Installation for K004

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 irrigation system from a faucet:

1. First connect a battery-operated controller to the faucet (model C000 - included in this kit) using the FHT and MHT fittings included.
2. Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT backflow device (model A015) to the controller MHT nipple or to the faucet if not used with the controller.
3. Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT filter (model F300) to the backflow device if used, or directly to the controller male outlet or to faucet.
4. 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 P367 - not included.)
2. Connect the MPT x MHT nipple to the outlet side of the controller (model A010.)
3. Connect the 3/4" battery-operated controller (model C000) to the nipple.
4. Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT filter (model F300) to the backflow device, if used, or directly to the controller male outlet or to faucet.
5. Connect the 3/4"  25 PSI FHT x MHT pressure regulator (model A013) to the filter.

Steps to connect all others components:

5. 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.
6. Use the 1/2" elbow (model LF007) as needed.
7. Use 1/2" coupling .700 O.D. (model LF001) to connect additional 1/2" drip tubing, or for repair.
8. 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.
9. 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).
10. Use the 1/4" micro tubing (model T010) 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.
11. 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 sprayer’s 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.

12. Install the micro sprayers (model MSA001, 002 and 003) every 4-6’ using the 360, 180 or 90-degree patterns.
    1. First, (if not assembled) thread the micro sprayer into the 24” micro tubing assembly and insert and press the end of the micro tubing into the clip area of the clip stake. Make sure that the micro tubing and the micro sprayers are about an inch above the clip stake. Punch a hole in the drip hose and insert the 1/4" barb on the micro tubing/stake assembly into the drip hose. Place the stake assembly 6-8” above the ground.

For maximum system expansion using a single water source, and to better control the system’s total flow rate, use (model D076) I GPH (gallon per hour) drippers. We recommend using drippers of 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 12-16”, 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.

13. Use 1-GPH PC-drippers for a variety of plant sizes and spacing:

Suggested number of drippers per plant:

1. Plants in close spacing: place one 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 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.

14. Use one 360-degree, adjustable dripper (model D032) per plant. The cap produces a gentle stream pattern that can be adjusted from small to large coverage by rotating the dripper cap. This dripper has a 1/4" barb and a 5" spike.  Be aware that if the flow rate is turned to the maximum of 10 GPH, it will limit the flow capacity of the system. 
15. Use the punch (model A019) to punch hole in the 1/2" drip tubing for the insertion of the drippers and 1/4" fittings if needed.
16. The 1/2" stake (model S006) is used to secure the 1/2" drip hose to the ground. Place every 4' to 6' apart or as needed.
17. 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 inside 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 havean irrigation controller and you need to add more time, adjust the time on the controller or program the controller with additional start-times.