WANTED! Need reference for watering guy

Gee wiz... heard of a battery (or even AC if you are on the grid) powered sprinkler valve/ controller?

Part 1 from an older post in Baja Home... forum

A drip system is very simple and inexpensive.

With the correct parts and equipment available, it will not clog and give you years of low water use, inexpensive service. What's even more important, plants grow better when watered with drip as their roots, not the leaves get all the water... and it comes at regular intervals, not sporadically from hand watering.
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Here is the info needed to put together a parts list:

Water source: hose bib, PVC pipe (size), or ? from a city water system or a pila... How much pressure (PSI)?... If a pila, the elevation difference (feet)from the bottom of the tank to the garden.

Operation: 110v available (inside or outside)? Otherwise, battery powered controller and valve(s).

Plantings: Shrubs, trees, ground cover, planter, garden? How far from the valve location. How many... or if a planter, ground cover or vegetable garden, how long and wide is the planting area?

That's the basics... next is the type of system to use.
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Each plant would get 1-3 emitters (depending on the size of the plant). A tree would get 3-6 or more emitters... evenly spaced around the tree, near it's drip line (below the edge of the leaf canopy, on the ground).

The emitters should be turbulent flow and pressure compensating... like the Agrifim PC+ or Netafim WPC or equivalent. Use 2 GPH for most applications... 1 GPH on the smallest shrubs... 1/2 GPH only on pots.

For planter beds, vegetable gardens, ground cover, and even around trees use emitterline (dripperline)... a 1/2" hose (brown in color) with a 1/2 GPH emitter inside the hose, every 12 inches... It works like a soaker line, but provides even water flow throughout the recommended maximum run (about 300 feet)... Typical soaker hoses flow less water the further awy you get from the source, so plants don't grow evenly. Netafim Techline CV is what I use, but other companies, like Agrifim and Toro Ag and Rain Bird also have Pressure Compensating emitterline.

Be aware that the emitterline hose size and the plain poly hose size may not be the same and have their own fittings available. You may need to make an adapter up to go from the black poly hose to the brown emitterline.

There also is a 1/4" brown emitterline (1/2 GPH) emitter pre-installed in the tube, every 12"... this is fine for shorter runs (up to 30 feet) and can be attached to the 1/2" black poly with a 1/4" barb connector (coupling) inserted into a hole you punch into the poly hose. The end of the 1/4" soaker tube is closed off with a 1/4" tube plug, also called a 'goof plug'.

Avoid micro sprays, foggers, and running 1/4" tube to remote drip emitters to have the least amount of problems later.

Micro sprays clog and break easily, foggers are nice for misting hanging plants, but will clog as they require a tiny hole to make the fine mist. 1/4" tubes can get raked up by gardeners then cut... 1/2" hose with the emitters directly attched (or emitterline) is heavier and are less likely to wander away from what they are supposed to irrigate. Staking down the hose will insure it stays put, as well.
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PVC (sch. 40) can be used to go from the valve to where the plantings begin... then convert to poly or emitterline. However, the distances at the beach house are not so great... So, to protect from dogs or coyotes, BURY the lines and stake them down ever 5-10'.

The good emitters and emitterline (Techline CV) has check valves built in so dirty water will not siphon back into the lines after the system is turned off. Use an anti-siphon control valve at the start and be sure it is 1 ft. above ground level... have a box to put over the valve to keep the sun and dogs off of it.
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Okay amigos, that is what has been posted already... Now for personalized details or any questions! Lawn slope or ground cover sprinklers can also be discussed.

I will try and post some product photos and links to help you to visualize the parts and equipment.

The control valve... pictured is an automatic anti-siphon valve. Operated manually or 24 volts (from an irrigation controller, off 110v)... install above ground, at the highest point in the system best:



For areas that have no electricity:


Model 510.011

One station battery operated controller with solenoid and actuator for 3/4" and 1" manual anti-siphon valves

Applications:
Converts 3/4" and 1" brass or plastic manual anti-siphon and angle valves to automatic operation

Controller features:

Four button with an integrated liquid crystal display (LCD)
Easy to read AM/PM clock
Four start times per day
Watering durations in 1 minute increments, from 1 minute to 12 hours
7 day programming schedule or intervals from 1 to 30 days
Powered by two 9 volt alkaline batteries
Manual irrigation cycle via the controller
Withstands harsh climatic conditions
Completely waterproof
Rain delay up to 30 days
Internal manual bleed
Manual shut-off
Flow control Irrigation suspension override (rain-mode)
Digital display, blinking low battery indicator
Automatic, semi-automatic and manual operation
24" solenoid wire with water proof connection to the controller
Program stored up to 20 seconds during battery change
Contains all parts required for conversion on most 3/4" and 1" brass or plastic manual anti-siphon valves
Specifications:

Dimensions: 6" W x 3-7/8" D x 7-3/4" H (15.6 cm W x 9.6 cm D x 20 cm H) (valve not included )
Operating pressure: 25 to 125 psi (1.75 to 8.5 kg/cm2)
Manual flow control can adjust to 0 flow
Dry latching solenoid
Power source: 18 volt DC (two 9 volt alkaline batteries)
Power draw: .2 amps per cycle
Temperature range: 38 to 130 degrees F (3-54 degrees C)

*Personal note: The batteries can last up to 2 years... best to replace once a year.

While using an anti siphon valve is recommended to protect residential water from possible contamination, some areas do not need an anti siphon valve. Here is the DIG battery controller with an in-line battery powered valve (3/4" to 2" valves available):

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The filter (150 mesh screen) and regulator (25 psi) for most any drip system... usually connects to the outlet side of the control valve... or in a PVC line anywhere before converting to poly tube or emitterline:



Here is the plain black 1/2" poly tube that emitters are inserted into for shrubs or trees:



Here is a pressure compenstaing emitter (green= 2 gph). The green end is inserted into the black poly hose and water comes out the balck end. 1/4" black tube can be attached to the black barb end to port the drip point up to several feet away from the emitter, if necessary. This is actually about the diameter of a nickel.



For heavily planted areas, planter beds, vegetable gardens, around trees, use emitterline... one line for every 2' of planter width... one per row of vegetables... one loop or ring around the tree near the canopy edge, not near the trunk.

Here is the 1/2" Netafim emitterline, known as 'Techline' with pressure compensating emitters (5-50 psi) every 12 inches, inside the tube.



Here is a roll of the 1/4" emitterline... available in 6" spacing or 12" spacing (recommended)... for shorter runs (12" up to 33' long runs). This connects to the black poly hose or the Techline (between the built in emitters) with a 1/4" barb coupling/ connector.



There are tons of drip products and equipment out there... I try to keep it down to a simple list of a few products that can be used for most irrigation needs. Note... I say 1/2" only for approx. scale... the brown and black lines are not the same exact size and use different fittings.

Fez

send DK 1/2 the cost of a yearly watering boy. send me the other half and consider yourself money ahead, even after expenses......

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Gee wiz... heard of a battery (or even AC if you are on the grid) powered sprinkler valve/ controller?

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez Quote: Originally posted by David K Gee wiz... heard of a battery (or even AC if you are on the grid) powered sprinkler valve/ controller? I cant afford a battery to die, much less any other sort of failure. The folks at the camp wont water in case of failure. Prefer a watering person as my post is asking for. And David.....as you know....I been installing water systems since 1978 as a Ca State Contractor (www.kissmygrass.com) up till a month ago. "Stuff " happens and I dont need to loose a major landscape down there. [Edited on 8-20-2011 by mcfez]

I know what you are and do... that is why I said gee wiz..

Batteries in those controllers last 2 years... but don't you go there at least once a year (or more)? Just put a new 9v alk. battery in each time. The newer model only takes one battery, as well. They are incredibly long lasting... use them in avocado groves.

You said your watering person was unreliable, and that is why I suggested an automatic drip system. I also wasn't sure if you were off grid, so you if you had 110v you could put in a standard controller with a non-volitile memory (for power interruptions).

Just offering help, and I was surprised because I knew you were a landscape contractor...

I do a lot of sub-work for landscape contractors because they want a good irrigation job for their clients or they are too busy with their primary profit maker, plants and hardscape, and it helps them to have me install the sprinklers or drip. That was back in the good times...



[Edited on 8-20-2011 by David K]

Quote:

Originally posted by UnoMas I am not a landscape contractor but have dealt with this same problem over ten years. First were the drip systems powered from the grid, inconsistent pressure and power failures caused the timers to become unreliable. Went to battery powered units, change the batteries once a year and have had good luck with this system. Timers stay accurate and everything is still alive when I return. Fez' Being a "landscaper" makes me think you are fishing and would hope you could solve this problem on your own.

Fishing? I dont think dude. Glad you have dealt with similar issues.Sounds like you had many issues......and am glad that it sounds like...you live at the location you are referring to.

I dont live at my beach house in San Felipe...so how can I deal with a issue 827 miles from home?

Let's talk drip systems then.
I'll install a system. Timer with back up.
Hell ...what could go wrong?


Dogs chewing thru the lines.
Critters chewing thru the lines.
Filter clogging up.
Emitters blown off or chewed off.
Somebody steals the parts!
Batteries died...oh oh!
Insects crawling into the emitters and clogging them (yes it does happen)
ATV runs thru my lot and chews the hosing.

Call a landscaper for repairs, in San Felipe? Nada.
Drive down there and fix a broken line....$700.00 fuel + expenses?
Drive down there and fix a broken line, for the second time?
Landscape is half dead by the time I get notified, and get there.

Believe me..if I live there...it be automated. Yes...I am a contractor. Years of experience tells me why to have a watering person!

Installations such as landscaping and irrigation is a whole different story under these conditions of a absentee homeowner.....in the middle of a desert.

David....I appreciate your advice as always. My typed words in this topic has no ills towards you.



[Edited on 8-20-2011 by mcfez]

Now, is that so friggn' much to ask?

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez Quote: Originally posted by UnoMas I am not a landscape contractor but have dealt with this same problem over ten years. First were the drip systems powered from the grid, inconsistent pressure and power failures caused the timers to become unreliable. Went to battery powered units, change the batteries once a year and have had good luck with this system. Timers stay accurate and everything is still alive when I return. Fez' Being a "landscaper" makes me think you are fishing and would hope you could solve this problem on your own. Fishing? I dont think dude. Glad you have dealt with similar issues.Sounds like you had many issues......and am glad that it sounds like...you live at the location you are referring to. I dont live at my beach house in San Felipe...so how can I deal with a issue 827 miles from home? Let's talk drip systems then. I'll install a system. Timer with back up. Hell ...what could go wrong? Dogs chewing thru the lines. Critters chewing thru the lines. Filter clogging up. Emitters blown off or chewed off. Somebody steals the parts! Batteries died...oh oh! Insects crawling into the emitters and clogging them (yes it does happen) ATV runs thru my lot and chews the hosing. Call a landscaper for repairs, in San Felipe? Nada. Drive down there and fix a broken line....$700.00 fuel + expenses? Drive down there and fix a broken line, for the second time? Landscape is half dead by the time I get notified, and get there. Believe me..if I live there...it be automated. Yes...I am a contractor. Years of experience tells me why to have a watering person! Installations such as landscaping and irrigation is a whole different story under these conditions of a absentee homeowner.....in the middle of a desert. David....I appreciate your advice as always. My typed words in this topic has no ills towards you. [Edited on 8-20-2011 by mcfez]

Maybe my uncle can water your plants

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by mcfez Quote: Originally posted by UnoMas I am not a landscape contractor but have dealt with this same problem over ten years. First were the drip systems powered from the grid, inconsistent pressure and power failures caused the timers to become unreliable. Went to battery powered units, change the batteries once a year and have had good luck with this system. Timers stay accurate and everything is still alive when I return. Fez' Being a "landscaper" makes me think you are fishing and would hope you could solve this problem on your own. Fishing? I dont think dude. Glad you have dealt with similar issues.Sounds like you had many issues......and am glad that it sounds like...you live at the location you are referring to. I dont live at my beach house in San Felipe...so how can I deal with a issue 827 miles from home? Let's talk drip systems then. I'll install a system. Timer with back up. Hell ...what could go wrong? Dogs chewing thru the lines. Critters chewing thru the lines. Filter clogging up. Emitters blown off or chewed off. Somebody steals the parts! Batteries died...oh oh! Insects crawling into the emitters and clogging them (yes it does happen) ATV runs thru my lot and chews the hosing. Call a landscaper for repairs, in San Felipe? Nada. Drive down there and fix a broken line....$700.00 fuel + expenses? Drive down there and fix a broken line, for the second time? Landscape is half dead by the time I get notified, and get there. Believe me..if I live there...it be automated. Yes...I am a contractor. Years of experience tells me why to have a watering person! Installations such as landscaping and irrigation is a whole different story under these conditions of a absentee homeowner.....in the middle of a desert. David....I appreciate your advice as always. My typed words in this topic has no ills towards you. [Edited on 8-20-2011 by mcfez] You are correct... very logical... thanks!

Thank you David.
As you know...I think you are a master at this drip watering engineering......so much so...we talked about a few sites for the Sacramento area. You overwhelmed me with your details! Pure Einstein stuff.I would highly recommend you right off the bat for any install. I'll will always respect you here.

grace59
Please do!


jakecard
Down town has piped water. We are 7 miles from downtown. Our campos just tapped in about 18 months ago. There are MANY areas without water....south SF long the coast to some sites inside the El Dorado. Plenty of water to go around. The real issue is the cost to bring in water via truck. I "think" we were paying $60 a load, back then.

To tap into the city side....well....we paid something like $2000 per lot.

[Edited on 8-20-2011 by mcfez]

Fez'
I live 2600 miles from my home in Baja so traveling there for a water problem is out of the question. I agree that the absolute best thing you can have is a person watering for you, but as you have experienced reliability is key. I have been using 9 volt battery drip system's for a while now and have not had any problems with animals chewing through the tubes (all under ground), plugged filters or any of the other things you have mentioned. My experience is that I can count on the battery more than the guy hired to water for me.
Also nice if a neighbor or a friend would look around once in a while.

Thanks all for the help

Yeah Grace...but you need to wear a Viking Skull Cap for larger portions for free


Lee.....you da man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edited on 8-27-2011 by mcfez]

Oh wow... if you know BajaRob, then you know good cooking!

Here was BajaRob just 3 months ago delivering champagne to our camp!

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by Baja.BBQ David K. We are located on Hwy 5 @ Km 178 sea side which is just a short distance before the Rockidile sign. We would love to meet you and your group. You are welcome to stop and stretch or Bano break before heading South. We send our food South to many people in the South Campos including your amigo BajaRob. Cold products packed seperately from BBQ products packed in heavy foil for a quick reheat on the grill or fire pit. Anyway, no purchase required, please stop by if time permits! Best Regards, Lee Oh wow... if you know BajaRob, then you know good cooking! Here was BajaRob just 3 months ago delivering champagne to our camp!