Installation for K001

This drip irrigation 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 irrigation system from a faucet:

• Optional: If you wish to automate the system, first connect a battery-operated timer to the faucet (suggested model C001 - not included in this kit).
• Connect the 3/4"FHT x MHT backflow device  (model A015) to the controller or to the faucet if not used with a controller.
• Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT filter (model F300) to the backflow device if used, or directly to the controller male outlet or faucet.
• Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT pressure regulator (model A013) to the filter.

Optional: Starting the irrigation system from a PVC pipe:

1. Glue to a 3/4" PVC pipe a PVC male adapter (model P357-not included).
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) (not included) to the nipple.
4. Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT backflow device (model A015) to the controller (not included), or to the faucet.
5. Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT filter (model F300) to the backflow device, if used, or directly to the controller male outlet or faucet.
6. Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT 25 PSI pressure regulator (model A013) to the filter.

Steps to connect all others components:

1. To the 3/4" FHT x MHT pressure regulator connect the 3/4" FHT swivel adapter (model LF503), to the adapter connect the poly tubing by wiggling and forcing the drip tubing into the compression side of the adapter and lay out the drip tubing to the garden area. The 1/2" drip tubing is used as the main line to deliver the water to the plants.
2. Use the 1/2" elbow (model LF007) as needed.
3. Use 1/2" coupling .700 O.D. (model LF001) to connect additional 1/2" drip tubing or for repair.
4. Use the 1/2" tee (model LF005) to split the 1/2" drip tubing if needed.
5. Turn the water on and flush the line, and then close the end of the 1/2"drip tubing using hose end (model A006).
6. Use the 1/4" micro tubing (model T009) to extend the drippers to the plants that are far from the 1/2" drip irrigation tubing.  If all the plants are next to the path of the 1/2" drip tubing, the 1/4" micro tubing is not needed.
7. Use the 1/4" barb (model SF001) to connect the 1/4" micro tubing to the 1/2" drip tubing. To connect the 1/4" micro tubing to the 1/2" drip tubing punch a hole in the 1/2" drip hose using the punch (model A019) and insert the 1/4" barb, then connect the 1/4" micro tubing to the barb.

To water a diverse selection of plant sizes such as trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials, the option below can be utilized:

Layout Option:For maximum system expansion using a single water source, and to better control the system’s total flow rate, use I GPH (gallons per hour) drippers (model D076). We recommend using drippers with the same flow rate to resolve the difficulty of irrigating a garden planted with a diversity of plant types and sizes, for example a garden with trees, shrubs, groundcover, bulbs and perennials installed on the same system. To increase the amount of water applied to larger or thirstier plants, simply add more drippers, at intervals of 12” around the plants. This drip irrigation method provides the plant with a larger wetted area to cover a larger section of the plant root zone. By adjusting watering time, the right amount of water can then be applied evenly to all the plants.

1. Suggested number of drippers per plant:
   1. Plants in close spacing: use a 1-GPH dripper every 10" to 12".
   2. Small plants up to 2 feet high spaced a few feet apart: use one 1-GPH dripper per plant.
   3. Plants 2' to 3' high: use 2 1-GPH drippers per plant spaced 12" apart.
   4. Plants 3' to 5' high: use 3 to 4 1-GPH drippers per plant, spaced 12" apart or loop the drip hose around the plant and insert the drippers every 12".
   5. Plant 5' to 7' high: use 4 to 6 1-GPH drippers per plant, spaced 12" apart or loop the drip hose around the plant with the drippers spaced 12” apart.
2. Use the 1/2" holder stake (model S006) to secure the 1/2" drip hose to the ground.
3. Use the 1/4" stake (if needed) (model S005) to hold and secure the micro tubing with the dripper near the plant area.
4. Use the punch (model A019) to punch holes in the 1/2" drip tubing for the insertion of the drippers and 1/4" fittings if needed.
5. Use goof plugs (if needed) (model SF007) to repair small holes in the 1/2" drip tubing. The goof plug may also be used to close the end of the 1/4" micro tubing.

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 irrigation time as needed.  If you have an irrigation controller and you need to add more time, adjust the time on the controller or program the controller with additional start-times.