Wondering how to connect drip irrigation to garden hose? With the rising cost of living, most of us are out looking for the best way to conserve in every aspect of our lives. Even when practicing our favorite past times like gardening.
In this article, I will give you some useful tips on how to connect a drip irrigation system. We also look at bits of equipment that is useful to have when attempting this task. We touch briefly on a few pros and cons of the drip irrigation system vs a sprinkler system.
Just think about it, if we practice good garden methods, we can effectively get our water bill reduced and grow our own food. Talk about sustainable living! Take a quick look below and learn how it’s done!
What To Consider When Installing A Drip Irrigation System?
When installing a drip irrigation system, there are a few things to take into consideration. If installed correctly, it has many advantages which include water conservation among others. Therefore, it is essential to know how to connect drip irrigation system to garden hose to make your outdoor chores easier. It is one of the most valuable resources to have around.
When installing it, you will also need to first establish the water source where it will be connected. You will also need good quality water to allow your garden to thrive. If you are connecting from a river or pond, a water filtering system is recommended. Also, look at your landscape and the type of plants you grow before installing this system.
This is because some plants may need less watering than others. It’s also imperative to look at the type of soil you have and its condition. This will determine how you should lay down the tubing or drip lines. You would also need to determine how often you need to run the system, so your plants get sufficient water. A drip irrigation system may require some pieces of equipment.
It may not be necessary for you to have all, but it will make things run much smoother in the long run. A water timer will allow the water system to automatically stop and help you calculate the amount of water being used. Drip emitters allow little bits of water to slowly reach the soil and roots of plants.
How to Connect Drip Irrigation to Garden Hose?
It is very important to know how to connect drip irrigation to garden hose if you need to maintain your garden and save water. There is nothing complicated about the physical part of the installation as long as you follow the correct guidelines.
To do the job successfully, you will need a connector, water timer, and filter regulator which are all easily available from your local hardware store. Listed below are a few essential guidelines that you can follow.
Guidelines:
– Firstly, attached the suitable connector to the timer on the faucet.
– Be sure to note the direction of the arrow on the timer as this is the way the water will flow out.
– To the timer, connect your filter regulator.
– Now, screw your garden hose onto the regulator.
– You can now lay your garden hose, looping it through the rows of your garden, and turn on the water.
– It does help to draw a sketch of your garden so you can place it with ease, in the correct spaces for optimum water flow.
watch the next video for a short tutorial to see how it’s done.Â
Can A Garden Hose Be Used In A Sprinkler System?
The answer is a definite yes, a garden hose can be used in a sprinkler system. However, it would be best to ensure you have the right type of hose for your application. A heavy-duty rubber hose or industrial one is best as it would withstand the pressure when the water is turned on. Now that you know how to connect drip irrigation to garden hose, let’s have a look at what a sprinkler system requires.
You will need a hose, sprinkler nozzle, or sprinkler head to start the connection. These come in standard fittings and sizes; however, if your garden hose has a wider diameter, be sure to get the correct converter at your hardware store. Thereafter, you can just screw on the sprinkler head to your hose, and you are done.
Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of a sprinkler system below.
Pros:
1. It is simple to set up on your own.
2. It will not interfere with your landscape and layout since there are no drip lines to lay down.
3. It is suitable for all types of soil since the water distribution is equal.
Cons:
1. It is high in water usage, and therefore costly.
2. A well-established, stable water supply is needed for it to run and function smoothly.
3. Water must be from a good clean source, so it does not clog up the sprinkler head.
What Are The Benefits Of A Garden Hose?
Garden hoses are amongst the most used outdoor tools as it makes watering tasks manageable. They are an asset to have around as there are several other benefits to using them. Knowing how to connect drip irrigation to garden hose is also vital for plant maintenance. Let’s take a look at a few benefits below.
Benefits:
• Old garden hoses can be recycled to create a DIY irrigation system.
• You can connect it to indoor and outdoor faucets for different applications.
• It’s useful for washing your car, bicycles, or garden tools.
• It’s quite handy to wash the driveway or outdoor walls with or without a pressure machine hook up.
• It is easy to maintain and store.
• It’s affordable and sold at most of the local hardware stores.
Conclusion
We have given you all the information needed, on how to connect drip irrigation to garden hose. It’s as easy as screwing on connectors and timers! Gardening is a relaxing hobby that can be made much easier with the use of an irrigation system.
Even if you’re having a busy day, you wouldn’t have to worry about watering your plants if you have this in place. We have also shared some tips on your equipment requirements for the installation. Most hardware stores and salesmen would be happy to offer you advice if you are still unsure about sizes and fittings, so don’t be afraid to ask.
There is also some handy information in this article on sprinkler systems to help you see what fit is best for your gardening lifestyle. A drip irrigation system may not work for all your gardening needs, but now you are equipped with all the information you need to decide.
Either way, the garden hose will accommodate your needs as it is a handy versatile tool. Click on the link for tips to install a drip irrigation system.Â