Drip Irrigation System: [Part 2] What are the Benefits?

 A drip irrigation system is an underground arrangement of tubes that delivers water to the plant’s roots. In part one, we discussed how these systems work and the different features that are available. In part two, we will outline how a drip irrigation system offers homeowners different benefits than a traditional irrigation system.

“Think of drip irrigation like a dart board. Traditional irrigation may hit the mark several times, but there are still some darts that miss the bullseye. Drip irrigation hits the bullseye every single time,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. “Water is fed directly to the roots continuously and evenly, ensuring your plants are always receiving the right amount of water.”

Our experts have outlined the main benefits a drip irrigation system provides:

1. Accuracy – Drip irrigation systems are extremely accurate. The emitters and openings in the drip tubing can be customized to sit directly next to each plant’s roots. The water is distributed exactly where it is needed.
2. Reduces Diseases – Stagnant, pooled water on the ground and on your plant’s leaves foster an environment for mold and disease. These unwanted growths can damage and even kill your plant. Drip irrigation systems distribute the water directly to the plant’s roots, eliminating stagnant surface water.
3. Time Saver – Don’t spend time attempting to evenly water your plants. The system guarantees even watering every time.
4. Efficiency – 30 to 50% of water can be saved by a drip irrigation system. Top-soil water evaporation is eliminated and over-watering is prevented.
5. Versatility - Your drip irrigation system can be customized with safety valves, lateral tubes and emitters that can be tailored to fit your exact needs. Additionally, there is no need to level your terrain. These systems can be installed almost anywhere to water almost anything.
6. Decreased Fertilizer Costs - Micro-doses of fertilizer can automatically be applied to your plants through the irrigation system. Small doses are applied at an almost constant rate to provide the plant with all of the nutrients it needs to be healthy.
7. Improved Environmental Effects – Under-soil application of water and fertilizer reduces runoff as well as the amount of water needed, whereas traditional methods lose some water through evaporation.
8. Discourages Weeds – Areas between plants are typical problem spots for weed growth. Weeds feed off of the nutrients that could be going to your plant. Since water goes directly to your plant’s roots and nowhere else, your drip irrigation system can help reduce the amount of weed growth.

“Our team will custom design and install a drip irrigation system to best suit your garden and landscape. With nearly 30 years of irrigation installation experience, we can fulfill any customer’s needs,” said Minor.

To take advantage of the benefits a drip irrigation system provides, talk to the experts at Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. To contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation, please e-mail John or call 704-747-0235.

Drip Irrigation System: [Part 1] How Does it Work?

A drip irrigation system is a series of underground tubes that supply slow, constant water to the roots of plants. Drip irrigation applies precise amounts of moisture exactly where it is needed.

“Drip irrigation systems are different from traditional irrigation methods,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. “With drip irrigation, water is fed underground directly to the roots. With traditional irrigation, water is distributed above ground and soaks into the soil. Many of our customers aren’t aware of this other method and the advantages it can provide.”

Since drip irrigation systems are different than traditional irrigation and lawn sprinklers, we have put together an overview of its design to outline the distinctions.

Features of Drip Irrigation Systems

Valves – The valve is located at the top of the piping. This feature manually controls when water is flowing or turned off.

Backflow Preventer  – A backflow preventer is critical in protecting your health and safety. This feature prevents dirt, salmonella or any other materials from getting sucked back up the tube and into your drinking water.

Pressure Reducing Valve – A pressure reducing valve does exactly what it says; it reduces the water pressure to keep it flowing at a constant level.

Water Filter – The water filter is a highly recommended feature in drip irrigation systems. It prevents large particles and any harmful substances from reaching your plant’s roots. Not only does it help plant health by providing clean water, it prevents build up and blockages in the tubing by filtering out large particulates.

Drip Tubing  – The drip tubing carries your water to the desired watering area. There are openings in the tube to install drip emitters.

Drip Emitters – Drip emitters screw or snap into the drip tube and determine how quickly water is released from the tube. Different emitters can be installed based on your needs. The plant type, local rainfall amounts and many other factors determine which emitters are necessary.

End Cap – The end cap is placed at the end of the drip tube. This stops water from flowing out of the line. It can be removed to flush out any blockages or particulates built up within the tube.

“We have outlined the basics of drip irrigation system design, but each part offers different advantages and disadvantages. There are several types of valves, drip tubing and drip emitters,” said Minor. “We want to make sure our customers get exactly what they need out of their drip irrigation. We love to discuss the options these systems offer with our customers to best suit their needs.”

We have been installing irrigation systems for nearly 30 years and have served customers with a variety of needs. Our installation experts will custom design an irrigation system for each customer’s requirements.

Designing and installing a drip irrigation system can be complicated. Let the experts at Irrigation and Lighting Specialist handle it for you. To contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation, please e-mail John or call 704-747-0235.