Drip irrigation is a cost-effective technique that maximizes water efficiency while minimizing resource consumption.
Although the overall cost of an irrigation system depends on the land size, you can significantly reduce expenses and make it more budget-friendly with smart planning.
In this post, we’ll explore essential tools that will help you set up a drip irrigation system for under $50.
Build Your Own Drip Irrigation System
Yes, you can build your own drip irrigation system for your garden or backyard for under $50.
I’m not sure about the exact square footage you can cover under $50, but I can assure you it can cover the landmark of 1000 to 2000 square feet. With a bit more expenses and ensuring the pressure, you can even cover more land.
The tools you will need are:
- Measure Tape.
- Hacksaw.
- Cordless Drill (with 1/8″ Drill Bit).
- 3/4″ PVC Pipe.
- 1/2″ PVC Pipe (with non-threaded.
- T-connectors and End Caps).
- PVC Cement.
- 1/2″ PVC Couples.
- 3/4″ Elbow Joint.
- Female Hose/Faucet Connector.
- Sand Paper.
The images shown below show how you build a drip irrigation system using tools and equipment listed above.
Emitters
You can buy dirt-cheap 60 drip irrigation emitters for $10 or something. However, better quality emitters are available for $9-10 per piece.
There are options in the market for not-so-cheap and not-so-expensive emitters, offering 100 emitters for $25-30. Be sure to check the exact pressure they can handle and read customer reviews before purchasing.
Filter
In drip irrigation, a filter is necessary if not installed yet. The cost ranges from below $15 to higher than $45.
A filter helps to solve issues with contaminants and clogging, ensuring water is delivered as planned.
And filters designed to address whatever challenges you’re dealing with, from harsh water conditions to corrosion and UV radiation.
Dummy Stopper
It is highly unlikely you’ll end up with some drip holes that do not serve the purpose of irrigation to the plants.
To stop the holes from wasting water. There are dummy stoppers available. These stoppers come in different sizes. So you can choose the suitable size for drip holes.
Shop for dummy stoppers now.
Dummy stoppers can effectively clog the drip main pipe more than any other glue solution, which may eventually come undone. They are cost-effective, starting from just $1.
Punch Hole Maker
Without the punch hole, you cannot insert drippers. And making the perfect punch hole is a difficult task.
To make this process easy, there are many drip punch hole makers in the market, making the perfect punch hole and even helping you insert drippers or pipes.
These punch hole makers come in different variants depend upon the size of hole they are making and cost you less than $9.
Pressure Regulator
If you successfully set up your drip irrigation. Then you don’t want to drain out your water as quickly as possible. The main reason you may install drip irrigation is to save water.
Without proper water flow checking, the water source may drain out quickly.
To proper check the water pressure. You can install the water pressure regulator. These water pressures cost you around $7 to 20 bucks.
Rubber Grommet
Rubber grommets are versatile and essential parts of drip irrigation systems. They help to ensure that the system is properly sealed and protected, and they can extend the life of the system.
Plus, Rubber Grommet completely seals the hole and reduces the friction between pipe and emitters.
You can purchase these Rubber Grommet for only $5 to $10.
Connector Kit
Without the connectors, there is no drip irrigation because it is highly unlikely that you would build a drip irrigation system using only one straight hose. You will need additional connections or turnarounds from the main hose.
To build the drip irrigation that suits your crop or the land. It is mandatory to buy some elbows, tees, end plug, way coupling, straight barbs. lateral cock, joiner.
You can purchase all these tools individually, or the easy option is to buy the kit that offers all these tools or buy one or two kits. Some kits may not offer all the connectors, so you should buy another kit if needed.
These connector kits cost you anywhere between $10-$15.
Last Word…
These are the key components needed to set up a cost-effective drip irrigation system for under $50.
The total budget may vary based on land size and crop type, but careful selection ensures a durable and efficient setup.
The right drip irrigation system not only saves money but also helps you conserve water while keeping your garden thriving.
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