Installation for ML50

In a basic vegetable garden installation with a number of planters in rows with variable spacings, you can use the 1/2" drip tubing as the main line and as the feeder line.  Run the 1/2" drip tubing from the water supply (faucet) to near each planter. Near each planter add a 1/2" tee. To the tee add an additional section of 1/2" drip tubing and raise it above the planter (at this point you can add a ball valve for each bed if you are interested in better control of the water to the bed) (ball valve not included in the kit). Inside the planter add a 1/2" elbow and to the 1/2" elbow add a section of the 1/2" drip tubing.  Run the drip tubing perpendicular to the rows and a few inches past the last row.  This will be your main water supply line to the row.  To the drip tubing and near each row punch a hole into the side of the 1/2" drip tubing and insert the 1/4" drip line with drip emitters every 12”. Lay out the 1/4" drip line near the vegetable row and past the last plant on each row by a few inches to compensate for temperature changes that may effect the drip tubing length. Secure the drip line every few feet by using the 1/4" stakes.

After you complete the installation, turn the water on and flush the line. After you flush the line close the end of the drip tubing and drip line using the hose end for the 1/2” drip tubing and the plugs for the 1/4" drip line. Turn the system on again and check that the system is working and no leak appears along the drip tubing and drip line or from the assembly to the faucet. If you use a battery-operated controller, program the controller.

Determine the Soil Type
Various types of soil have different characteristics which determine the proper planting and the appropriate drip irrigation method and application rate to use, such as slow application of water to the root zone at a single point using a drip emitter, or along the whole line using a drip line. The water moves through the soil by gravity (downwards) and capillary action (outwards), producing a wetting pattern characteristic of the soil type and the water application rate.

The simplest method to determine the type of soil you have is to take a handful of dry soil, grip it tightly and release. Sandy (coarse) soil will crumble and fall apart. Loam (medium) soil will hold together but then easily break apart. Clay will mold without breaking. For more precise information, consider conducting a soil test. Many universities offer this service through their extension offices, or contact the United States Department of Agriculture.

Parts needed starting from a faucet:

To automate the system from a faucet, our suggestion is to use a battery-operated controller (optional), then to attach a backflow device. Next, add a filter to protect the drip emitters from plugging. Last make sure to add the pressure regulator after the filter.

Suggested installation steps:

This kit has all the parts needed to start the system connecting to a faucet.  The Drip Store also includes instructions on how to start the system from a PVC pipe or a pipe thread.

Starting the system from a faucet:

·         Optional: If you wish to automate the system, first connect a battery-operated controller to the faucet (suggested model C001 - not included in this kit).

1.       Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT backflow device to the controller or to the faucet if not used with a controller (model A015).

2.       Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT filter (model F300) to the backflow device if used, or directly to the controller male outletor faucet.

3.       Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT pressure regulator (model A013) to the filter.

Optional: Starting the system from a PVC pipe:

1.       Glue a PVC male adapter (model P357) (not included) to the 3/4" PVC pipe.

2.      Use the 3/4" MHT x MPT nipple (model A010) to connect to the pipe thread making sure to use 3-5 rounds of Teflon tape.

3.       Connect the 3/4" FHT X MHT battery-operated controller (model C001) to the nipple (not included).

4.       Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT backflow device to the controller (not included), or to the faucet (model A015).

5.       Connect the 3/4" 25 PSI FHT x MHT pressure regulator (model A013) to the backflow

Steps to connect all others components:

Parts needed and suggested:

1.  (Optional) battery operated controller (low flow) model C001 without sensing capability or model C041 with rain sensor wires and four start time per day. Connect to the faucet using a 3/4" FHT x MNPT adapter model A011. To the other side of this heavy duty controller connect a nipple with MHT X MPT, model A010
2. ¾” FHT back flow device model A015. The backflow device is used to protect the system from back siphoning of contaminants to the water system. Connect to the controller, or if the controller is not used connect to the faucet.
3. 3/4” FHT x MHT screen filter with 155-mesh model F300 (the filter on this kit is optional due to the screen on the swivel adapter that the manufacture provides). The Drip Store is recommending adding a larger filter to any drip irrigation system.  The filter used to protect the drip system from plugging. Connect the filter to the backflow device or to the controller if the backflow device is not used.
4. 3/4" FHT 25 PSI pressure regulator model A013. The pressure regulator is used to lower the pressure to the optimal pressure needed for a drip system. Connect the pressure regulator to the filter.
5. 3/4" FHT swivel adapter model LF003.  This adapter connects the drip zone that includes all the components above to the drip tubing, by wiggling and pushing the drip tubing inside the compression fitting side. If you need to split the line into two sections at the faucet use a tee model LF009. Connect to the pressure regulator.
6. 50’ of ½” drip tubing model T004. Connect to the swivel adaptor and lay out the drip tubing to the planter area and close to each planter.
7. Tees 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" (if needed), model LF005. Use to split the 1/2" tubing if needed. You may need one for each planter.
8. Elbow 1/2" x 1/2", model LF007. Use to form the drip tubing into a 90-degree pattern. You may need one or two for each planter.
9. 1/4" barb model SF001. Use to connect the 1/4" drip line into the drip tubing. Punch a hole into the drip line and insert the barb. To the barb connect the 1/4"” drip line and lay it along the vegetable row.
10. 1/2" coupling (if needed) model LF001. To connect two pieces of 1/2" drip tubing if needed.
11. 1/2" hose ends model A006.  Plugs to close the ends of the 1/4" drip line model SF007. You also can use it close a hole on the 1/2" drip line.  After you install the 1/2" drip tubing and the 1/4" drip line, flush the line, then close the ends of the 1/2" drip tubing and drip line, pressurize the system, and make sure that the system has no leaks.
12. 50’ of .5-GPH with 12” spacing drip line, Model T051-NS50. Lay this drip line along the rows.
13. 1/4" stake model S040. Use to secure the drip line to the ground.
14. 1/2” stake model S030. Use to secure the drip tubing to the ground.
15. Punch model A019. Use the punch to punch the holes in the 1/2" drip tubing for insertion of the drippers.

See installation instructions for details.

Download:  Instruction Manual.

How much time to water:  Turn the water onfor 45 minutes to 1 hour every two days, depending on your location and the soil type.  After a week or two check the soil and the health of the plants, and adjust the watering time as needed.  If you have a controller and you need to add more time, adjust the time on the controller or program the controller with additional start-times.