/r/Irrigation

Photograph via snooOG

This is a place for professionals and non-professionals alike to discuss irrigation. Ask a question, ask for help, show off your work (no advertising), or show us what some idiot did. Just keep it cordial. Check out the user and post flair, and think about adding it to your post.

If you receive help from this sub, please let us know how we helped you.


The Irrigation Reddit

Irrigation - the artificial application of water to the land or soil. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall. Additionally, irrigation also has a few other uses in crop production, which include protecting plants against frost, suppressing weed growth in grain fields and preventing soil consolidation. In contrast, agriculture that relies only on direct rainfall is referred to as rain-fed or dryland farming.

Irrigation systems are also used for dust suppression, disposal of sewage, and in mining. Irrigation is often studied together with drainage, which is the natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from a given area.

Irrigation has been a central feature of agriculture for over 5000 years, and was the basis of the economy and society of numerous societies, ranging from Asia to Arizona.

Wikipedia: Irrigation


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/r/Irrigation

35,977 Subscribers

1

Pipe size?

Was having land cleared and they cut through my irrigation line. Don’t see any clear markings for the size or maybe I’m just missing it? Any ideas on the size PVC so I can repair?

Thanks!

3 Comments
2024/12/03
00:20 UTC

2

Potential leak at new home

Should the box where my Hunter ICV is be wet? Is it supposed to be leaking?

7 Comments
2024/12/02
22:47 UTC

1

What kind of repair (or upgrade) am I looking at here?

Bought this house recently and been patching irrigations all over. (2015 build, location is phoenix metro // arid desert)

I just noticed this leaking a lot today but wasn’t probably a month or so ago. Only thing that’s changed in the backyard is we started using zone/station 3 on the timer as we’ve put in plants over there.

I think Orbit HomeDepot / box store grade stuff? So I’m assuming I can pull those ends off and insert a new one?????? Is it that easy?

Also if I’m in there is there another valve I should swap these to in order to have better life/performance/etc? Like if I’m in there getting dirty should I upgrade stuff in there? I do have Ewing Supply house nearby for better parts.

7 Comments
2024/12/02
19:26 UTC

1

Rainbird 2 wire

I have a 44 zone all single station decoders rainbird esp-lxd. Just replaced 4 decoders last week and now it's saying I have 3 new bad ones . My milliamp draw has not changed at all. before I changed the bad ones, after replacing the bad ones, and now that I have new bad ones. My draw on one wire is 58 and the other wire is 80. And one of the ones I fixed last week also has a new solenoid and still won't work but doesn't come up bad in the diagnosis. Please help. It's enough to make me question my skills

6 Comments
2024/12/02
18:42 UTC

1

Replacing a pressure regulator for a drip system

The middle pressure regulator in this box is leaking and I need to replace it. How difficult of a job is this to do? Do I need to disassemble a lot of the other components in this box to get the old one out and the new one in or is there a somewhat easy way to remove and install a new one?

https://preview.redd.it/1et7pu97xg4e1.jpg?width=4029&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d0ce6751eb7df002f18e775b9db994f8ada96ac

3 Comments
2024/12/02
17:12 UTC

0

What Do Contractors and Landscape Architects Look for in Irrigation Designs?

I’ve been working in the green industry for over a decade and specializing in irrigation design for several years. Currently, I work as a designer for a consulting firm, but I’m considering branching out to start my own firm. As I take this step, I’m eager to understand how I can refine my designs to better serve contractors, landscape architects, and the community. I’d love to hear your insights on a few things:

  • What do you typically look for in an irrigation design? Are there specific features, layouts, or considerations that stand out as especially helpful or important?
  • What’s something you feel could be done better? Are there common issues or oversights you see in designs from consultants that make your job harder or less efficient?
  • What would you like to see more of? Whether it’s innovative solutions, better communication, or something else entirely, I’d love to know how we can elevate our designs to meet your needs more effectively.
  • What challenges have you faced in your own irrigation designs? If you've had to create designs yourself, is there something you wish could be done differently or with more support?

Ultimately, my goal is to create designs that not only meet technical requirements but also make your job easier and contribute to sustainable, effective landscapes. I’m open to any feedback or advice you’re willing to share!

Looking forward to your thoughts and ideas!

19 Comments
2024/12/02
14:10 UTC

2

Opinions on Slip sprinkler valves

Just curious, what do you guys think about slip valves? Or do you prefer threaded valves and using an adapter or TOE nipple?

9 Comments
2024/12/02
07:46 UTC

2

Question about a frost-proof irrigation valve

https://www.bigfrogsupply.com/products/prier-p-6iv-6-irrigation-valve-1-mpt-x-3-4-fpt-inlet-p-6ivn06

Has anyone used one of these frost-proof irrigation valves? I have a very small yard so I'm not worried about pressure losses tying into a house feed instead of the main water line underground. My only issue is I'll need to extend it out away from the house further than its 90deg outlet allows to make room for the PVB. I'm not sure if that outlet is removable and I can just run a straight pipe out as far as I need or if I'll need to make a weird-looking S-bend to get the pipe further away from the house.

6 Comments
2024/12/01
21:44 UTC

5

Master valve placement on a new system

I am getting ready to install a inground sprinkler system at my house and had a question about the placement of the master valve, my original plan was to place it right after the main shutoff ball valve near the water source so that the poly feeding the valve box wouldn't have pressure on it all the time just in case something happened. I was planning on installing the backflow preventer near the valve box near the house but didn't know if installing the master valve before the pressure vacuum breaker would cause issues or not. Ive googled for a few minuets with no exact response to my question.

15 Comments
2024/12/01
18:49 UTC

1

Help!

Anyone knows how to turn off my subdivision’s sprinkler system without a valve? 👆

13 Comments
2024/12/01
17:45 UTC

3

Drip irrigation and backflow question

I'm using an Orbit 3 valve manifold from the local hardware store to do a drip irrigation system.

I have tapped into the PVC that is also the input for the sprinkler system.

  1. It doesn't look like the sprinkler system has any backflow prevention (that I can see)
  2. Hardware store only has two options: 2.1 a hose bib threaded backflow preventer 2.2 PVC check-valve 2.3 a $300+ check backflow preventer valve

My questions are:

  1. Will the PVC check-valve suffice?
  2. If not, would the hose bib threaded one suffice?
  3. If not, why do they sell these?
  4. Is it possible there is another one installed somewhere underground I'm just unaware of?
7 Comments
2024/12/01
01:56 UTC

0

Backflow Preventer Failed, how concerned should I be?

Came home to a spewing Backflow preventer. We had a quick freeze last night. It was spewing for a few hours. Turned the water off to it.

How concerned should I be that my drinking supply is now contaminated?

9 Comments
2024/11/30
22:42 UTC

1

Greenhouse source help

I am designing a hypothetical greenhouse irrigation system and need help with connections. I have a water source 1" in diameter (I assume brass) that I need to attach to a 3/4" PVC pipe going up to the ceiling. What type of fitting do I use for this?

7 Comments
2024/11/30
19:55 UTC

1

Attempting to winterize, how do you know which valves to turn? Lennar is the builder if that helps.

7 Comments
2024/11/30
19:54 UTC

2

Student project

Hello, I'd like to ask you to help me with a project. I'm a master's student in entrepreneurship and I need your help to carry out an in-depth study for a group project. Could you help me by giving me some of your time and completing this questionnaire? We'd like to target people with a passion for gardening.

This link is a form for people with irrigation systems:

https://forms.gle/Dx6ZihCj8Cy5omCA6

This link is a form for people who don't have an irrigation system for watering their plants:

https://forms.gle/Sfuzvs8qDuPxx9YH7

0 Comments
2024/11/30
17:00 UTC

1

Freaking out. Please help me

I recently got my irrigation system winterized. I have my controller located outside and it has a outlet located next to it. Yesterday I was installing Christmas lights and I wanted to use that outlet. So I turned on the electricity to that outlet. Once I did that, for some reason, the pump automatically turned on, which normally it doesn’t do. The controller is/was off. I have a company coming Monday to install additional heads to my irrigation system. I am freaking out because I don’t know if the pump/lines has water in it. The temperature fell below freezing the past day or so.

What should i do? I just replaced this pump and the last thing I want to happen is it to crack.

7 Comments
2024/11/30
13:37 UTC

1

Hunter pressure regulated sprinkler heads?

Hi.

Currently I study how to build irrigation systems and couple days ago I was told that Rainbird offers sprinklers having pressure regulation built in. As far as I can remember at rainbird they call it PRS (pressure regulated sprinkler).

This means that the PRS sprinklers always provide the same amount of water and radius independently of the pressure in the pipes. Of course the pressure gets lower then they wont work as they cant increase pressure, but if the pressure is somewhat higher than what the given head is regulated to it regulates it down. I hope my description was clear, I'm not that fluent in the irrigation field.

So now comes the question: does Hunter offers such regulated sprinkler heads? If so could you point to the model family?

I got pretty excited about this. I was told that the price difference between the traditional and the PRS is not that much. If this is true then I can save fair amount of time in designing an irrigation system and also the irrigation will be more consistent.

Let me know if you have any practical experience with these types of sprinklers.

Thanks!

9 Comments
2024/11/30
12:26 UTC

3

Need advice on making dry agricultural land profitable with limited water supply

ChatGPT

You said: Hi write message in reddit like our family has more than 70 acrs of Agricultural land but the thing is it's dry land with less water supply its in marten part of karnataka and my family is joint its undivided. So how can I use that land to grow soothing which is profit able and with less water usage fir plants ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Here’s a concise way to phrase your Reddit post:

Title: Need advice on making dry agricultural land profitable with limited water supply

Body: Hi everyone, Our family owns over 70 acres of dry agricultural land in the Malnad region of Karnataka. The land is undivided, as we live in a joint family. The main challenge is the limited water supply, which makes traditional farming difficult.

I’m looking for suggestions on crops or farming techniques that are water-efficient and profitable for such conditions. Are there any specific crops, trees, or practices like drip irrigation, agroforestry, or integrated farming that you’d recommend? I’d also love to hear about government schemes or subsidies that could support such initiatives.

Thanks in advance for your guidance

7 Comments
2024/11/30
11:39 UTC

1

Recommendations for Backflow Preventer for Hose Bibb

I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask, but could someone recommend a descent backflow preventer for my regular garden hose? I have ones like this and they keep breaking and leaking and I would rather spend a few extra bucks for one that will last.

I figured you guys are the experts and might know.

TIA

8 Comments
2024/11/30
06:43 UTC

1

GPM and zone size question

I'll be installing an irrigation system for the first time. I have tested and have 30 GPM (using 5 gallon bucket from a nozzle, so likely a bit higher on a 1" pipe) and 60 PSI from where I plan on running a 1" line to feed 6 different zones with a backflow preventer in there.

I've read that you want to try to limit each zone to around 75% of your GPM to limit issues.

So if I purchase Hunter PGP-ADJ 3/4" Rotors or any other rotor that has a GPM flow rate of .5-14 GPM can I have 5-7 rotors on a zone?

Is it as easy as adjusting the nozzles? Do nozzles limit the range and/or restrict the volume of water? Mostly concerned about correctly spreading everything out with proper overlap and have no idea how far things will spray.

17 Comments
2024/11/30
05:07 UTC

1

Seeking pop up sprinkler advice

Hi I’ve got a set up on my lawn of 5 pop up sprinkler heads that weren’t working as well as they used to. The original sprinkler heads were old K Rain K5 Select and I bought 5 Hunter PGP Ultra sprinklers to replace them. Once installed they’re only getting enough pressure to push them up half way and aren’t spraying anywhere near enough, is there any solution to this out there or were they the wrong sprinkler heads to get, TIA

21 Comments
2024/11/30
03:32 UTC

10

Does anyone know what kind of connector this is? I believe this is the connection point to winterize my system in my new hose. More pictures in comments

34 Comments
2024/11/30
00:15 UTC

0

Irrigation price ballpark.

I have about 3500sqft of lawn that I want irrigated. Nothing crazy. It’s my front and side yard. Only need 1-2heads to go under the sidewalk. Any ballpark on price? I live in Ohio if that helps. Thanks!

9 Comments
2024/11/29
21:57 UTC

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