7 Drip Irrigation Mistakes you’re Probably Making

Installing drip irrigation is one of the effective ways to water your crops and plants, especially if you don’t have much time to do it or live in an area where rain isn’t plentiful. But with this watering method, there’s room for plenty of mistakes you can make along the way that can cost you time and money and even damage your plants, especially if you’re a beginner. Knowing the common mistakes people make when installing a drip irrigation system can help you make informed decisions and make the most of your drip irrigation supplies Perth.

• Improperly Sized Emitters

Using emitters that are the wrong size for your crops/plants is a common mistake. If your emitters are too small, your plants will not get enough water and eventually die. On the other hand, if the emitters are too large, you’ll end up wasting water and money. To avoid this mistake, do your research when looking for drip irrigation supplies Perth and choose the right size emitter for your plants.

• Hooking Up Too Many Drippers to One Timer

You might be tempted to hook up as many drippers as possible to one-timer to save money, but this can lead to several problems. If one of the drippers becomes clogged, the entire system will shut down, and the water pressure will drop significantly as the water has to travel through more tubing and drippers. This can cause your plants to suffer from a lack of water. Besides, troubleshooting problems can be very difficult when there are so many components in one system.

• Not Offsetting the Inline Valve from the First Fixture

One of the most common drip irrigation mistakes is not offsetting the inline valve from the first fixture. This can cause water pressure issues and may even damage your system. To avoid this, offset the valve by at least 2 feet from the first fixture.

• Incorrectly Installing Valves and Wiring Connections

Incorrectly installing valves and wiring connections can damage the entire system. This can cause your system to malfunction and not work properly. Make sure you read the instructions carefully and follow them step-by-step. If you’re not sure about something, ask a professional for help.

• Flooding Stems or Nozzles with the Water Pressure Regulator

Setting the water pressure regulator too close to the nozzle or stem can result in flooding. This can cause the water to back up and flood the stems or nozzles, damaging your plants. Ensure the regulator is at least a few inches from the nozzle or stem.

• Installing a Poor Location for the Controller

Ideally, the controller should be installed near a water source and in an area that is protected from the elements. If the controller is installed in an area that is too hot or cold, it can damage the electronics. Additionally, if the controller is installed in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight, it can overheat and malfunction.

• Not Considering Plant Capacity When Selecting Rotors and Spray Heads

When looking for drip irrigation supplies such as rotors and spray heads, it’s crucial to consider the plant capacity. Failing to do so can lead to an inefficient system that doesn’t provide adequate coverage for your plants. Consider the size and spacing of your plants when choosing your irrigation components.

Try to avoid these mistakes when installing drip irrigation for your garden or crop to make the most of your system. Whether you’re looking for farm fencing or Perth irrigation supplies, we got you covered. Please contact our team to help select the right drip irrigation supplies.