Installation for K002

This drip irrigation and micro sprayer 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 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 outlet or faucet.
3. 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 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 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" 25 PSI FHT x MHT pressure regulator (model A013) to the filter.

Steps to connect all others components:

4. 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 and lay out the drip tubing to the garden area.
5. Use the 1/2" elbow (model LF007) as needed.
6. Use 1/2" coupling .700 O.D. (model LF001) to connect additional 1/2" drip tubing, or for repair.
7. Used the 1/2" tee (model LF005) to split the 1/2" drip tubing if neededor for making a loop from the 1/2" drip hose around a tree.
8. Turn the water on and flush the line, and then close the end of the 1/2"drip tubing (model T003) using hose end (model A006).
9. Use the 1/4" micro tubing (model T009) to extend from the drippers to the plants that are far from the 1/2" drip tubing.  If all the plants are next to the path of the 1/2" drip tubing, the 1/4" micro tubing is not needed.
10. 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.

Micro sprayers have small droplets and a low flow application rate. Micro spray irrigation can prevent plant stress by maintaining low water tension in the soil using a low flow application rate. Use the micro sprayers to water groundcover, flowerbeds, or areas where drippers are not practical, such hillsides, or when low volume, overhead irrigation is desired. Like the drippers, the micro sprayers operate at low pressure but have a larger range of flow rates and diameters.

11. Install the 360 degree micro sprayers (model MS006) every 4-6’ and if needed use the 90 or 180 degree pattern deflectors (models DF090 and DF180).

First, (if not assembled) thread the micro sprayer into the 6” semi rigid poly with barb (model A003). Punch a hole in the drip tubing and insert the ¼ ” barb side into the drip tubing towater diverse plantings such as trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials, either option below can be utilized:

For maximum system expansion using a single water source, and to better control the system’s total flow rate, use I GPH (gallon 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, groundcovers, 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 plant. This 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.

Suggested number of drippers per plant:

1. Plants in close spacing: place one 1-GPH dripper every 10" to 12" apart.
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 two 1-GPH drippers per plant spaced 12" apart.
4. Plants 3' to 5' high: use three or four 1-GPH drippers per plant, spaced 12" apart or loop the drip hose around the plant and insert the drippers every 12".
5. Plants 5' to 7' high: use four to six 1-GPH drippers per plant, spaced 12" apart or loop the drip hose around the plant with the drippers in preset spacing.

12. Use the 1/2" holder stake (model S006) to secure the 1/2" drip hose to the ground.  
13. Use the 1/4" stake (if needed) (model S005) to hold and secure the micro tubing with the dripper near the plant area.
14. 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.
15. 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.

See installation instructions in the kit box for details.

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.