Q&A for How to Install a Drip Irrigation System

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Question

How many outlets or plants we can irrigate from a 3 horsepower motor?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

That depends on the impeller size and 'cut' of 'flutings' in the spinning pump at the end of the moror, since those are what actually move the water.

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Question

I am having trouble pushing the pipe into the fittings. Is there a lubricant that will help this?

Community Answer

No, no lubricants. What works for me is very hot water. I heat up some water to boiling on the stove then pour it into my Stanley thermos -- keeps it hot for a long time -- and take it out to where I'm working on the irrigation. I pour a cup and dip the tubing end into it for about fifteen or thirty seconds, take it out and push the fitting in. Way easier! Also, work on a sunny day -- the hotter, the better -- and lay your tubing out about thirty minutes to an hour before you start working. The sun will soften it up.

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Question

How deep should the drip lines be underground?

Engr Asad Khan

Community Answer

Drip lines always lie on the ground surface. Because emitters outlet must be prevented from soil covering, this will clog emitters.

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Question

Do I need a pressure reducer?

Community Answer

Yes. And a check valve and a filter. They're not just saying you need those parts for fun, you need those parts for your system to work well and last long.

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Question

How deep is the 1/2" line buried?

Community Answer

Drip tubing is not buried. But when you're all done with the system and everything is where you want it, plants included, you can cover it all with 3 to 5 inches of mulch. Be careful to keep it a few inches away from the base of woody shrubs and trees.

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