timers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0784S9358/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5MMPDbFD3CNG0

Use the plan that makes it easiest to replace the pipes if they break. Cracking the concrete will cause a lot of work so I'd avoid putting the pipes inside the concrete unless they are inside a larger casing.

Without knowing some dimensions I can only suggest a simple solution. Run a large diameter (6") pipe through the fill dirt or concrete. Then run smaller pipes/tubing through the larger pipe. Leave the larger pipe unsealed, so any leaks in the smaller stuff can drain freely. That almost guarantees the larger pipe will remain intact in case of an accident and won't stress the concrete. Just be sure there is someplace for water to drain. If you ever have to repair the smaller stuff you don't have to rip the whole thing out, just replace the smaller pipes within the casing.

If you have room for a drainage line you might consider putting in a few automatic drains in all the pipes so that when the system is not pressurized it will just drain itself. Such drains are often used in lawn sprinkler systems to allow the water to drain out when the pressure is reduced. Something like this. How it works.

If its a small-ish pump, it will likely have a 1/2" barb fitting to connect Poly or PVC hose to it. Use PVC hose for small setups as its more flexible and easier to work with.


https://www.amazon.com/Koram-Irrigation-Tubing-Distribution-Diameter/dp/B01LSC84ME/


you can buy it in small lengths at hardware and garden stores if you just need less than 100ft, but its much cheaper by the roll if you will ever use it.


If you are only watering a few plants, just run the hose from the pump, and out next to your plants (within a few feet).


Then you poke driplines into the hose near each plant (I like the brown stuff from home depot, it seems to seat better: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DIG-1-4-in-x-100-ft-Vinyl-Micro-Drip-Tubing-B38100/100212036).


This is a pain until you get the hang of it - First cut a length of the dripline to get to your plant, then cut one end off at a sharp angle (at least 45deg) then you need something to poke a small hole in the PVC hose, I use a nail punch that has been sharpened to make puncturing the tubing easier. You poke a hole in the tubing at an angle toward the pump, then quickly (and forcefully) push the angled dripline end into the hole in the hose. it will seat the first time you run water through it.


put a drip stake at the end of each dripline like this-
https://www.amazon.com/Grodan-Dripper-Stake-Degree-Bag/dp/B008UFC0B4


repeat at each plant.



put a hose clamp on the hose where it attaches to the pump, and crimp the other end so water/nutrients dont just go rushing out the end. you can just fold the hose over a couple times and zip tie it, or get a 1/2" plug and a hose clamp.

No worries, it's a little bit of a faff to start off with, figuring out what connectors you need and the like, but pretty easy to use once you know what you're doing and get it set up. I attach mine to an external tap so just used standard garden hose adaptors from a garden centre to fit mine. Think I used one of these pressure reducers to connect the wider garden hose to the narrow hose the filter uses.

I think the bit I find hardest is trying to get it undone and then done up again tightly enough when I have to change the cartridge as I'm a weakling (it leaks slightly if it's not done up tight enough). That and remembering to go check how full the bottle I'm filling is...

These are GREAT connetors. They come in multiple diameter sizes too.

Here is the proper tubing too. Again they come in different diameters.

Dammit, that being said, just looked at Amazon, and found 50' for $55...

http://www.amazon.com/Petra-63632068598-8-Inch-Copper-Refrigeration/dp/B000GON8S6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380591554&sr=8-1&keywords=3%2F8+copper

Also found 25' for about $23 on Amazon (Both are free shipping)

I don't know I'd this will help at all, since mine has died, but...

Mine (indoors) wanted to be constantly moist. I put one of those [terracotta bottle plant waterers](Terracotta Plant Waterer - Perfect for Vacation Plant Watering https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0156S2OWC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4yBSzbAQS4RWK) in it, and it thrived for a while. Then... I don't know what happened. It started turning yellow and dying back. Maybe it got root rot?

I currently have a Silver Falls that is acting like it's thirsty (dry leaves) though the soil is definitely moist. I don't know what to do either!

Edit: added link

Blumat Tropf Medium Box Kit - Automatic, Moisture Sensing Irrigation for Up To 12 Plants - Great for Vacation Watering https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B008PXHY3A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oIxZDb9Q0V8Y4

I believe it's a plant waterer. You jab it into the soil. The pretty, glazed bit is above the surface and looks nice. The water seeps out from the unglazed bit to the roots.

It's kinda like these terra cotta ones, but fancier.

Here's an amazon link.

You can hook it up to a faucet with a pressure reducer without any hassle; just buy the right couplers and enough garden hose or irrigation tubing to run the line and you should be good to go.

Tubbing: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BVS1YK/

Connector: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WJRG30/

Cutters: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HSAPR8/

I used Blumats with a 35gallon Rubbermaid reservoir when I was out of town for 2 weeks. Since the blumats only use gravity I didn’t risk the chance of a power outage. I would do a test run to make sure how much water you need. I’ve also run out of water before with tragic results.

Blumat Medium Box Kit - Automatic Irrigation for Up To 12 Plants

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PXHY3A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_girfAbM3N6FR5

I have no experience. Do not take my word for it that this is a good idea but perhaps you could try an Aqua Globe or something similar? It's obviously not good long term but to tide you over for 5 days it should work.

They'd have them at any gardening store, Home Depot or Lowes or even a reasonably sized Walmart with a gardening section.