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mcfez
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WANTED! Need reference for watering guy
I just was informed that the person that is watering my trees/shrubs at our San Felipe house is doing a poor job.
Do you know of a good watering person from experience of using him/her? 3x per week. Please LMK. Year round job. Water on site.
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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sancho
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It will give me an excuse to the wife to drive to
Sf from San Clemente every 3 days, how much
does it pay?
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David K
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Gee wiz... heard of a battery (or even AC if you are on the grid) powered sprinkler valve/ controller?  
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David K
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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.
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woody with a view
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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...... 
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akshadow
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Sent you an email
| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
I just was informed that the person that is watering my trees/shrubs at our San Felipe house is doing a poor job.
Do you know of a good watering person from experience of using him/her? 3x per week. Please LMK. Year round job. Water on site.
|
Ron San Felipe Oct, Nov. Feb. Mar. April. remainder in Juneau Ak
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Bajatripper
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This is what David K does for a living, so it probably wouldn't hurt to listen to his advice on this.
There most certainly is but one side to every story: the TRUTH. Variations of it are nothing but lies.
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mcfez
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| 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. I spent a few hundred hours
developing the landscaping on that piece of land......not to say the cost of bringing in 15 ft tall Elephant trees and such. Anyone that came to the
McFestival last Spring will tell you....the landscaping is intense. The camp calls my place...The Park at the Y
So once again...anyone with a watering guy?
Ron....got you email. J will be following up on that. Txs
[Edited on 8-20-2011 by mcfez]
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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jakecard
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Do you irrigate with "gray-water," mcfez?
Jake
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mcfez
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| Quote: | Originally posted by jakecard
Do you irrigate with "gray-water," mcfez?
Partly...we just use that house a few weeks "here and there"...out of the year. I do have the shower and bathroom vanity waste water streamlining out
to the Oleander shrubs
Jake |
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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jakecard
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That's what I am trying to add up. If you only occupy the house a few weeks a year, then how are you generating a sufficient amount of gray-water to
irrigate the landscape all year round?
Do you rely on the municipal water supply to keep your plants green while you are away?
Jake
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David K
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Posts: 65410
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| 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]
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UnoMas
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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.
[Edited on 8-20-2011 by UnoMas]
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mcfez
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| 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]
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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jakecard
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For Christ's sake, people!
All the man wants is to have his plants stay green in the middle of a desert at a home he visits only a few weeks a year.
Now, is that so friggn' much to ask?
Give 'em hell, mcfez!
Jake
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mcfez
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Now, is that so friggn' much to ask?
| Quote: | Originally posted by jakecard
That's what I am trying to add up. If you only occupy the house a few weeks a year, then how are you generating a sufficient amount of gray-water to
irrigate the landscape all year round?
Do you rely on the municipal water supply to keep your plants green while you are away?
Jake |
Thank You Jake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do have the shower and bathroom vanity waste water streamlining out to the Oleander shrubs ....."when we are there". Everything is hand watered each
week regardless. The Oleander shrubs gets no watering when we are there. Yes....we are finally piped in from the city.
The lot is 240 x 240 x 170 Dense with trees and shrubs brought in a few years ago.
[Edited on 8-20-2011 by mcfez]
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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jakecard
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Is water scarcity in San Felipe a myth, then, mcfez?
Jake
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David K
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| 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!
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meme
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Get in touch with Mauricio the landscaper guy. He does watering many places. I dont have his number as Im not at home but he shouldnt be too hard to
find.
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grace59
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| Quote: | Originally posted by meme
Get in touch with Mauricio the landscaper guy. He does watering many places. I dont have his number as Im not at home but he shouldnt be too hard to
find. |
McFez, Mauricio waters for some friends of ours. I will call them later for their number. We have friends who water for us. I will also ask them if
they are interested. I know you want someone 3x week. About how long do you think it takes each time??
Whenever I hear that rainy, chill wind blow. I think it may be time to head for Mexico. Tengo que obedecer mi corazon!
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