DIY Above Ground Drip System

Install an Above Ground Drip System

• To start this easy DIY project, you will need a hose bib, which is a splitter to have more than one hose on the same water line. You will also need a backflow valve, pressure regulator, timer, filter, tubing adapter, a dripper punch, pruning shears, ½-inch hold down stakes, figure eight or compression-style end cap and ½-inch tubing. At the water source, tighten a garden hose bib to the water spigot by hand nearest where your drip system is going to start. This will be the head assembly once fully completed. Ensure that there is a rubber washer inside the hose bib on the spigot side to prevent leaking. Tighten a timer (optional) by hand to the hose bib, which automatically waters on a schedule. A backflow valve is used to ensure that water does not go back into the main waterline; this may be installed first if no timer is used. Installing a pressure regulator after the backflow valve is also optional unless the landscape has a high degree of varying heights.

  Filtering the water will ensure smooth operation and no clogging. The filter will be installed after the pressure regulator. A tubing adapter will be required to attach the drip hose to the head assembly. Now that the head assembly is complete, the tubing can be connected and put on the designated path. Gently hammer the stakes every 2 feet to hold down the tubing. Cut the tubing at the end, leaving an extra 6 inches or more, capping the end with a figure eight or compression-style end cap which will prevent leaking. You can add ¼-inch tubing by first making a hole with the punch. Insert the elbows, or barbs (which join two pieces of tubing), and finally push on the tubing. This process will let you add ¼-inch drip line to extend the reach of the drip system. Using the punch at each plant, push one to two holes and plug in one to two emitters or micro sprinklers.

  Slowly turn the water on .Watch for leaks and breaks in the couplings. Large foliage will require more micro sprinklers or emitters to ensure proper watering. If you warm the tubing before you start, it will make it more pliable and make the installation quicker. Unrolling the tubing before you start will eliminate any kinks.