drip hand book

Drip irrigation Sprinkler Systems Outdoor Lighting Pond & Fountain Equipment

The Urban Farmer StoreDRIP IRRIGATION HANDBOOK

The Catalog for Getting Started 25th Anniversary Edition by Tom Bressan

Parts Catalog Drip emitters ................................................... 11 Sprays ............................................................. 12 Emitter line, Sub-surface emitter line .............. 13 Tubing ............................................................. 14 Fittings ............................................................ 15 Punches, Stakes, and Clips .............................. 16 Backow preventers ........................................ 17 Filters ............................................................... 17 Pressure regulators .......................................... 18 Fertilizer injectors ............................................ 18 Hose-end controls ........................................... 21 Irrigation Timers .............................................. 19 Valves, Wire, and Splices ................................. 20 Instant Manifolds/Useful Items ....................... 21 Self-Adjusting Evapotranspiration Controllers 22 Sprinkler to Drip Conversion + multi-outlet emitters ........................................................... 23 Pumps... .......................................................... 24 Introduction to Spriklers & Rotors .................. 24 Introduction to Outdoor Lighting .................. 26 Ordering Information .............................27

Our GuaranteeThere is a 30-day money back guarantee on

all products. If you are not entirely satised with any product, return it within 30 days and we will promptly refund your total purchase less shipping charges. Defective parts will be repaired or replaced free of charge when they are returned freight pre-paid within one year of purchase. We carry products that have been eld tested for their dependability and durability. Some products carry manufacturers warranties for longer than one year. Please write for specic warranty information.

Introduction ................................................................1Applications Landscape ..........................................................2 Containers .........................................................2 Vegetables ..........................................................3 Lawns .................................................................4 Orchards ............................................................5 Vineyards ...........................................................5Design Planning .............................................................6 Emitter placement .............................................6 Sizing your components ....................................7Assembly Hose-thread assembly ........................................8 Pipe-thread assembly .........................................8 Lines and Fittings ...............................................8 Emitters ..............................................................9 Assembly tips .....................................................9System Use Scheduling ...................................................... 10 Maintenance ................................................... 10

When we published our rst do-it-yourself manual and drip catalog in 1981, The Urban Farmer already had ve years experience designing and installing drip systems. Our publications on drip irrigation are used in college horticultural classes and distributed by water departments nationwide to help people conserve water. As well as being a mail order house, we have three stores located in the San Francisco Bay Area. We stock over 10,000 irrigation and landscape products, including lawn sprinklers, outdoor lighting, and water feature supplies. This catalog focuses on reliable high-quality examples of the most commonly used drip irrigation parts. If you need other choices or more help, experienced sales staff are available to answer questions and ll tele-phone orders. Please visit urbanfarmerstore.com for more information.

Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm PST and Saturday 9:30 am to 5 pm.

CONTENTS

THE URBAN FARMER STORE IS A REGISTERED SERVICE MARK OF THE URBAN FARMER STORE, INC. ALL OTHERS ARE THE SERVICE MARKS OR TRADE MARKS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS AND MAY BE REGISTERED. 2006 THE URBAN FARMER STORE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

1Availability, price, shipping charges, and sales tax subject to change without notice

2006 THE URBAN FARMER STORE

install. Since no trenching is needed, you can install a system in an exist-ing landscape with no damage to your plants root systems. Tubing will be overgrown by ground cover, or it can be quickly concealed with mulch. Drip irrigation also allows you to water a large area from a small water source, since it uses water more slowly than other methods.

Installing drip to new plants will help them develop deep roots which are more resistant to dry spells.

However, the greatest advantage for the home gardener is time savings. The simple action of opening a valve replaces all the time spent watering by hand. With the addition of an auto-matic timer, you can go on vacation or cope with a busy schedule while your garden ourishes without you.

How To Use This HandbookThe following pages will help you

design, purchase, and install a drip ir-rigation system tailored to your own garden. The last half of this catalog illustrates a selection of drip compo-nents and other products that we have found useful for home gardeners.

All the products shown here are proven, low-cost agricultural quality equipment suitable for use in home gardens. When a farmer installs and operates several acres of drip equip-ment, any weaknesses in design or manufacture become apparent pretty quickly.

If you dont nd what you are looking for, call us. We carry a larger inventory of both drip and sprinkler equipment than this catalog represents, and will usually have the irrigation part you need. We encourage you to draw your garden on the graph paper in the back of the catalog and start laying plans for your drip system.

AdvantagesA drip system produces healthy,

fast-growing plants. In fact, improved crop yields were the primary force be-hind the development of drip irrigation for agriculture.

In traditional watering methods there is an extreme uctuation in the water content, temperature, and aera-tion of the soil, resulting in plant stress. Drip watering keeps the moisture content of soil relatively constant and ensures that oxygen remains available to the root system.

For many gardeners, water conser-vation is the main reason for installing a drip system. When you water your garden, your purpose is to water plants rather than soil. Drip irrigation gives you the ability to put water exactly where its needed and keep paths and areas between plants dry. This reduces both waste and weeding.

You can regulate precisely the amount of water used during irrigation so that nearly all of it remains in the root zone. Water lost to evaporation is negligible compared to overhead wa-tering.

Traditional watering methods deliver water faster than most soils can absorb. If water exceeds the soils percolation rate, it can only run off the surface, taking valuable topsoil and nutrients with it. On a slope, drip can be designed for minimum run-off and, is often the only means of bringing a hillside into cultivation.

Another advantage of drip is that you can deliver equal amounts of water to plants over a wide area. This is very hard to accomplish with other methods of irrigation. Drip irrigation saves so much water that it is required by Cali-fornia law as the way to water narrow or sparse plantings in new commercial and larger residential landscapes.

A drip irrigation system is easy to

Drip irrigation is the slow and precise delivery of water to chosen plantings. It uses exible polyethylene tubing with devices for dripping water (emitters) and low-volume sprays. The systems are easy to install, require no trenching, and the only tools needed are pruning shears and a punch.

Drip irrigation maintains near-perfect moisture levels in the root zone of plants, avoiding the too wet/too dry swings typical of overhead watering. Drip systems are controlled by hand or by an automatic timer, and can also be used to apply fertilizers directly to the roots of plants.Drip systems irrigate all types of landscape: shrubs, trees, perennial beds, ground covers, annuals and lawns. Drip is the best choice to water roof gardens, containers on decks and patios, row crops and kitchen gardens, orchards, and vineyards. Systems range in size from a few hanging baskets to several thousand acres of crops.

Introduction to Drip Irrigation

Call toll-free: 1-800-753-DRIP Fax: (415) 661-7826 Visa & Mastercard accepted 2


LandscapeLandscape plantings with various

water needs are often mixed together in one garden. Ideally, each group of plants with similar needs is watered by a separate zone of the irrigation system, controlled by a valve.

In practice the number of zones you set up will also be inuenced by the size of the garden. A small ornamental garden is often divided into only two zonesone requiring frequent, relatively shallow watering and the other infrequent, deeper water. A large landscape might require dif-ferent zones for hedges, trees, a shade garden, perennial beds in full sun, an area of native plants and so on.

Youve probably noticed that certain areas of your garden dry out faster than others, depending on ex-posure to sun and wind, differing soil drainage, and competition from tree roots for available water. A small gar-den where the plants have essentially similar water needs can be handled with a single zone. You can insert faster drippers or more drippers to take care of thirstier plants.

Hedges, perennial beds, and trees each lend themselves to different styles of drip layout. Dense plantings such as hedges, annual borders, and ground covers are typically watered using emitter lines, tubing with pre-

a good idea to keep a few repair parts on hand just in case.

ContainersPlants in containers, which dry

out faster than those in the ground, are prime candidates for an automatic drip system. Hand watering is very time consuming and the plants suffer im-mediately when watering is neglected.

A container drip system should always be zoned separately because its watering schedule is unique. Con-tainer plants need frequent waterings for only 2 to 5 minutes at a time.

In a container system, a 1/2" or 3/8" line is run below or behind the plants, under the railing, or under the deck it-self. Smaller tubing (1/4") goes to each container. The 1/4" tubing is available in various colors to help hide it. It can also be run through the containers drainage hole.

All but the smallest containers need several emitters placed in them because their soil is so loose that water from each emitter moves down-ward without much sideways spread. The irrigation strategy is to place drip emitters 6" apart, or to attach small ad-justable bubblers to spread the water. Useful products from the catalog are mini-inline emitters, 1/4" emitter lines, shrubblers, and vortex sprays, all il-

Landscape

APPLICATIONS

inserted drip emitters spaced at regular intervals. Irregular plantings such as shrubs and perennial beds are most often watered with individual drippers chosen for the needs of each plant.

...each group of plants with similar needs is watered by a separate zone of the irrigation system, controlled by a valve.

Small sprays attached to the drip system are also useful in mixed land-scape. A common design is to water the ground cover between shrubs with sprays, while adding extra water near the base of each shrub with drip emit-ters. Another good use of sprays is to water small plants or ground cover growing among rocks or agstones. For a summary of drip vs. microsprays see the comparison chart on page 7.

The best layout to water trees and large shrubs is to stake a tail of emitter line halfway between the trunk and can-opy. Newly planted trees need at least two drippers directly on their root ball.

The exibility of drip irrigation al-lows one to remove individual emitters from a system by replacing them with a goof plug or to add new emitters or lines to a system with little worry about design. If a line is accidentally cut, it easily is repaired with a connector. Its



lustrated on pages 11-13. In containers less than 6" diameter, individual drip emitters will sufce.

A single 1/4" line can supply wa-ter to several containers. Add up the ow rates of the emitters that you are planning to use and compare with the maximum ow rates for the different types of 1/4" tubing (page 14). Emit-ters for containers can apply as little as 1/2 gallon per hour or as much as 10 gph.

Adjusting the number and size of emitters in a container drip system takes some experimenting, especially if the containers are of different sizes. Run the system and see which con-tainers the water runs out of rst. You either have to decrease the ow in these or increase the ow rate to the other containers on the system. This process will also help you set the run time for the system.

VegetablesVegetables prosper when the sur-

rounding soil is kept quite moist, but frequent overhead watering encourag-es rust, mildew, blossom damage, and

disease. Closely spaced drip emit-ters can thoroughly water an area without wetting the plant leaves. In the rich soil of a well-prepared veg-etable bed, drip irrigation produces spectacular growth and yields.

Rows and intensive beds are watered using emitter lines, with drippers 12" apart along the line. If plants are more widely spaced and deeply rooted (for example, toma-toes and squash), a single emitter can be placed at the base of each plant.

Root crops such as carrots, onions, and radishes can be planted two deep on each side of a single emitter line. With plants such as corn, strawberries, and peppers, one row on each side is preferable.

In intensive bed gardening, the system should be set up with parallel emitter lines 16" apart. If the bed is 4 feet wide, three lines will give com-plete coverage. This system does not need to be changed when plantings change. Extra sprays and even indi-vidual emitters can be added for any plants that need extra water.

In the rich soil of a well- prepared vegetable bed, drip irrigation produces spectacu-lar growth and yields.

If overhead water is needed, for instance when growing salad greens from seed in a hot climate, then half-circle jet sprays can be installed on poly tubing along the edges of the beds instead of using parallel emitter lines.

Polytubing & emitterline used in drip irrigation contains no lead and are proven safe & non-toxic for watering food crops. Garden hoses & porous "soaker" hoses may contain lead & other toxins.

Containers

Vegetables

Emitters

1/2" Poly

Path

Emitter line

Tee

APPLICATIONS



LawnsDrip irrigation for lawn watering

is nally moving out of the experi-mental stage. Five years of indepen-dent tests at the Center for Irrigation Technology comparing many prod-ucts and installation methods in the extreme heat of Californias Central Valley give us condence in recommending this option. When properly installed with air vents and automatic ushing ends, subsur-face emitter lines are proving very reliable.

The advantages over conven-tional lawn sprinklers include signi-cant water savings, especially on hot or windy sites, and a surprising de-cline in turf diseases. Weed invasion may also be signicantly reduced in healthy, dense turf since there is no topical moisture to encourage seed germination.

Subsurface lawn irrigation is particularly valuable on lawns where efcient sprinkler layout is difcult, such as steep slopes, long narrow strips, and odd shapes of all sorts.

A typical layout for a subsurface lawn system is shown below. Emit-ter lines are placed in parallel rows 4" to 6" below the soil. Spacing var-

ies with soil type. In heavy clay soils, use 18" between lines, with emitters 18" apart on the lines. Tighter spacing is needed in lighter soils because the lateral water spread is not as great. The closest spacing ever needed is 12" between lines, with emitters 12" apart on the lines.

The lines are connected by head-ers on both ends. An automatic ush valve is attached to the header farthest from the water supply and is located in a valve box (see diagram). The ush valve allows any sediment to escape from the tubing each time the system starts up, and then closes down after it expels about 1 gallon of water.

The air vent operates after the system has shut down and is drain-ing. It permits air to replace water in the tubing and minimizes suction of sediment into the emitters. An air vent should be installed for each zone at the high point and can be buried in a valve box that has good drainage. If an anti-siphon valve is used to turn the system on and off, you do not need an additional air vent.

Emitter lines can be placed un-der the soil in several ways: by hand trenching; with a mechanical trencher that cuts a narrow slot; or with a pipe-

pulling vibratory plow. Another pos-sibility when youre undertaking exten-sive soil amendment is to lay the tubing before the nal 4" of soil is spread. Site conditions will usually suggest the most economical approach.

An advantage of drip for lawns is the good control you have over the amount of water that different areas receive. For instance, if a berm, a slope, and at areas of turf are irrigated on the same valve, you can place tubing close together on the berm to increase the pre-cipitation rate and use normal spacing for the at areas, with greater distance between lines as you approach the bot-tom of the slope. Emitter lines next to walkways and patios should be located no more than 4" from the hard edge to prevent dry strips.

Subsurface lawn irrigation is particularly valuable on lawns where efcient sprinkler layout is difcult, such as steep slopes, windy areas, long narrow strips and odd shapes of all sorts.

Lawns

APPLICATIONS

Air Vent

Flush Valve



Tubing

Emitters

OrchardsDrip irrigation is widely used

in commercial orchards. Slow, deep waterings and precision control encourage tree growth without the oversaturation and weeds that ood or sprinkler irrigation can bring. Equal amounts of water can be de-livered to each tree.

The changing water needs of growing trees can be easily met if you size your piping to the trees mature water needs. Saplings can start with one emitter at the base of each tree, and emitters can be added as needed. The drawings below illus-trate some common layouts:

1. Run lines down rows of trees and place emitters at base of each tree.

2. Run lines along rows about 3 feet on either side of trees to encourage balanced root growth.

3. Tee off each line with a loop around each tree to water the entire circumference of the root zone.

4. Use sprays with sandy soil if cul-tivation methods allow. One or two jet sprays on stands can cover the entire root zone of a tree.

VineyardsEven the largest and most old-

fashioned wine-grape growers have converted to drip irrigation, and for good reason: Drip irrigation provides excellent water management, reduces runoff and erosion on slopes, discour-ages harmful mold, and produces better fruit.

The preferred method of installa-tion is to tie tubing to a wire suspended about 18" off the ground attached to the grape stakes. At this height, the tubing doesnt interfere with weeding.

Once tied on, the tubing is allowed to unwind for a few days so that when the emitters are punched into the

bottom of the tubing, they stay pointed down. The drip will then fall where intended instead of running along the tubing. Since vineyard rows are often long and on uneven terrain, pressure-compensating emitters should be used.

A typical layout involves a rigid PVC supply line underground at the ends of the rows, exible PVC with a hose-thread lter to bring water for each row above ground, and then 1/2" poly tubing along each row. Each vine is watered with one, or better yet, two emitters. Lateral lines can be over 1000' long depending on emitter size and vine spacing.

Trees

Vineyards

A fertilizer injector is a useful addition to your vineyard or orchard dripsystem. By allowing you to deliver nutrients di-rectly to the root zone, an injector can help pro-duce maximum plant growth. It can also be used to treat mineral de-posits and algae growth. Using only the existing water pressure, they are simple to install and re-quire no outside power sources.

1

3

2

4

APPLICATIONS



run as a single unit. If, however, a zone needs more than the hose bibb is able to deliver at one time, it can be divided into as many smaller zones as necessary.

To determine the hose bibbs ow rate, run the water at full force into a measured bucket and time how long it takes to ll. If, for example, a 5-gallon bucket takes 30 seconds to ll, then the ow is 10 gallons per minute (gpm), or 600 gallons per hour (gph). Figure that maximum usable ow is 75 percent of the ow rate into the bucketin this example 7.5 gpm or 450 gph. This is the largest zone that the source can supply at one time.

Finally, mark on your drawing the tubing and emitters for each zone and make up a list of materials, including ttings, that you need for the project.

Emitter PlacementThe most important factors are the

size of the root zone and type of soil. Make sure that you are watering more than 50% of the root zone. Refer to the chart below for guidelines. Shallow roots require closer emitter spacing than deep roots because the system run time will be shorter, giving less lateral spread from each emitter.

Water moves downwards in soil due to gravity and from particle to par-ticle in all directions due to capillary action. In coarse sandy soil, gravity

SELECTION, NUMBER & SPACING OF EMITTERS

Flow Rate Number of Placement of (gph) Emitters Emitters

Low shrubs (2-3') 1.0 1-2 at plant

Shrubs and trees (3-5') 1.0 2 6-12" either side

Shrubs and trees (5-10') 2.0 2-3 2' from trunk

Shrubs and trees (10-20') 2.0 3-4 3' apart

Trees (over 20') 2.0 6 or more 4' apart

Flower beds 1.0 1 at plant

Ground cover 1.0 1 at plant

Vegetables, closely spaced 0.5-1.0 1 every 12"

PlanningTo aid planning and design, all

systems should be sketched to scale on graph paper. (You can use the inside back cover of this catalog.) Draw a plan of your yard or garden indicating areas of ground cover, ower and veg-etable beds, lawns, and patios. Note on your drawing the location of hedges, shrubs, trees, and also retaining walls and driveways that will act as barriers to your piping.

Take an overall look at the area to be watered. Notice if the area slopes, how steeply it slopes and in which di-rection. Also note areas of shade from trees or the house, and areas where tree roots will compete for moisture with your plantings. This is the time to divide your garden into zones to be watered separately (see Landscape, page 2). Then decide whether each area is best watered with drippers or microsprays.

Draw a plan of your yard or garden indicating areas of ground cover, ower and vegetable beds, lawns, and patios.

The next step is to compare the ow rate from your water source to the ow that each proposed zone will need. Most zones in home systems use less water than the faucet (hose bibb) is capable of delivering, and they can

DESIGN

affects water movement more than capillary action. In ner soils such as clay, capillary action is much stronger, so water will tend to spread before penetrating very deep. An emitter in sandy soil may sufce for an area 16" in diameter, while the same emitter in clay soil may wet an area 24" or more in diameter.

...irrigating new plantings, you need at least one dripper directly on each root ball.

A eld test is useful. Slowly drip water from a garden hose on the soil to be irrigated. After half an hour, check to see how deep and wide the water has spread. Be sure to dig down into the soil away from the obvious wet area on the surface to see the extent of coverage.

Drip emitters are typically avail-able in ow rates of 1/2, 1, or 2 gallons per hour. Factors that inuence the choice of ow rate include: (1) dif-ferent rates are used to give different amounts of water to plants on the same system; (2) sandy soil takes a fast drip rate, while a 2 gph dripper in clay soil produces a puddle of water and may result in dirty water getting back into the drip tubing; (3) choos-ing slower drippers allows you to use more in a single zone, and allows lon-ger runs of tubing.



If you do not use pressure-com-pensating emitters, more attention must be paid to keeping line-pressure values within acceptable limits. The maximum ow rates mentioned above for 3/8" and 1/2" tubing should be re-duced by a third, to 66 gph and 210 gph respectively, and the maximum elevation change should be 10 feet.

This is as much engineering as most home drip systems require. Higher ow rates can be handled by larger poly tubing or buried PVC pipe with risers for different areas. Once the tubing is laid out, extra drippers to water new plantings can be easily added. If expansion takes you over your usable ow rate, dividing the sys-tem into two or more parts is a simple solution. But no matter how large or small your system, a scale drawing is crucial in determining your needs.

other tubing sizes and maximum line length for different emitter lines.

Elevation change is another fac-tor that leads to pressure variations. If the tubing runs downhill, pressure in-creases by .433 psi per vertical foot. An equal amount of pressure is lost when the system runs uphill. If the difference between high and low points of the system is no more than 25 vertical feet and pressure-compensating emitters are used, then the pressure variation is ac-ceptable.

On a hilly site with greater eleva-tion changes, the main problem is that the pressure starts to strain the tubing and ttings. Our solution is to start with a 20 psi pressure regulator at the top of the slope, and install an extra 20 psi pressure regulator every 25 feet down. We run tubing with emitters across the slope with a single supply line down the slope.

When irrigating new plantings, you need at least one dripper directly on each root ball. Water doesnt move well from surrounding soil into the growing medium in which container-grown plants are raised, and they are particularly vulnerable to drying out because of their small root zone. On a slope, put drippers on the uphill side of the plants that you are watering.

Sizing your componentsAfter you have determined the

number, output, and placement of emitters, mark them on your sketch. Draw in the lines to connect the emitters, noting the length of tubing and connectors needed.

Add up the ow of each drip-per to arrive at the total ow of the zone. Once you have determined the total ow, select the appropriate lter, pressure regulator, and tubing. For systems using 180 gph or less, a head assembly such as the hose bibb head assembly illustrated on page 8 is sufcient. Even on a small system a Y-lter may be preferable because it is so much easier to clean.

Add up the ow of each dripper to arrive at the total ow of the zone.

Tubing should be sized to keep pressure loss within acceptable limits so that each emitter is able to put out its expected ow. Pressure ranges for each emitter type are given on page 11 in the parts catalog. Youll notice that pressure compensating emitters provide a constant ow rate over a wide range of pressures.

Pressure is always lost to friction as water ows through tubing. Fric-tion is greater at high ow rates and in smaller tubing. 1/2-inch tubing can be used for ows up to 320 gph. 3/8" tubing, sometimes preferable for its low prole and extra exibility, will carry up to 100 gph. Check the cata-log pages for recommended ows of

can be completely hidden by mulch, protected from view and from damage

need a large number to water an area of ground cover or an annual ower bed

give precise placement of water

minimum water loss by evaporation

in most landscapes, the coverage provided by a drip system will improve as the plants mature. As roots grow deeper, the duration of watering lengthens, and each dripper will irrigate a wider area

maintenance of a drip system requires careful, if infrequent, inspection

cannot be completely hidden; vulnerable to disturbance by children and pets

can be placed 5-8 feet apart so less tubing is needed; easier to cultivate around the system

not as precise as drippersnot good for planters on decks, for instance. Can increase weed growth

lose 2030% of their water to evaporation

coverage from sprays can deteriorate as the plants grow, blocking the spray patterns

sprays can also be blocked by weed growth

if problems develop with a spray system they are more easily seen

MICRO SPRAYSEMITTERS

Here are some factors to consider when deciding between drippers or sprays for a particular area

DESIGN



separate circuit. Be sure that the casing of the lter is strong enough to take full, constant water pressure (we recommend the Amiad lter, page 17), and use a brass adjustable pressure regulator.

A standard vacuum breaker will be useless if installed on the supply line to one or more valves, because the plastic oat inside it becomes stuck to its seat when the device is left under constant pressure. Rather, a vacuum breaker

must be placed after each valve. We can supply backow preventers to go on a constant pressure line, if necessary.

Lines and FittingsPolyethylene tubing is run from the

source of water to the plant, where the emitter is attached. Emitter line (poly tubing with pre-installed emitters) is used where a continuous band of water is needed.

The head assembly is the connec-tion between the source of water and the drip irrigation system. At the least, it includes a backow preventer, lter, and pressure regulator.

Hose bibb head assembly1. An timer connects to the hose bibb. Without a timer you must remember to turn it on and off manually.2. A vacuum breaker, the simplest back-ow preventer, connects after the timer. These should not be under constant pres-sure. 3. An in-line screen lter attaches to the vacuum breaker to keep rust and other water impurities from clogging the emit-ters. 4. A preset pressure regulator installs after the lter to reduce pressure in the lines to 25-30 psi. 5. A compression tting connects the assembly to your tubing.

These items cost about $100 and can be installed in two minutes.

The most common addition to the basic head assembly is a fertilizer injec-tor, which allows you to feed your plants while you water. Drip systems pose spe-cial problems with the usual methods of fertilizing, which rely on overhead water to dissolve and spread the nutrients. An injector allows you to apply fertilizer with the same accuracy as your watering system. All injectors should be installed downstream from a backow preventer (no one wants to drink fertilizer!).

Pipe-thread head assemblyMost pipe-threaded systems start

with an electric anti-siphon valve wired to a timer. The Y-lter screws directly into the valve, then the pressure regula-tor, and then the pipe-thread to tubing adapter connects to your lines.

All pipe-threaded joints require at least 3 wraps of teon tape before you screw them together. An alternative set-up is to install a lter and an adjust-able pressure regulator on the supply line leading to more than one automatic valve, with each valve controlling a

Pipe-thread assembly

ASSEMBLY

Hose thread is the coarse thread used on the outlet side of hose bibbs and on the ttings of garden hoses. Hose-threaded components are typically lighter weight and will not carry as much water ow as pipe-threaded parts. The vacuum breaker goes after the timer.

All hose-thread assembly Deluxe hose bib assemblyFor easier servicing & higher ow rates, switch to pipe thread with an FHT X FPT adapter after the vacuum breaker, then you can use the better pipe thread Y lter & pressure regulator, just like the pipe thread system.

CH12, p.16 CHHVB, p.17

DI900, p.18

AM39, p.17

SEPR30L, p.18

1C7MP, p.16

DI900, p.18

CHHVB, p.17

SH63C, p.16

HEPR25, p.16

1C7FH, p.16

1HTF, p.18

SH84B, p.16

item number, page item number, page

parts are replaceable & last longer. Better suited to high water pressure & provides higher ow rates. Requires irrigation timer (see pages 19 & 22).

AM39, p.17

SEPR30L, p.18

1C7MP, p.16

SU80075, p.17

LL75ASVUB, p.17

1) turn o house water2) remove hose bibb3) screw in 4" brass nipple 4) screw on threaded tee5) screw short nipple into tee side6) add gate valve to nipple7) move hose bibb to tee front8) turn house water back on9) build valve manifold



Assembly Tips1. Start the installation at the

water source, working out to the laterals.

2. Be aware of the type of thread in your ttings. Forcing a hose-thread tting onto a pipe-thread tting can strip threads and cause leaks.

3. When pipe-thread connections are made, wrap threads with at least three layers of Teon tape before connecting.

4. Check the correct direction of ow on valves and head assembly parts. All pipe-thread components have an arrow on them that points in the direction of water ow. Hose-thread parts are even more foolproof: all inlets are female and all outlets are male, which makes correct installation natural when the parts are screwed onto a hose bibb.

5. Do not tighten plastic hose thread ttings with a wrench. If you need to use a wrench on plastic pipe-thread ttings, be very gentle.

6. If you want to use your hose bibb to connect a garden hose & a drip system, use a hose Y shut-off. This turns one hose bibb into two, each with its own shut-off.

7. Be careful to keep dirt out of the tubing during assembly. After laying out the lines, open the ends and let water run through to ush them.

8. Letting the tubing sit in the sun will make it easier to manipulate. Dipping the end of the tubing into hot water makes it easier to connect the ttings.

9. Do not force the tubing too far into compression ttings, as this may interfere with water ow (1" into the tting is enough).

10. When installing pipe under a sidewalk, let water dig for you. Attach a garden hose to a stiff piece of pipe and work the pipe under the structure.

11. When you punch a hole for an emitter or connector, hold the punch at a right angle to the tubing. This makes a round hole which will seal tightly around the barb of the emitter.

Poly tubing has many advantages. It is resistant to ultra-violet damage from the sun, giving it a life of 15-25 years. It is light, exible, and easy to move. Its ttings require no glue or clamps. It has memorywhen emit-ters are inserted, it seals around their barbs. With both compression and barbed ttings, the tubing is pushed into place, and its elasticity and memory hold it secure. A barbed tting ts in-side the tubing; a compression tting ts over it.

Fittings are available to make sharp turns (elbows), branch lines (tees), and to make the transition between differ-ent sizes of tubing. At the end of each line is an end cap with provision for ushing the line. Couplings allow you to extend lines or replace damaged sec-tions.

As lines are laid out, the tubing may have to be secured until it takes shape. This can be done with stakes de-signed for this purpose. Leaving a little slack in the lines will allow for expan-sion and contraction from temperature changes, and will help prevent emitters from moving out of position.

EmittersOnce the lines are in place and

ushed, the emitters can be installed.

Simply make a hole in the tubing with a hole punch, then pop the barbed end of the emitter into the hole. If you punch a hole in the wrong place, it can be xed with a goof plug.

There are four ways to install emit-ters. The most common method is to place the emitter directly on the line. This way you only have to punch the hole and pop in the emitter.

Another way is to install a connector into the line, run 1/4" tubing to the place where the water is desired, and push the emitter into the end of the tubing. A third way is to place the emitter on the tubing and use 1/8" or 1/4" tubing to transport the water to the base of each plant. Finally, you can cut 1/4" tubing and insert an in-line emitter that drips and also allows water to pass through to the next emitter.

To install a spray, rst punch a hole in the main line and insert a 1/4" con-nector. A short length of 1/4" tubing then leads from the connector to a stake. The spray screws directly into the stake and can be raised with an extender if it is blocked by plants.

Some misters are supplied already attached to a spike which pushes into the soil, and a barb to which you attach 1/4" tubing to supply water. Others are designed to be attached directly to tub-ing above the plantsin a greenhouse or above a hanging basket, for example.

ASSEMBLY



We suggest that you plan a com-plete inspection of your system at the beginning of each season. This may be all that you need to do unless there is much foot traf c or animal damage.

The other time to check your sys-tem carefully is after any new planting or garden maintenance that may have damaged the tubing. Turn on your sys-tem when it is quiet and listen for leaks.

If you are having trouble with your system, conduct the standard mainte-nance procedures rst. If the problem is a single emitter, replace it. If it is more widespread, look for a break in the lines. If the problem cannot be determined by observation, it may be a result of inadequate water supply or faulty system design. Feel free to call the Urban Farmer Store for assistance.

Goof plugs can be used to plug holes from which emitters have been removed. They are very simple to use, and are indispensable when doing re-pair work or changing your pattern of plantings. Likewise, couplings come in very handy when any repair needs to be done on a damaged section of line. Simply cut out the damaged sec-tion and install a new piece using the couplings to connect the two pieces together.

occasional deep watering and those that prefer frequent shallow watering. This can be partly accomplished by using emitters of higher output on the deep rooted plants. If this is not practical because of other factors, a compromise can be reached by doing shallow water-ings on a frequent basis as well as oc-casional deep waterings.

The new self adjusting evapotrans-piration controllers take the guesswork out of scheduling. These new control-lers apply exactly the right amount of water for each zone throughout the year, automatically, while reducing landscape water use by 20-50%. See page 22 for more information.

Maintenance Occasional maintenance should be carried out on all drip irriga-tion systems. Inspect the ow from each emitter, ush lines by unscrewing the end caps and turning the water on, and clean the lter. The development of drip irrigation productsnow in their third decadehas led to successful and trou-ble-free systems for both the farmer and the homeowner. The design of a system using ltration and quality emitters will make maintenance a simple yearly task. Visual inspection of the system is the best way to observe performance, and can be done in minutes while gardening.

SchedulingThe object of each watering is

to bring the moisture in the root zone up to a satisfactory level. Once the desired moisture content is reached, no more water should be applied. Too much water cuts off necessary oxygen and washes nutrients out of the reach of the roots. Before the soil has dried out too much the system should be run again. In this way the plants can be maintained in near optimal condi-tions.

The new self-adjusting evapotranspiration control-lers take the guesswork out of scheduling. See page 22.

Many factors affect how much water should be applied in any one period of time. Among these are: soil type, root depth, air temperature, hu-midity, and the plants maturity. With drip irrigation it is possible to take all of these factors into account to provide ideal growing conditions for your plants.

The chart below lists times and intervals for watering different plants. Keep in mind that both are greatly affected by the factors mentioned above. The most important of those factors are depth of the root zone and soil composition. The deeper the roots and the ner the soil, the longer the watering time must be, but you can reduce the frequency of watering. A ne soil such as clay cannot absorb water very quickly, but will hold the moisture for a longer period of time.

Shallow root zones and sandy soil types will require frequent waterings of a shorter duration. Observe plant and soil moisture conditions, consult local experts (agricultural extension agents, nursery personnel), and adjust watering times and intervals to maxi-mize growth and minimize water use.

In a system with mixed plantings, such as in most landscaping designs, some compromises may have to be made between plants that require

WATERING SCHEDULE GUIDELINES

Type of Plant Time Intervals (in hours) (in days)

Low shrubs (2 - 3') 2 3

Shrubs and trees (3 - 5') 3 4

Shrubs and trees (5 -10') 4 5

Shrubs and trees (10 - 20') 5 6

Trees (20' or over) 6 7

Flower beds 1 2

Ground covers 1 2

Vegetables - close spacing .5-1 2

Vegetables - wide spacing 1.5 2

Potted plants 1-10 min. 1

SYSTEM USE



Item Catalog # Price

1/4 gph Yellow IDCOR025 .321/2 gph Red IDCOR05 .321 gph Black IDCOR1 .322 gph Green IDCOR2 .32

1/2 gph Red AFIF05 .441 gph Black AFIF10 .44 2 gph Green AFIF20 .44

1/2 gph Red RDPC05 .381 gph Black RDPC10 .382 gph Green RDPC20 .38Inserter 1PCPIT 1.00

1/2 gph Red NFPCJR05 .381 gph Gray NFPCJR10 .382 gph Green NFPCJR20 .38

1/2 gph Red 1MIN05 .401 gph Black 1MIN10 .40

360 barb SPSHRUB .65360 spike SPSHRUBSTK .75

180 barb SPSHRUB180 .65180 spike SPSHSTK180 .75

inline 360 barb SPSHRUBIN .65

Drip EmittersEmitters are the most important

part of any drip irrigation system. They should deliver water at a predictable rate and resist clogging. In a large or hilly system, the emitter should com-pensate for variations in line pressure. Emitter types are: Simple ori ce ow is limited by a very small hole. Laminar owwater travels through a long spiral or tube, permitting a larger opening than the simple ori ce emitter. Turbulent owturbulence reduces water pressure, allowing the ow path of a laminar ow emitter to

be widened. This decreases clogging problems and provides partial pres-sure compensation. Diaphragma silicone rubber ori ce constricts as the pressure increases. This results in full pressure compensation, making them the emitter of choice for large systems and systems on slopes. Diaphragm emitters also resist clogging, since de-bris is expelled through the large, re-laxed ori ce at the beginning and end of each irrigation cycle.

gph = gallons per hour

Turbulent ow design allows use of a larger water passage, which minimizes clogging. Widely used agricul-tural emitter with good uniformity of manufacture. 1/4" inlet. By NETAFIM.

Iso ow diaphragm emitter, full pressure compensation from 10 to 50 psi. Can be cleaned out with a paperclip without removing it from the system. 1/4" inlet. By AGRI-FIM.

PC Plus labyrinth/diaphragm disc design. A self-piercing barb allows the emitter to be pushed directly in the supply line. 1/4" tubing can be attached to both inlet and outlet. By AGRIFIM.

PCjr next generation pressure compensating self ushing emitters provide uniform ow between 7 and 50 psi with 1.5 psi check valve that holds back up to a 3.5 foot column of water. 1/4" tubing can be attached to both inlet (always colored) or outlet (always black) By Neta m.

Mini-Inline turbulent ow design with two 1/4" barbs. Main ow of water passes through the emitter and contin-ues down the line, while the drip comes from an ori ce on the side of the emitter. Used to make a chain of emitters, 6" to 12" apart, for use in planters. End the line with a Turbulent ow, PC Plus or Iso ow emitter. By AGRIFIM.

Shrubbler emitters are fully adjustable from a gentle stream pattern for wide coverage to a precise drip action. Particularly useful to spread the water in loose soil such as in containers, or where a high ow rate is required (ad-justable from 0 to 13 gph). Available in full-circle or half- circle models, and with either a 1/4" barb or a 5" spike with barb. By ANTELCO.

12

THE URBAN FARMER STOREPARTS CATALOG

Order toll-free: 1-800-753-DRIP Fax: (415) 661-7826 Visa & Mastercard accepted

Weather Tec mister comes with a built-in stake which allows you to point the spray in the desired di-rection. Throws a narrow cone of water, usually at an individual plant. By WEATHER TEC.

O-Jet spray one-piece construction, comes in 90, 180 and 30- 30 pattern outputs. By OLSON.

Stake holds jet sprays and mini-sprinklers. 13.5" overall length with 1/4" barb for tubing on input. Spray tips screw directly into stake. By GLOBAL.

Varijet sprays come in 90, 180 and 360 models. Maximum output 40 gph with a 22' diameter. Down-ward adjustment reduces both area and gallonage.

Hydro-pop sprays connect to regular 1/4" drip tub-ing with simple compression and pop up at 15 psi minimum. Available in 6" and 12" and with optional protector attachment to keep soil out. Use with any threaded spray nozzle. By AGRIFIM.

Varirotor rotating sprinkler with shut-off uses from 0-30 gph wide open and waters a circle up to 30' in di-ameter, with good control for smaller areas. Note: low precipitation rate makes it hard to balance this spray with the jet sprays. By ANTELCO.

Vortex spray Spectrum 360 jets throw a heavy, full-circle spray. Adjustable up to 5.5' radius, 0-20gph. One with a screw base like a jet spray, the other with built-in spike. By ANTELCO.

Mister 2 gph output, good for hanging plants, bonsai. Attach to mainline with 1/4" tubing or use with optional stake. By TORO AG.

Sprays


3 gph WTMS3 1.105 gph WTMS5 1.10

Black 90 OJETBK090 .40Black 30-30 OJETBK030 .40Black 180 OJETBK180 .40Blue 90 OJETBU090 .40Blue 180 OJETBU180 .40Blue 30-30 OJETBU030 .40Green 90 OJETGR090 .40Green 180 OJETGR180 .40Green 30-30 OJETGR030 .40Red 90 OJETRD090 .40Red 180 OJETRD180 .40Red 30-30 OJETRD030 .40

Stake MJSS .60

Varijet 90 VJ90 .95Varijet 180 VJ180 .95Varijet 360 VJ360 .95

6" pop-up height AFHPJR 5.2512" pop-up height AFPH 5.50Protector AFPUPS 2.00

Varirotor 360 VRS360 1.50

360 spray SPSPRAY .65360 w/ spike SPSPRAYSTK .75

2 gph mister RJMS2 .65stake RJMSST .38

Misters have the lowest output and produce the smallest droplets. They are in the 25 gph range and are directed at one or two plants. Jet sprays have a small deection cap that directs a stream of water into a specic pattern

(i.e., 90, 180, etc.) to cover an area of plantings. Vortex sprays throw a full circle spray up to an 11' diameter. Mini-sprinklers water a full-circle by spin-ning small droplets or streams in a 360 arc to 25' diameter.

Sprays used with drip irrigation differ from conventional sprinklers in that they water more slowly and oper-ate at low pressures. This allows them to be used successfully in systems with drip emitters.

GP

H@ 20 psi

90 18030 - 30

BLACK 6 4' 5' 5' BLUE 10 5' 6' 6'GREEN 17 6' 7' 7'RED 24 7' 8' 8'

Distances above are radius

13

PARTS CATALOG

Availability, price, shipping charges, and sales tax subject to change without notice

THE URBAN FARMER STORE

Emitter line is also available with a slow-release herbicide mixed into the plastic of each emitter. This means that the lines can be buriedparticularly under lawnswithout the problem of roots growing into the emitters. Typical spacing for burial under lawns is to use tubing with drippers 12" apart, and space the laterals from 12" to 18" apart depending on soil type. See Lawns (page 4) for installation details of air vents and automatic drain valves in valve boxes.

Rootguard Emitter Line is 1/2" tubing with 1 gph turbulent ow emitters installed 12" apart. Manufactured by Toro the DL2000 has the herbicide Tre-an fused into the emitter path to prevent root intrusion. This protection should last from 18 to 25 years depending on soil temperature. Maximum lateral length is 110'. By TORO.

Other brands, ow rates & spacings are available. Call to discuss options for your particular needs.

12" spacing, 100' roll RGP21201 71.6812" spacing, 300' roll RGP21203 188.84Auto ush valve, 1/2" MPT NFFV 13.82Air vent, 1/2" MPT NFAVRV 9.426" round valve box BR70 5.60

Emitter line cut away showing turbulent ow labyrinth

1/4" Emitter Line is available with 1/2 gph emitters on 6" or 12" spacing. 6" spacing is best used to water plants in very loose soils, such as window boxes and other con-tainers with annual plantings. 12" spacing can be used for small vegetable beds and to make loops around the base of trees and shrubs. Attach the emitter line to larger tubing with 1/4" connectors (or 1/4" on/off valves to con-trol each row of vegetables). End each line with a goof plug or diaphragm-type dripper for extra ushing action. Maximum length is 19' for 6" spacing, 33' for 12" spac-ing. By DRIP IN & PEPCO.

1/2" Emitter Line with 1/2 gph turbulent ow emitters on 12" spacing is our most frequently used emitter line. The large labyrinth ow path gives an emitter resistant to clogging problems. 1/2" line is also available with emit-ters spaced 18" or 24" apart (500' rolls only). Maximum lateral length is 200' for 12" spacing, 260' for 18" spac-ing, 320' for 24" spacing. By DRIP IN.

A drip system using emitter lines is much quicker to lay out than installing individual emitters, and is the best answer for dense plantings or plants on regular spacing. If the plants are spaced irregularly or have different water needs, it's best to stick to individual emitters.

Emitter lines consist of polyethyl-ene tubing with drip emitters installed by the factory at regular intervals. Traditionally emitter line has used tur-bulent ow (or labyrinth) emitters, and now pressure compensating emitters

Emitter Line

Sub-surface Emitter Line

are also available. The emitters are installed as part of the tubing extrusion process, resulting in a sturdy product that can take light foot trafc and is easy to handle. The lines are best in-stalled on or near the soil surface, of-ten covered with a layer of mulch.


1/4" Emitter Line6" spacing, 100' roll PDL0206 34.0012" spacing, 100' roll PDL0212 24.00

1/2" Emitter Line12" spacing, 100' roll PDL7100 34.0012" spacing, 500' roll PDL7500 150.0018" spacing, 500' roll 24" spacing, 500' roll

(only available in 500' rolls, call for pricing)

14



1/2" PE is used for mainline in most systems. Actual dimensions are .700" OD, .600" ID. Maximum ow rate approx 320 gph, depending on length.

3/8" PE is more exible and easier to hide than 1/2", so is used for lateral lines & deck systems. Actual dimensions are .455" OD, .375" ID. Flow rate to 100 gph.

1/4" PE has actual dimensions of .250" OD, .170" ID. Flow rate to 15 gph, or more on a short run to a single spray.

1/4" PVC is extra exible for easier use around containers. Dimensions are .275" OD, .160" ID. Flow rate to 12 gph.

1/8" PE has actual dimensions of .185" OD, .125" ID. Use on the outlet side of micro-apper emitters.


1/2 X 100 PE050100 16.901/2 X 500 PE050500 60.50

3/8 X 100 PE040100 10.503/8 X 500 PE040500 42.50

1/4 X 100 PE025100 5.501/4 X 500 PE025500 25.00

1/4 X 100 PF025100 9.75

1/8 X 100 PE012100 4.25

Compression adapters

TubingPolyethylene tubing is the

standard supply line for drip irrigation systems. It is exible, resists UV radiation, and has memory which

makes it easy to connectno glue or clamps needed. Choose tubing large enough to carry water for all the emitters and sprays that may be attached to it. Figure that 3/8" tubing will carry

up to 100 gph. 1/2" tubing will carry 320 gph. Larger sizes are available for higher ow rates.

OD = outside diameter

ID = inside diameter

Multidiameter FittingsMultidiameter ttings, new from Rain Bird, work well with all of the PE tubing diameters commonly called "half inch" indicated by black, blue, green & brown compression rings (see above). If you want to stock only one size in your kit that's sure to t everything you might encounter (except 3/8"), these are the ones!

Compression adapters can be used to make custom ttings. They glue into standard PVC t-tings to make compression ttings for PE tubing. If you need to connect to other brands of tubing, send us a small sample or bring it with you to one of our stores.

BLACK Socket AdapterGlues into 3/4" PVC tting or onto 1/2" pipe Fits .700" OD PE......................................................

BLUE (or Black) Compression AdapterGlues into 1/2" PVC tting. Fits .700" OD PE............

GREEN Compression AdapterGlues into 1/2" PVC tting. Fits .620" OD PE............

BROWN Compression AdapterGlues into 1/2" PVC tting. Fits Netam Techline......

RED Compression AdapterGlues into 1/2" PVC tting. Fits 3/8" PE....................

.700 OD AFSA700 .75

.700 OD (1/2") 1CA7 .25

.620 OD 1CA6 .25

.660 OD 1CA66 .25

.400 OD (3/8") 1CA4 .25

Elbow RBMDCFEL 1.22Coupling RBMDCFCOUP 1.03Tee RBMDCFTEE 1.521/2" FPT insert RBMD50FPT .621/2" MPT insert RBMD50MPT .623/4" FPT insert RBMD75FPT .623/4" MPT insert RBMD75MPT .62Flush cap RBMDCAP .62

15

PARTS CATALOG



FittingsItem Catalog # Price

1/4" barb 1T2 .253/8" 1T4 .901/2" 1T7 .901/2 x 1/2 x 3/8 1T774 .903/8 x 3/8 x 1/2 1T447 .90

1/4" barb 1L2 .253/8" 1L4 .901/2" 1L7 .90

1/4" barb 1C2 .153/8" 1C4 .551/2" 1C7 .551/2 x 3/8" 1C74 .55

3/8 " 1E4 .703/8 " ush 1E4FE 1.501/2 " 1E7 .701/2 " flush 1E7FE 1.75

3/8" x 3/4"MPT 1C4MP .951/2" x 3/4"MPT 1C7MP .953/8" x FHT 1C4FH .981/2" x FHT 1C7FH .98

1/2" poly x 1/2"FPT swivel tee 1TS7 1.80 swivel elbow 1LS7 1.80

Pkg of 10 1GP .50

T Fittings for 1/2" and 3/8" tubing work on a principle that makes it easy to get the tubing into them, but much harder to pull it out. These compression ttings cause minimal pressure loss. Size of branch is stated last. Sim-ple barbed tees are used for 1/4" tubing. No glue is used to hold poly tubing into ttings.

L Fittings for 1/2" and 3/8" tubing are compression type as above. Barbed elbows are used for 1/4" tubing. Drip tubing is exible, so turns can be made without kinking. But elbows are useful around decks, patios, and in re-stricted spaces, where sharp 90 turns are needed.

Couplings for 1/2" or 3/8" tubing are used to add to a system, repair damaged sections or to connect one size to another. 1/4" connectors are used to connect 1/4" tubing to 1/2" or 3/8" (punch a hole in the larger tubing with a hole punch) or to connect 1/4" to itself.

End caps for 1/2" and 3/8" tubing with screwcap (hose thread) allow the system to be ushed out periodically. Automatically ushing end caps for above-ground use are also available that ush some water at the beginning and end of every watering period. This helps to purge the system of any silt that might build up in the tubing.

Thread-to-tubing adapter makes the nal connec-tion between the head assembly and the PE drip tubing. Hose-thread adapters swivel like the female end of a gar-den hose. Pipe-thread adapters need Teon tape to make the connection watertight.

Swivel ttings are used to connect 1/2" tubing to 1/2" MPT risers from underground PVC. They can be used when retrotting drip to an existing sprinkler system, or if you use PVC to distribute the water to several beds and then need to switch to 1/2" poly.

Goof plugs stop the leak if you wish to remove a drip-per, spray, or 1/4" connector. One size ts most.

MHT Male Hose Thread (always 3/4")FHT Female Hose Thread (always 3/4")MPT Male Pipe ThreadFPT Female Pipe Thread

16



On/Off valves are used to control sections of a system. 3/8" and 1/2" shut-offs are useful for individual control of vegetable beds, or areas of landscape with low water needs. The 1/4" on/off valve is excellent for turning off sprayers, supply lines to containers, or individual rows of 1/4" emitter line in a small vegetable bed.

Hose Y shut-off allows a drip system and a garden hose (or 2 drip systems) to run from one faucet. Goose-neck swivel lets hose bib accessories hang straight from the Y. Brass bodies, on/off valve for each outlet.

Hose-thread to pipe-thread adapters are avail-able to allow connections between incompatible com-ponents. Most FHT ttings swivel and all include a hose washer. Pipe thread ttings should be wrapped with Tef-lon tape to be watertight. Hose thread is always 3/4".

Teon tape wraps around male pipe-thread to ensure a watertight seal. Do not use pipe dope or compound near automatic valves or on plastic threaded parts. 520" x 1/2" roll.

Blue & Green Punch makes holes in the walls of 1/2" and 3/8" tubing for emitters and connectors. Its long handle enables powerful leverage when used with a com-bination of pressure and rotation. The other end has a hex tting in the end to help install Ojets.

Ergonomic squeeze punch uses the power of its lever handle to reduce hand fatigue. Remove tubing cradle insert for larger tubing diameters. Replaceable spring-loaded punch bit retracts after every punch. It streamlines workow, reduces stress, and makes clean holes.

Orange & Yellow Punch Keys have hex tting in handles. Use in 1/2" and 3/8" tubing to make holes for 1/8" and 1/4" ttings & emitters the yellow is sharper!

3", 6" & 9" long galvanized wire stakes hold 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" & 3/4" respective sizes of poly tubing in place. Estimate one stake for every 5' of tubing or so.

Plastic stakes hold 1/4" & 1/8"tubing in place.

Mounting clips attach PE tubing to wood.


1/4" barbed shut-off 1SO2 .993/8" shut-off 1SO4 1.951/2" shut-off 1SO7 1.95Hose thread shut-off 1SOH 1.95

Brass Y shut-off SH63C 8.50Gooseneck swivel SH84B 6.39

3/4"MPT x MHT 1TRANS .751/2"MPT x MHT RBDP11 .89FHT x FHT CH07 2.52MHT x 3/4"MPT CH08 1.99 or 1/2"FPT FHT x 3/4"MPT CH09 2.09or 1/2"FPT FHT x 3/4"FPT CH12 2.73FHT x 1/2"FPT CH13 2.60

1/2" X 520" 5TT05 1.38

Blue punch 1/8" 1PBU 2.50Green punch 1/4" 1PGR 2.50

Ergonomic squeeze punch w/ blue bit AGPUNCH 13.50Extra blue bit 1/8" 1PBITB 1.85Extra green bit 1/4" 1PBITG 1.54

Orange punch 1POR .95Yellow punch 1PK .95

3" stake 1S2M .10Pack of 50 1S2M50 4.50

6" stake 1S7 .14Pack of 50 1S750 5.50

9" stake 1S7L .18Pack of 50 1S7L50 8.00

1/4" & 1/8"stake 1S2 .16

1/8" clip 1MC1 .101/4" clip 1MC2 .103/8" clip 1MC4 .151/2" clip 1MC7 .35

Stakes & Clips

Punches

Fittings

orange yellow

17

PARTS CATALOG




Plastic vacuum HEVB 3.75 breakerBrass vacuum CHHVB 4.90 breaker

Filter 1HTF 5.00

3/4" Filter AM39 13.251" Filter AM391E 15.95

3/4" Filter AM3900 25.501" Filter AM3901 69.00

Water Connection

Backow Preventer

Hose-thread vacuum breaker FHT x MHT screws onto a regular garden faucet to prevent back-si-phonage. Must be above high point of irrigation system. Plastic or brass models.

Hose-thread lter FHT x MHT. Good for small systems with clean water supply. 150 mesh washable screen. Maximum ow 180 gph.

Y-lter MPT x MPT. Large ltration area, spin-clean ow pattern. Easy to clean lter screen. Install after valve, maximum ow 3/4"-6 gpm, 1"-8 gpm. Both come with 155 mesh screen and are MPT x MPT.

Y-lter with ush valve. MPT x MPT. Has an extra-heavy casing and can be installed on the supply line to several valves. 3/4" max ow-13 gpm. 1" max ow-20 gpm. Both come with 155 mesh screen and are MPT x MPT.

Filters

blowouts. Use 25 or 30 psi for most systems, or 20 psi if you are starting at the top of a slope because the water gains pressure as it travels downhill. A fertilizer injector can be inserted before the lter (see page 18). It al-lows you to use any soluble fertilizer with precise control over the concen-tration and amount. Make sure that the fertilizer is truly water soluble and that the backow preventer is work-ing.

A lter protects the small openings of drippers, sprays, and emitter lines from clogging. It contains a ne mesh screen that can be rinsed and reused. Y-lters are the easiest type to clean and allow higher ow rates. A pressure regulator reduces the high water pressure in home plumbing from the normal 45-100 lbs per sq. in. (psi) to 30 psi or less, depending on the model used. This lower pressure greatly increases the life of your tubing and ttings and will reduce leaks and

The following components are commonly used at the beginning of a drip system. A backow pre-venter is required for all watering systems that are connected to the household water supply. The most common and reliable type is an anti-siphon device that eliminates the possibility of back siphonage of irrigation water. The anti-siphon is usually part of the irrigation valve, or it can screw onto a regular gar-den hose bibb.

18



Pressure RegulatorsHendrickson pre-set 25 lb pressure regulator, used in small systems from a hose bibb. FHT x MHT.

Senninger pre-set 20 and 30 lb pressure regulators, used in most systems. 3/4" FPT inlet and outlet, will handle ows from 1/10th to 8 gpm. 1" FPT inlet and outlet, set at 30 psi for ows up to 20 gpm.

Wilkins BR4 series adjustable pressure regulator. Pres-sure range is 15-150 psi, maximum inlet pressure 400 psi. Bronze body with union and composite bell housing. May be installed in any position. 3/4" and 1" models.

EZ-Flo Automatic Fertilizer Injectors feed through a garden hose, drip system, or after the irrigation zone, every time you water. It can be connected after any valve on an existing sprinkler or drip irrigation system as long as the unit is only under pressure while it is operating. Gardeners have long loved this unit for its ability to feed their owers, trees and shrubs without constantly relling the tank. Hose bib and drip units come in three tank sizes:


25 psi HEPR25 $5.75

3/4" FPT/20psi SEPR20L 8.453/4" FPT/30psi SEPR30L 8.451" FPT/30psi SEPR30M 9.95

Pipe thread regulator with union3/4" FPT WIBR407 49.351" FPT WIBR410 66.89

Fertilizer Injectors

Hose End Controls

Digital Water Timer Runs with up to 4 start times per day or as seldom as once a week. Operate it manu-ally without having to reprogram. Watering durations can be set to last from one minute to 11 hours. The most common installation is to attach a hose Y shut-off and gooseneck swivel (page 16) to your faucet and at-tach the timer to one branch. The EZ model is easy to program with one dial to select preset frequency and another dial to select preset duration. Both operate reli-ably with low ow and low water pressure and have a 3 year warranty. One 9-volt battery, required (not in-cluded) that can last up to one year.

Use a hose end control to automatically operate a moveable lawn sprinkler or drip system up to 4 gallons per minute maximum.

Catalog # Price DI9001D Digital 49.95DIEZ 2-dial analog 44.953B9 9-Volt battery 3.20

OR62018 17.99WaterMaster Mechanical Timer You turn it on, it turns itself off, so you can go about your day with-out another thought. This sturdy valve gives accurate control at any water ow and can run for up to 2 hours. No battery required.

3/4 gallon (2.8 liters) EZ2005HB 49.951.3 gallon (5 liters) EZ2013HB 63.903 gallon (11.4 liters) EZ2030HB 74.95

3 recommended water-soluble seasonal fertilizers in 5 pound plastic bags:

Spring 25-15-10 EZ251510 17.50Summer 28-8-18 EZ288185 17.50Fall 10-20-30 EZ1020305 17.50

Optional PVC pipe connection accessories:

Thread tap kit EZTHD 6.25" Coupling Socket EZC075 10.001" Coupling Socket EZC100 10.50

Optional Sprinkler ConnectionHose/Drip Connection

19

PARTS CATALOG



Electric Timers & Valves

Irrigation Timers

Hunter Pro C 3 Station Outdoor TimerHUPC300 $157.003 Station Indoor TimerHUPC300I 129.00Both expandable up to 15 Stations

3 Station Expansion Module HUPCM300 39.009 Station Expansion Module from 6-15HUPCM900 159.00

2) automatic solenoid valves which attach to the water supply and open and close to send water to each ir-rigation zone. These often include anti-si-phon type backow preventers, in which case they should be installed at least 12" higher than the highest point they control.

3) valve wire which is similar to, but slightly larger than, telephone cable. It can be run through crawl spaces, stapled above ground to a house or fence, or buried in soil.

1) a timer which is plugged into regular 110v power and can be pro-grammed with start and stop times, and days of the week for watering to occur. The timer sends a low-voltage signal out to the valves.

Hunter Pro C series is an incredibly versatile, next-generation irrigation control platform with a full 2-year warranty. Mod-ular design lets you customize unit to desired number of stations with expansion modules. Buy only the number of stations you need in units of three. Large easy-to-read LCD display for simplied programming. Three programs (A,B,C) with multiple start times. Independent programming handles many different watering requirements. Choice of independent day scheduling options: days of the week, odd/even, or 31 day interval for maximum exibility with global water budget/seasonal adjustment. Easily change run time of all zones from 10% to 150%. The new evapotranspiration Hunter ET-System (see page 22) runs the Pro-C platform and can cut landscape water use by up to 50% without stressing lawn or plants. Its non-volatile memory holds programs indenitely and its design incorporates microcircuit protection with no fuses to worry about.

4 Station Indoor HUXC-400-I $79.00

4 Station Outdoor HUXC-400 109.95

A permanent automatic control system consists of three parts:

Easily installs on any automatic irriga-tion systemVersatile enough to work with all popular controllers

Constructed of high impact thermo-plastic and aluminum Built sturdy for years of trouble-free operation.

The Hunter Mini-Clik shuts sprinklers off in a storm and keeps them off, automatically compensating for the amount of rainfall that occurred. There's no simpler way to ensure that your system isn't watering when it isn't necessary.

Adjusts to actuate at various rainfall quantitiesSet from 1/8" to 1" based upon your local conditions

Includes 25 feet of 20 gauge two con-ductor wireFast and easy mounting out of sight

Hunter Mini-Clik Rain SensorMC502 27.99

Hunter XC 4 Station Controller is designed for those who dont want a big controller, but do want one with all the features that meet their irrigation requirements. Available in 4 station indoor & outdoor models, the XC offers all the features you would expect to nd only on more expensive units: intuitive dial programming; seasonal adjustment (from 0% to 150%); easy on-screen adjustment (in 10% increments); 3 programs with multiple start times; accommodates repeat watering requirements, morning, afternoon and evening: large LCD display with interactive icons; choice of independent day scheduling options; rain sensor com-patible (but will not support ET System); & non-volatile memory.

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Automatic ValvesItem Catalog # Price

Electric anti-siphon valve 3/4" RI711APR 22.42

Electric valve 3/4" RB75DV 22.501" valve w. ow control RB100DVF 25.50

3/4" brass anti-siphon body only LL75ASVUB 22.573/4" brass electric valve actuator SU80075 46.50

Single station controller w/actuator DI510011 109.804 Station controller w/connectors DI540.000W 111.90Individual actuator w/solenoid DI336013 39.90

Irritrol ASVF 3/4" irrigation valve with anti-syphon backow preventer. This valve is rated from 10150psi. It will operate at ow rates as low as 15 gallons per hour to over 10 gallons per minute, making it ideal for all sizes of residential drip systems. Other fea-tures include internal and external bleeds for purging and ergonomic manual turn-on, and a low-power solenoid that requires less inrush current (0.40amps) than most and so will operate with a weaker electrical signal (0.2amps).

Rain Bird DV 3/4" irrigation valve. This is a straight valve that is usually buried in a valve access box. It has all the features of the ASVF (above) except that it has no backow preventer. Use with an RP. Also avail-able in a heavy-duty 1" size with ow control.

For San Francisco residentsHeavy-duty brass irrigation valve with anti-sy-phon. (Plastic valves do not meet local Plumbing Code.) Easier to service than plastic valves and virtually inde-structible. Will take high water pressure, earthquakes, and should last 30-50 years with the replacement of a few rub-ber parts.

Has a union on the outlet side which simplies assembly and checking for leaks. Sold as 2 parts: anti-siphon body + valve actuator.

Battery powered actuator & controller for areas where it is difcult or impossible to run electrical

Tip: On long, dif-cult runs add a back-up strand in case one becomes faulty. Plan for expansion by running extra strands for future valves.

18 gauge irrigation valve control wire with heavy coating permits underground use without conduit. The number of insulated strands in the wire you need is determined by the number of valves in each location plus one common wire for each location.

Each irrigation valve has two wires: one attaches to its own strand of the control wire and the other is attached to the common strand.

Waterproof Wire Nuts Gel-tite water resistant wire connectors are secure and easy to use. Every splice should be in its own wire nut to prevent shorts.

2 strand 318x2 .13/ft.3 strand 318x3 .20/ft.4 strand 318x4 .24/ft.5 strand 318x5 .31/ft.6 strand 318x6 .38/ft.7 strand 318x7 .43/ft.10 strand 318x10 .52/ft.

2-5 18g wires 3MURGBK .806-12 18g wires 3MURGBKGR .90

Wire and Splices

power or controller wire. Use with brass 3/4" anti-siphon body listed above. Available in single station with actuator or a 4-station model with actuators sold individually. Re-quires two 9-volt batteries, not included. Waterproof case with waterproof connectors.

Shown left: single station controller w/actuator, & separate 3/4" brass anti-syphon body

21

PARTS CATALOG



1" Schedule 80 PVC instant manifolds assemble with-out tools. O-ring seals elimi-nate glue, tape, paste, and dope. No sweat!

Instant manifolds require a special nipple for each valve and an end-cap. Connect manifolds together for any number of anti-sy-phon combination or globe valves. Integral unions make it easy to install and replace 1" or 3/4" valves. They're lightweight, com-pact, strong, and UV resistant.

Item Part # PriceSingle outlet manifold 301010 $5.17Double outlet manifold 3010102 10.11Triple outlet manifold 3010103 15.16Quad outlet manifold 3010104 20.161" end cap 348010 1.121" to 1" nipple 08303 1.201" to 3/4" nipple 08303131 1.34

Instant Manifolds

Useful things

Clear & Green Garden Tie for tying vines, plants, vegetables, and espalier. Strong & exible. Will not girdle tender stems or growing branches. Clear tape disappears. Green colored tape blends with foliage.

1/2" x 300'-Clear 6GTC $1.79 1" x 150'-Clear 6GTC1 3.49 1/2" x 300'-Green 6GT 1.59 1" x 150'-Green 6STT 3.29

Rain Bird Irrigation Supplement is water bound in the form of a solid gel. It is an ideal irrigation supplement for use in establishing native plant material where permanent irrigation is not required as well as new plant material in existing landscape areas. Rain Bird IS increases survival rates of transplants by providing continuous moisture needed to reduce the stress of relocation.

RBISGP30 30-day gel pack $1.40 RBISQT 60-day quart $3.18

Hose thread water pressure gauge helps when planning or troubleshooting an irrigation system. Clear face accurately identies static pressure in psi (shown above). Water ow and pressure guage also available for identifying dynamic pressure and ow

Pressure Only ORGAUGE $6.25 Flow & Pressure TO99501 49.00

22



Self-Adjusting Evapotranspiration ControllersWe selected the three best new controllers that use evapotranspriation technology to cut landscape water use by up to 50% while enabling lush, thriving plants. This is the biggest breakthrough for landscape water conservation since the introduction of drip irrigation over 30 years ago. Two are oered as upgrades for our most popular controllers and one is ideal for new landscapes. In order to ensure cor-rect installation and optimum performance pre-purchase training is required. Typically the return on the investment cost for these systems is realized within two years. Once correctly installed, they operate trouble-free without manual adjustments or wasteful watering.

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the amount of water that is lost from the soil through evaporation and plant use. As the days get longer and warmer from March to August, ET, or the plants need for water, gradu-ally increases. Besides the length of day, temperature, humidity, and rainfall all are factored into watering schedules.

When the rain usually ends in March, irrigation controllers traditionally are turned on and then left running on a preset schedule until well into the fall when it begins raining again. This sched-ule waters too much on some days and not enough on others, either wasting water or causing plant stress. More ecient irrigation scheduling would readjust the system run times to match the changing plant water needs daily, and would water less as days get cooler and shorter in the fall.

ET irrigation controllers readjust themselves automatically as often as needed without manual repro-grammingusing three sources of information:

1. Built in logic has solar radiation values for every micro climate, permanently stored onboard in memory, by postal zip code or latitude. The Hunter ET System sensor measures actual soloar radiation on site.

2. Entered data about each zone to be watered like, soil type, plant type, irrigation type (sprinklers or drip), and slope.

3. Real-time data from on-site sensors or wireless ET weather data service enabling fast response to unexpected rain storms and heat waves.

Runs the expandable Hunter Pro C, ACC & ICC, controller platforms, not included

Upgrade panel for Irritrol Rain Dial controllers or as new indoor or outdoor rated models

New expandable controller one plug-in model is rated for indoor or outdoors locations-ideal for new landscapes!

Number of stations:

How oered:

Same as Pro C or ICC platformPro C max=15 ICC max=48

6, 9, or 12 4 expandable to 8, 12, & 16, or16 expandable to 24

Real time weather data: Onsite sensor array (included) tracks: solar radiation, relative humidity, temperature, and pre-cipitiation.

ET Weather Data Subscription Service (wireless). One year included with purchase, cost $5 per month thereafter.

On-site weather monitorcom-mercial or residential grades available. Without a weather monitor, the controller can operate in standard mode like a regular controller.

List prices:

Pre-purchase training: Recommended-Free class in stores Required-Free classes in stores Required-Free classes in stores

ET System ET System module with sensor array..........$399.ET Wind Optional Anemometer..................$399.Pro C (required)Indoor 3 station expandable to 15..............$126.Outdoor 3 station expandable to 15...........$157.Expansion modules3 station expansion module..........................$39.9 station expansion module........................$159.

Upgrades from Rain Dial6 Station Smart Dial Upgrade Panel...........$559.9 Station Smart Dial Upgrade Panel...........$599.12 Station Smart Dial Upgrade Panel.........$649.Indoor rated models6 Station Smart Dial Indoor.........................$619.9 Station Smart Dial Indoor.........................$659.12 Station Smart Dial Indoor.......................$719.Outdoor rated models6 Station Smart Dial Outdoor......................$659.9 Station Smart Dial Outdoor......................$699.

Rated for indoor or outdoor useSmartline 4 station expandable to 16....$156.95Smartline 16 station expandable to 24..$336.90Expansion modules4 station expansion module......................$46.9512 station expansion module.................$179.95Weather monitorsCommercial On-Site Weather Monitor...$299.95Residential 0n-Site Weather Monitor.....$199.95

Check for rebate oers

& incentive programs from

your water provider on these items!

This is the biggest breakthrough for landscape water conservation since the introduction of drip irrigation over 30 years ago.

Hunter ET System

Irritrol Smart Dial

Weathermatic Smartline

23

PARTS CATALOG



Octa-Bubbler w/8 ow controls installed, ow rate per outlet 2gph PP816 8.50 6gph PP856 8.50 10gph PP896 8.50 20gph PP8186 8.50

Extra ow controls 2gph PP8160 .25 6gph PP8560 .25 10gph PP8960 .25 20gph PP81860 .25Outlet plug PP2135 .06Bug plug PPBUGPLUG .06

Quadra Bubbler 2gph PPBLU 3.80 6gph PPBLK 3.80 10gph PPRED 3.80 20gph PPGRN 3.80Clamp Plate PPPLATE .50Plug PPPLUG .06

Why convert? Simple answer: it's better for most plants and it uses water more e ciently. Drip irrigation converts a high-pressure stream to a slow emission of droplets that can be placed exactly where water is needed in the plant's root zone. Unlike sprays and sprinklers, there is no evaporation loss, and the amount of water each plant receives can be tailored to suit its needs. Drip will maximize the amount of water avail-able to the roots of plants grown on slopes because the slow delivery of water wont run o the surface before having a chance to soak into the soil.

Sometimes converting to sprinklers to drip is made necessary by site conditons. Extra service can be squeezed from an existing sprinkler sys-tem as the galvanized pipes corrode near the end of its useful life. While the corroded pipes can no longer e ectively carry enough water to run the sprinkler system, there is often plenty of pressure and ow for a new drip system. Rust and iron particles in these kinds of retro tted systems can pose a problem for the drip emitters, so replace or clean the drip system lters often. As shrubs and perennials mature and grow, they often block the distribution pattern of sprinklers and prevent water from reaching the intended spots. When conversion is indicated for any of these reasons there are three viable approaches.

Full drip conversion

One or more zones of an existing sprinkler system can be completely converted to a conventional drip system. The rst step is to insert a lter and pressure regulator near the beginning of the system. The best place is often right after the control valve. Use schedule 80 (gray) pipe and ttings above ground after the pressure regulator. The existing underground pipe continues to dis-tribute the water, and saves a lot of digging.

Partial drip conversion

Alternatively, a lter and pressure regulator can be attached to a sprinkler riser and the drip system laid out from this point. The main drawback to this method is cost. If you wish to use several risers as connection points for the drip system, you will need to purchase a lter and pressure regulator and hiding them from view can be a challenge.

Sprinkler body retro t

For partial conversion applications, Rain Bird makes a convenient sprinkler body replace-ment, which contains a lter, and pressure regulator. Just unscrew the old sprinkler body and screw on the retro t body and attach a connector for the drip-tubing.

1/2" MPT swivel outlet

30 psi pressure regulator

200-mesh lter

Rugged, UV-resistant 1800 body

Sprinkler to Drip Conversion

Multi-outlet emitters

If you have a small area of shrubs watered by a few sprinkler heads, multi-outlet emitters can be screwed directly onto each sprinkler riser, without the need for a separate lter or pressure regulator. Water ows from the multi-outlet emitter from its four or eight 1/4 PE tube connections, through the tub-ing and then to the plants.

The advantage of this system is ease of in-stallation and no need for a lter or pressure regulator. They operate at pressures be-tween 10 and 80 psi and should not be use with emitters at the end of tubing runs.

Quadra-Bubbler has four 1/4" barbed outlets to attach tub-ing. Available in 4 di erent ow rates, with all outlets giving equal ow. Inlet connection is " FPT, same as most conventional sprinklers, so that it screws onto a regular sprinkler riser.

Octa-Bubbler has eight 1/4" barbed outlets to attach tubing. Available in 4 di erent ow rates, with all outlets giving equal ow. Individual ow controls can easily be installed to give di erent ows from di erent outlets on the same Octa-Bubbler. Inlet connection is 1/2" FPT, same as most conventional sprinklers, so that it screws onto a regular sprinkler riser or swing joint.

With full, partial zone, or sprinkler body retro t conversions, heads are removed and replaced with parts, including a PVC tting, and special compression or barbed adapt-ers. Flexible, black polyethylene (PE) tubing, attached in place of the sprinkler heads, allows the use of standard drip irrigation devices to deliver water to your various plants. Add emitters, misters and micro sprays as needed. Remove and cap sprinkler heads not needed for drip. Using this method, one lter and pressure regulator can serve hundreds of emitters. Drip lines can be left on the surface, or covered by a layer of soil or mulch to become invisible.

Retro t body RBXRETRO $18.85

Use these convenient ttings to adapt the 1/2" MPT on a Schedule 80 riser or Rain Bird retro t body to 1/4" or 1/2" PE tub-ing in full, partial, or retro t conversions. Cap or plug old & unused sprinkler body risers, swing joints, & ttings.

A. Swivel tee 1TS7 1.80B. Swivel el 1LS7 1.80C. " X 4 OR61004W 3.29D. "+" MPT 1RAC2 1.48E. " X 2 1T22FP 2.93" PVC T plug 450005 1.12" PVC T cap 448005 .79

EB C D

A

Insert a schedule 80 nipple or male adapter and schedule 80 pipe after the pressure reg-ulator. Glue this to the exisiting pipe below ground using the appropriate tting.

24



We carry a wide range of pumpsfor garden ornaments & fountains and large water features & ponds. Most of the pumps are designed to be submersible; some may be used either in or out of the water. With any water feature the simplest installa-tion is to place the pump in the bottom of the water feature and use the pump to push the water to the top of the installation. To determine the size pump needed for a project, you need to know two things: the overall height you need to pump and the volume of ow desired. Take a garden hose and nd the volume that seems pleasing to you and then take a 5-gallon bucket and measure how long it takes to ll it. You then can gure how many gallons per hour at what height you need for the desired effect. If you are trying to circulate the water for clarity, we suggest that you move half the volume of the pond per hour. To gure this, multiply the length (in feet) x width x depth x 7.50 to nd out how many gallons the pond contains. If there are sh in the pond you may need to circulate up to twice the volume of the pond per hour.

Mag Drive Pumps

Supreme Mag-Drive Pumps are designed to fulll the needs of serious pond and wa-ter garden enthusiasts. They require intake pre-ltration and one is provided. The power unit is encased in waterproof epoxy which creates a magnetic eld; this drives a ceramic mag-netic impeller. This makes for a

drip hand book

Documents

assembly hosethread

assembly tips

pipethread assembly

irrigation timers

surface emitter line

year of purchase

outlet emitters

emitter placement