- 19 September 2023
Tips and Tricks for Building Your Own Irrigation System
An irrigation system is a method of supplying controlled amounts of water to plants, crops, or landscapes to help them grow and thrive. It is designed to ensure that plants receive the right amount of water, at the right time, and in the right place. Creating your own irrigation systems can be a fun, practical and cost-effective way to keep your plants hydrated and healthy. Here are a few easy tips and tricks to set up your own irrigation system:
DIY Project Tips and Tricks
1. Clean cut
When working with an irrigation system, cutting the irrigation pipe with a sharp instrument is key. Grab a sharp instrument like a pipe cutter, sharp knife, or sharp scissors to ensure a clean and precise cut of your irrigation pipe. Smooth pipe ends mean no frayed or jagged edges. This helps your fittings fit snugly and securely, preventing any leaks or water wastage it also helps fittings slide on smoothly.
2. Use Pipe Rachet Clips
The primary function of an irrigation clip is to secure and seal the connections between pipes, fittings, and tubing. Clips are user-friendly and make installation and repairs more straightforward. They create a tight bond, preventing any accidental disconnections or movements. With clips in place, no water is wasted, and your plants get the right amount of hydration.
3. Use garden pegs
Garden pegs provide excellent support and stability for your irrigation pipes. They keep everything in place, preventing pipes from shifting or moving, especially when water is flowing through the system. When you need to make adjustments or expand your irrigation setup, they make it simple to move or reposition the pipes as needed. They are an inexpensive and readily available option to secure your irrigation pipes, saving you money and hassle.
4. Elbows
When setting up your irrigation system, use elbows to create those smooth and efficient corners. They help you navigate sharp turns and angles and it avoids any kinks in the pipe, allowing water to flow seamlessly to all your plants.
5. Punch spanner tool
Apply your choice of finish, we’ve gone with a walnut interior stain. Make sure to apply the stain evenly, working with the grain of the wood. Let the stain dry completely. We used one coat for ours and left it to dry outside for an hour.
Tip: If you want a deeper colour, you can apply a second coat of stain after the first coat has dried
6. End plug
When you've got your irrigation system all set up, don't forget the final touch – the end plug! The end plug seals off the pipe's end, preventing any water from escaping and ensuring a closed, leak-free system.
This irrigation set can be automated by adding a water computer or tap timer to further enhance its convenience. When programmed, it will quietly turn itself on and off whenever the garden needs water allowing you to get on with other jobs.
