Factors to Consider Before Installing Drip Irrigation

Installing a drip system is an effective way to efficiently water your lawn, garden, or landscaping.

Drip irrigation prevents runoff, evaporation, and reduces water waste. This targeted watering approach can conserve up to 70% more water than conventional sprinkler systems.

While I’ve covered many aspects of drip irrigation in previous posts, this post will focus on several key factors to consider before installing a drip irrigation system.

Landscape Layout

Before installing drip irrigation, do understand the landscape structure because hilly or sloping land can be a challenge. Drip irrigation works well if the laterals can be run along topographic lines.

To prevent the runoff, system run times may need to be adjusted.

Travelers and center pivot systems are usually out of the question on hilly and severely sloping land.

Water Source And Quality

It is necessary to check the availability and the quality of the water

Because most drip systems require 20-45 PSI of pressure to work properly, with inadequate water supply, it is difficult to achieve the required pressure.

Not only pressure, water must be filtered for particles to prevent clogging emitters. Municipal sources may have chemicals that require treatment to prevent buildup. Get your water tested if the quality is uncertain.

Soil Type

Do know what type of soil and make sure that the soil is deep enough for plant roots and tubing installation.

Sandy and loamy soils with good drainage are well-suited for drip systems. 

Dense clay soils may necessitate emitters that drip water slowly to prevent runoff.

Freezing Temperature

Freezing temperatures cause significant damage to the drip lines.

If water remains in the drip tubes, it could burst the line, so requires winterization to avoid ice damage and cracked tubing.

Solutions include draining lines before freeze events, blowing out lines with compressed air, or using drain valves to remove water from tubes to prevent emitters from bursting.

Filtering and Purging

Drip emitters and tubes are prone to clogging from particles and mineral deposits.

Install a filter system at the irrigation inlet to continuously trap debris before it enters the tubing.

Configure the system so you can manually or automatically flush the lines (purging) to clear any buildup of particles.

Tubing and Emitters

Suitable Tubing and Emitters are crucial for the drip system because many tubing and emitters options exist for achieving the watering goals.

Choose durable tubing resistant to sunlight and UV degradation. Polyethylene tubing is common, with varying diameters for different flow rates. Inline or integrated emitters that connect to the tubing are easiest to install.

Also, consider flow rates, emitter spacing, and tubing layout to sufficiently water planting areas.

Timers and Controllers

Using timers can be an effective and efficient way to achieve optimum watering.

Using automatic timers lets you custom schedule each valve and zone for various watering durations and frequencies.

While timers offer basic scheduling, smart controllers adjust watering based on weather and soil moisture.

Simple programmable timers are the most affordable, while WiFi-enabled controllers allow remote access via smartphone. Consider compatibility with existing systems like smart home hubs.

Plant Need

Drip irrigation works best for flower beds, vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs, and container plants.

Do your own research and find the specific needs of each plant to determine emitter flow rates and watering durations. Some plants require consistent moisture, while others need less frequent watering.

The best thing is to group plants with similar needs into “hydrozones” for targeted watering.

Cost

Finally, it is all piled down to how much it costs to install the drip system.

There is no doubt that the drip system is sustainable and saves water. Install drip systems vary in cost depending on size, complexity, and equipment quality.

Compare prices and consider professional installation for larger or more complex systems.

Professional Installation

Before installing the drip system, evaluate your expertise and comfort level.

If tackling a large property or complex landscape, consider hiring an irrigation specialist for system design and installation.

While it may add to the cost, professionals can survey site conditions, orient tubing runs, program timers, and adjust water pressure. This ensures your system operates efficiently for years with minimal upkeep.

Regulations

Some regions have water restrictions or regulations regarding irrigation systems. Check local laws before installation.

Conclusion

These are all the factors you should consider before installing a Drip irrigation system. Following these guidelines will set your system up for success.

With smart preparation and component choices tailored to your landscape, a well-executed drip system can provide seasonal irrigation with very little maintenance required.

Making informed design decisions keeps your drip irrigation working effectively for years to come.