While a subsurface drip irrigation system can last from twelve to fifteen years, especially if it is maintained well, some of the system's components may need to be replaced or repaired through the years.
One of the most common issues with poly-drip irrigation lines that can occur is that after four to five years, the tubing can develop cracks and can begin leaking. Typically, the life span of these poly-drip irrigation lines is about 10-15 years before the irrigation system should be replaced.
Although there is a 30/30 rule (30 foot max length, 30 gph max flow rate), others recommend keeping runs of 1/4" tubing under 20 feet. Keeping these runs short should be fairly easy, since 1/4" tubing typically comes off the main 1/2" line only far enough to reach nearby plants or trees.
One peculiar disadvantage to drip systems: gardeners often replace plants that have died at the end of a drip system tube by placing a new plant in the exact same place as the existing tube end – regardless of the type, needs, or eventual size of the new plant.
Minimum 10 years.. (all components including pump, filters both primary and secondary, fertigation unit, main line sub main line , dripline and all saftey unit including valves, pressure guage ect.)
While a subsurface drip irrigation system can last from twelve to fifteen years, especially if it is maintained well, some of the system's components may need to be replaced or repaired through the years.
Irrigation System Life Expectancy
With regular usage and proper maintenance, you can generally expect to get, on average, about 20 years of life out of your total irrigation system before it's time to replace.
The Cons of Drip Irrigation
Some common challenges include: Clogged Emitters – It's common for drip emitters to become clogged from mineral/chemical deposits, or algae and bacterial buildup. Even plant roots can find their way into drip tubing.
If the water is not properly filtered and the equipment not properly maintained, it can result in clogging. Drip irrigation might be unsatisfactory if herbicides or top dressed fertilizers need sprinkler irrigation for activation. Waste of water, time & harvest, if not installed properly.
The average cost of a residential drip irrigation system is $520, with most homeowners paying $310 to $815 for drip irrigation installation. Residential drip irrigation systems typically include one watering zone that supports a 100 – 275 square foot garden, so expect to pay about $3.25 per square foot.
PVC pipe needs to be at least 12 inches deep, while the poly tubing used for drip irrigation only needs to be six inches deep. Digging trenches is hard work, so make the most of them by using the same trench for different landscaping needs. Irrigation and lighting wires can be run in the same trench.
What could be wrong if emitters and fittings won't hold tight and keep coming off? Likely, your pressure is too high. We suggest installing a pressure regulator after the filter.
It is important to flush the lines at least every 2 weeks during the growing season. At a low concentration (1 to 5 ppm), chlorine kills bacteria and oxidizes iron. At a high concentration (100 to 1000 ppm), it oxidizes organic matter and disintegrates it.
If you are not growing year-round in the garden you can reuse the tape in the next growing season. Just make sure to wash out all the fittings and properly remove the soil and grit from the surrounding nut and barb so they will work well next time you use them.
What is this? On average, the cost of installing a drip irrigation system ranges between $1.70 and $4.80 per square foot, including labor and materials. Pricing per square foot decreases as the installed area increases.
Uneven Water Distribution
Blocked, clogged, or leaky drippers or tubing can result in some plants receiving too much water while others don't receive enough. Here's how to address it: Check the water flow at the emitters and adjust the system to ensure even distribution.
Evaporation: 5 to 40% losses
Conventional surface drip irrigation also create a wet surface subject to evaporation.
Reduces Soil Erosion
Since a drip irrigation system delivers water under low pressure, there's less chance of soil erosion, root exposure, and water runoff. The slow distribution allows the soil to absorb the water. Water that gushes from a garden hose can easily loosen and dislodge soil.
Spray irrigation has its benefits as well, including ease of installation, coverage of large areas, and the ability to adjust the water distribution. This system is often more cost-effective and easier to maintain than drip irrigation.
The first reason behind burying your drip tape is for improved water conservation. Previous studies say that when burying drip tape you will use 40% less water than leaving the drip tape on top of the soil. When left on top of the soil drip tape is gonna be losing a significant amount of water due to evaporation.
Most of the credit for making drip Irrigation what it is today goes to Israel and South Africa where it is most efficiently used.
Broken sprinkler pipe
The average cost of repairing broken pipes is $150 – $370, where the actual price depends on the type of pipe, the cost of labor, and how long it takes to complete the repair: PVC pipes typically cost $1.30 – $3.90 per linear foot. Polyethylene pipes usually cost $0.45 – $1.30 per linear foot.
Research consistently shows yield and quality of produce improves when a buried drip system is used. Normal life expectancy of a system is considered to be 12 to 15 years.
In general, as irrigation systems age beyond 25 years they tend to experience more frequent breakdowns, components become obsolete and finding replacement parts may be more difficult.