Drip irrigation is a low-pressure, low-volume lawn and garden watering system that delivers water to home landscapes using a drip, spray or stream. A drip irrigation system keeps roots moist, but not soaked, all while using less water than other irrigation techniques.
Impact sprinklers are excellent for low-pressure water sources. This type of sprinkler is built with integrated regulation valves that control water flow. Using impact sprinklers will still allow you to achieve healthy growth of grass and plants, even if the water pressure in your house is less than ideal.
Enter modern sprinkler irrigation systems. These champions operate on a low-pressure range of 10 to 25 psi (0.7 to 1.7 bar).
As well as for specific plants like shrubs and trees, dripper irrigation is great for container and hanging baskets. Drip line hoses, with evenly spaced drippers are a great way to water larger areas such as vegetable gardens, annual flower beds and hedges. As an added bonus, drippers work well with low water pressure.
A reading of 30 to 40 psi is considered safe for you to attach your drip irrigation system directly to the water source. Do take into consideration that home water pressure will fluctuate. A pressure of 80 psi or more will stress the pipes and fixtures of most drip systems and can cause damage to your system.
Pressure regulators reduce incoming water pressure to the ideal pressure for the drip system. Water companies are required to deliver water at a minimum of 30 psi, although pressures can exceed 80 psi. Excessive water pressures can pop off emitters and cause water to be emitted at a greater rate than desired.
In response to this, drip irrigation experts developed “rules” or guidelines for drip irrigation. For ¼” tubing, we call it the 30/30 rule: no more than 30 feet in any given run of ¼” line, drawing no more than 30 gallons per hour (GPH).
If the water pressure is low, you may need to contact your water utility company to have it increased. Another way to increase sprinkler water pressure is to install a water pressure booster pump. These pumps are available at most hardware stores and can be installed relatively easily.
Efficient – Drip systems are by far the most efficient irrigation method because water is applied precisely where it's needed. Good for all soil types – Slow delivery of water over an extended length of time prevents runoff on clay soils and helps keep sandy soil from drying out.
A common rule that is followed for obstructions within 18 inches of the sprinkler deflector is the “three times rule”. This requires sprinklers to be positioned away from obstructions a minimum or three times the maximum dimension of the obstruction.
For medium rectangular lawns, oscillating sprinklers provide even coverage, while stationary sprinklers work best for small circular areas. Soil type also matters — clay soils benefit from slower watering through bubblers, while sandy soils require more frequent, shorter waterings.
Irrigation systems can be divided into four classes: Surface, Sprinkler, Drip and Subsurface. Before deciding what method of irrigation to use, it is important to know how much and the quality of water is available, the soil type and slope of your crop fields and what crops you plan to irrigate.
If you are looking for a lower-maintenance form of positioning, a soaker hose might be the best choice. If you try to use the sprinkler hose in an area where plants are bunched together, the placement of the plants can affect the spray.
Simply multiply the square footage of your lawn by 0.62 gallons (which is equal to 1 inch of water per square foot), then divide by the sprinkler flow rate. This will tell you the number of minutes to run your sprinkler system.
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To increase water pressure in your home, start by checking your pressure gauge — ideal home water pressure is 50–60 PSI. Common fixes include clearing clogged pipes, adjusting your pressure regulator, checking for leaks, and ensuring your pressure tank has the correct air charge.
By checking the pressure regulator, inspecting the sprinkler heads, checking for leaks, doing a pressure test, installing more stations and increasing the water supply line, you can boost water pressure and keep your lawn healthy and green.
Keep in mind that sprinkler and drip systems will not work properly if the pressure is too low or too high. Most sprinkler systems work at an optimal pressure of 30-50 psi, and most drip systems work best in the range of 20-40 psi.
The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning hours between 4:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Early morning is best because there is less wind to blow the water away and less sunlight to evaporate it. This also discourages disease by giving the lawn the rest of the day to dry.
Irrigation Types