Fastest Way to Install Drippers

Planning

• 1

  Measure or pace off the area the dripper system will cover. Draw a diagram to scale as you measure to ensure an accurate rendering so you can plan accordingly. Take into consideration hills, valleys and other landscape features so you can adapt your system to meet the needs of the landscape. Also consider areas where you may need to branch off the system to cover large trees that may need additional irrigation or where runoff may rob your plants of needed water.

• 2

  Estimate the amount of mulch you will need to cover the hose after installation. The manufacturer will provide a coverage area on the packaging. Estimate high because you will periodically need to re-cover the mulch over the course of time.

• 3

  Once the landscape diagram is complete, draw the dripper-system diagram, which consists of lines winding back and forth across the areas to be irrigated. Draw any branches where extra irrigation will be needed.

• 4

  When you're satisfied with the diagram, calculate the total length of dripper hose required to cover the area and compare it to the length of hose you have on hand. Be sure you have enough hose before you begin the installation.

• 5

  If you purchase a system, take your diagram and calculations with you to be sure the system meets your needs. If you make your own system, be sure to purchase enough hose and adapters to complete the project. A homemade system requires you to punch holes in the hose every 6 to 12 inches, depending on the slope of the area covered.

Installation

• 6

  Lay out the hose you've made or purchased, following the diagram as carefully as possible. Attach branches to the hose in the locations you planned by puncturing the tube and attaching the proper adapters.

• 7

  Once you've laid out the system, use mulch to cover the hose. Avoid burying it because dirt will clog the holes and block the water from irrigating the plants nearby. If you must bury the hose to allow for mowing, surround the hose with stone to prevent dirt from seeping into the holes.

• 8

  After you cover the hose with mulch or bury it and protect it with stone, hook up the hose to your water source, using an adapter made to attach to an outdoor water faucet. Inspect the system after installation to ensure it operates as desired.