How to Build Drip or Trickle Irrigation

Draw a plan for the proposed irrigation system. Start by identifying where the manifold, if you are going to be connecting to an existing automatic sprinkler system, or hose bib is located. Lay out the path that the piping will follow and what plants it will water. Plants have different water requirements, and it may be advantageous to divide your proposed irrigation system into separately controlled zones.

Lay out the ½-inch main header tubing in the landscape starting from the manifold or hose bib. Do not bury the feed tubing, as you will be making connections to the various specialty irrigation fittings and need access to this line.

Attach the irrigation fittings to the header line. The fitting may be attached directly to the header, or extended away from the line through the use of ¼-inch tubing. Use barbed fitting to make the attachment to the feed line. Pierce the feed line with a piercing tool and insert the barbed connector or irrigation fitting in the hole. Plugs are available if you make a mistake or decide to change your landscape at a later time.

Connect the header line to the water supply at the manifold or bib. If connecting to an automatic sprinkler system, clamp the header directly to the valve controlling the circuit. If the water supply is a hose bib, attach a hose-end fitting to the end of the supply line to screw it onto the spigot.

Turn on the water and check the system for leaks.

Secure the header line by pushing on landscape staples until they are just touching the top of the header pipe. Do not pierce the header piping. Space them every few feet unless traffic by animals or people threatens to pull the tubing out of place. In those areas, place the staples every foot. Cover the pipe with mulch or stones.