Installation for K100

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:

• To automate the system, first connect the battery-operated timer (model C001) to the faucet.

1. Connect the 3/4" FHT x MHT backflow device  (model A015) to the controller or to the faucet if not using a controller.
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 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, 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 other 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 in the green roof area, make sure to have the 1/2" main line along the wall. The 1/2" drip tubing(model T003) 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. Make sure that the end of the drip tubing is near the drainage. Turn the water on and flush the line, and then close the end of the 1/2" drip tubing using the hose end (model A006).
6. Use the 1/4" micro tubing (model T009) to extend the drippers to the plant boxes or to the pots that are far from the 1/2" drip irrigation tubing. Insert the drip emitter at the end of the 1/4" micro tubing and secure with a stake or use the 1/4" drip line to loop along the planter. If you use the 1/4" drip line (T051) it should be installed every 6”-8” between the line
7. Use the 1/4" barb (model SF001) to connect the 1/4" micro tubing or the 1/4" drip line to the 1/2" drip tubing. To connect the 1/4" micro tubing or the 1/4" drip line 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 shrubs, bulbs and vegetable plants, 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 .5 GPH drip emitters (gallons per hour). We recommend using drip emitters of the same flow rate to resolve the difficulty of irrigating a green roof with a diversity of plant types and planter boxes and pots of different sizes, for example a green roof with planters, boxes, pots, vegetable boxes with trees, shrubs, bulbs and vegetable plants installed on the same system. To compensate for the sizes and types adjust the amount of water applied to larger or thirstier plants by simply adding more drip emitters, at intervals of 6-10” around or along the plants. This drip irrigation method provides 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.

8. Suggested number of drippers per plant:
   1. Pots and boxes up to 1 gallon: use one .5-GPH drip emitter.
   2. Pots and boxes up to 5 gallons: use two .5-GPH drip emitters, one on each side of the plant.
   3. Long planters and boxes up to 8” wide: use the 1/4" drip line down the center of the planter or box
   4. Long planters and boxes up to 12” wide: use two 1/4" drip lines spaced 6” apart.
   5. Large boxes up to 25 gallons: loop the 1/4" drip line around the perimeter of the box.
9. Use the 1/4" stake (if needed) (model S005) to hold and secure the micro tubing with the dripper near the plant area.
10. Use the 1/4" heavy duty stake (model S040) to secure the 1/4" drip line to the planter.
11. 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.
12. 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 on for 5 to 10 minutes, and check the system. If you need less or more water adjust the time on the irrigation controller. The goal is that all the containers, boxes and potted plants regardless of size will drain at the same time. Program the irrigation controller for about 2 to 4 minutes less than the time it took you to test the system. Run the system every one or two days, depending on your location and the soil type. After a week or two check the pots, soil, the health of the plants, and adjust the irrigation time, as needed.