Mastering the Setup and Installation of a Ground-Level Irrigation System for Your Garden: Valuable Advice and Suggestions
Venture into the World of DIY Underground Irrigation Systems! All You Need for a Greener Yard Blog Post
October 1, 2023
Want to make your yard the vibrant, verdant paradise it deserves to be? Perfecting your garden can seem like a complex task, but designing and installing an automatic underground irrigation system is easier than you might think. Get ready to dive into the unique world of watering systems!
Before you embark on your under-the-ground adventure, it's crucial to gather essential data about your green space. Let's get started!
Data Gathering: The Foundation of Your Walled Garden Gems
Detailed Garden Blueprint
Begin the journey by sketching a detailed layout of your garden. Measure each side and record the dimensions on graph paper. This lifeline will help you navigate the intricacies of watering your yard efficiently.
Water Power Matters
Water Flow Rate
To determine the flow rate, choose a container with a known volume (like a common bucket) and time how long it takes to fill up from the water source connected to your irrigation system. Strive for a minimum flow rate of 25 liters per minute for reliable operation.
Example:
Bucket volume: 5 litersFill time: 10 secondsFlow rate [5 liters / 10 seconds] x 60 [conversion to l/min] = 30 l/min
Water Pressure
Armor yourself with a pressure gauge and connect it to the same water source. Open the tap, and there you have it—the reading reveals the available static pressure. Your irrigation system should operate between 2.8 and 3.0 bar, with a maximum of 5.5 bar.
Example:
Pressure gauge reading: 3.2 bar
Now that you've collected vital data, let's kick off the creation of your underground irrigation system. To ensure you're up-to-speed, we recommend checking out our article The Intriguing Spread: Understanding Rotor and Spray-Type Heads before continuing.
Design and Install Your Earth-Grazing Prettiness
Sprinkler Selection
Pick the perfect sprinklers for your garden. If your garden spans 7 meters deep, opt for sprinklers with an approximate range of 7 meters.
Sprinkler Setup
Once you've selected your winning sprinklers, place them strategically to ensure uniform water distribution using the "head-to-head" layout.
Zoning
Due to the finite water flow, dividing the lawn into zones, or sectors, is essential. Calculate the proportion of sprinkler flow rate to the available water flow (after some safety buffer) to determine the number of zones.
Example:
Sprinklers consume 47 liters per minute
Available water flow, after safety buffer, is 25 liters per minute
Number of zones: 47 l/min / 25 l/min = 2 zones
Digging and Positioning
Now it's time to don your gardening gloves and dive into the earth. Dig the paths for the pipes and create the area of the box near the water intake with a depth of 30-40 cm. Once excavations are complete, lay down the pipes in the trenches, joining sections with unions and installing sprinklers according to the plan.
Solenoid Valve Setup
Finally, place the solenoid valve manifold in the vicinity of the water outlet, connecting the manifold inlet to the water source and the solenoid valves to the zone pipes.
We hope our mini-tutorial on creating an underground irrigation system has been helpful. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you'll be more than halfway to the green oasis of your dreams!
Previous Next Discover a fresh array of sprinkler choices for your lush green haven!
Contact us
Enrichment Data:
Designing a comprehensive irrigation system is about understanding water flow rate and pressure. To help you conquer these essential factors, consider these steps:
Determining Water Flow Rate (GPM)
- Estimate Watering Needs: Calculate the total water requirement (TWR) in gallons per minute (GPM) for your irrigation system. This evaluation includes watering requirements for various plant species and irrigation zones within your yard.[3]
- Apply the Formula: To determine the water flow rate (GPM), use the following formula: [ \text{GPM} = \frac{\text{TWR}}{\text{IOT}} \times 60 ] where IOT is the irrigation operating time in hours.[1]
- Zone the Yard: Break down your yard into manageable sections (preferably based on plant species and water needs) for more efficient watering.[3]
Determining Water Pressure
- Measuring Existing Pressure: Begin by gauging the present water pressure at your residence before crafting the irrigation system design.[3]
- Calculating Total Dynamic Head (TDH): TDH is paramount to ensuring the pump can manage the irrigation system's pressure demands. Components of TDH include:
- Suction Lift: The vertical distance from the pump to the water source
- Static Head: The vertical distance attained by water column in the system at an elevation
- Friction Loss: The energy loss due to the interaction between water and system components
- Required Pressure: The additional boost needed for system functionality
Use the following formula to calculate the TDH: [ \text{TDH} = \text{Suction Lift} + \text{Static Head} + \text{Friction Loss} + \text{Required PSI} ] Keep in mind that friction loss is often calculated with the Hazen-Williams formula.[1]
- Choosing the Right Pipe Material: Select pipes with a pressure rating suitable for your irrigation system (e.g., PN10 for residential applications or PN16 for increased pressure systems).[2]
The Finer Details
- Align System Requirements with Pump Performance: Utilize the calculated GPM and TDH to choose a pump that caters to your system's needs. Refer to the pump's performance curves to verify compatibility.[1]
- Consider Efficiency and Maintenance: Opt for a pump that operates close to its Best Efficiency Point (BEP) for optimal efficiency and energy savings. Also, consider ease of maintenance and long-term operational costs.[1]
- Incorporating efficient irrigation practices into your home-and-garden lifestyle can significantly improve the health and appearance of your yard.
- Properly designed underground irrigation systems, such as those detailed in this DIY guide, can promote greener landscaping and reduce water waste.
