How to Install a Micro Irrigation System

Micro irrigation systems conserve water better than traditional sprinkler systems and offer a host of other advantages as well. For instance, they are relatively easy and inexpensive to install and can be repaired, maintained and adjusted much more easily. Like standard irrigation systems, they can be automated to make watering easier for you and more beneficial for your trees and plants. Here's how to install the micro system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Irrigation system, including tubing anchors
• Basic hand tools
• Pump (optional)

Design Your System

1. Know what kind of plants you have and their watering needs, as well as the type of soil. Trees, for instance, prefer long deep watering, and sandier soils drain water faster than clay soils and require more water.

2. Plan which water emitters you'll install. They can spray, drip, or bubble water, depending on the needs of the plants, the landscape and the type of soil. For more information, visit the Colorado State University website for Horticulture (see Resources below.

Lay Out Your Tubing

3. Once you know what kind of water outlets (emitters) you'll use, lay out your tubing. Use larger-diameter tubes as main lines and small-diameter tubes to connect the main lines to the nozzles.

4. Connect your pipes together or to common connectors or joints. Soaking tubing in hot water makes them more flexible and easier to install, but always use clamps to secure the connections. This will guarantee they won't come apart when pulled or if the water pressure increases.

5. Connect the appropriate nozzles to the watering lines. Some brands simply snap into place, but using clamps is always recommended.

6. Secure the system to the ground. Use anchors or pins to "lock down" your irrigation system to prevent tripping and other accidents.

Connect to a Water Supply

7. Connect the main line to the garden tap, or whichever tap is most convenient. Depending on your system, you may also have a timer or programmable computer to automate your watering. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

8. Once you're connected, flush the system to test it. You may have to manually check each connection if there is a leak.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the most durable components you can find.
• Use drip (or bubbler) systems when you are planting on berms or other sloped areas, as their concentrated watering patterns won't run off like sprinkler systems.
• Sprinklers and drippers are both susceptible to clogging, but are easily unblocked.
• Micro irrigation systems require monthly maintenance to keep up their efficiency.
• Because they are lightweight and often hidden above ground, micro watering systems can be pulled apart accidentally, so be certain to anchor the tubing.

Resources

• Colorado State University website for horticulture tips