History of Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation or micro-irrigation, is the single most effective method of irrigation for our modern structures and landscaping, and has been around for quite a long time. Although there are plenty of interesting facts about ancient forms of drip irrigation, we're going to focus on modern implementation. Used in agriculture since the 1960's, the purpose of installing a drip system was to maximize water efficiency in farming and ranching areas with low moisture or where recycled water was used for irrigation.
As time progressed, so did the technology and the ability to manufacture affordable and long-lasting components for residential use. Fast-forward to present day, where we are now able to retro-fit existing sprinkler systems with drip irrigation components, have a minimal impact on your landscaping, and all at very reasonable rates.
How Does Drip Irrigation Work?
A properly installed drip irrigation system is far less complex than you might think. Specially designed drip lines have small perforations, called emitters, every 12 to 18 inches. These emitters are rated in gallons per hour, and are available at different flow rates. When the lines are installed, they are done so in a linear plan that is designed to release the right amount of water at the proper rate for your soil.
During drip watering, the lines allow moisture to drip slowly to the roots of plants, bushes and trees. The lines can be installed either onto the soil surface or directly into the root zone, usually 8-12 inches below ground. Both installations are equally effective, and are determined according to the kind of plant life being watered.
In addition to the drip lines, a variety of different devices - valves, nozzles, tubing and emitters - are installed to put the right amount of water right where your plants and foundation need it. So while the technology is relatively simple, the installation should only be left to a professional. There is a science to ensuring that the right amount of water is delivered to your landscaping at the correct rate, and Andy's employs a lot of very smart, well-trained people!
Water Conservation is More Important Than Ever
Climate changes are well documented throughout modern history, and the Southern states are no strangers to drought. When the rain stops, our water reserves begin to shrink, and water restrictions are enforced. And when that happens, human consumption becomes a priority over landscape irrigation, and you're prohibited from turning on your sprinklers.
Don't worry, there's no need to convert your beautiful flowerbed into a cactus patch just yet! Drip irrigation is often permitted during water conservation periods. This is because a drip system uses less than half the water a traditional sprinkler system uses to achieve the same moisture balance in your soil. And best of all, you don't have to install an entirely new system to take advantage of drip irrigation. A drip system can be retro-fitted to most existing sprinkler systems, using the same feed lines and system controls that are already in place.
Less water usage is a better for our water supply levels, more effective for your landscaping, less expensive on your water bill, and an all-around Greener approach to your individual impact on our environment.
Think of Your Foundation
Because we live in Texas, chances are good that you, or someone you know, has experienced foundation issues. Foundation problems are often caused by hot weather combined with inadequately watered soil (through long periods without rain, or insufficient irrigation.) The problem occurs when water leeches out of the soil, shrinking the ground and allowing your foundation to shift in ways it wasn't designed to. This movement in the soil can potentially result in significant damage to your foundation, surrounding structures, and the integrity of your home.
While foundation repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars - and sometimes not even fully return a home to 'level' once repaired - irrigation systems are considered an inexpensive way to avoid these costly problems. A well-designed system can maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil around your home or business.
Drip irrigation, which can be retro-fitted to a normal spray system, is an especially effective way to keep the soil around your home's foundation properly hydrated. This is because the drip irrigation lines are installed where the soil meets the foundation, ensuring proper moisture balance no matter what time of year it is!
Common Misconceptions
1. Soaker hoses work just the same, and I can do that myself!
Soaker hoses and drip irrigation lines are very different. A soaker hose is perforated with thousand of tiny holes all the way down the line, which doesn't properly regulate the flow of water. So what you end up with is a puddle of water at the beginning of the hose, and dry spots towards the middle and end. Drip irrigation lines are specially designed to distribute equal amounts of water over the length of the line, and at the proper rate for your soil. That balance is critical to ensure even watering and moisture-balanced soil.
2. Drip lines don't work for delicate plants and flowers.
Actually, drip lines work better for plants and flowers than traditional sprinkler irrigation. Because water saturation can be controlled and targeted, a drip system is more efficient and accurate than any sprinkler head or lawn hose.
3. Sure, drip irrigation is good for flowerbeds, but there's no way my lawn will get the water it needs.
Over-watered lawns are a common problem with many homeowners - too much water is not a good thing. With drip irrigation lines, they are buried below ground to provide your grass with moisture where it needs it most. The water is distributed at a rate that allows it to disperse evenly throughout the soil, ensuring that your lawn's root structures are properly hydrated all year long.
4. Those drip lines will look awful in my yard!
Modern drip lines are usually dark brown to blend in with the soil. Not that the color matters, though, because if we don't bury the lines, we'll highly suggest that they are covered in mulch to keep in as much moisture as possible. And aside from an indicator flag that will let you know when the system is on, you'll never know it's there! No more loud sprinkler heads outside your bedroom window while you're sleeping, mad dashes through sprinkler sprays to get the morning paper, or accidentally soaked shoes on the back porch from last night's watering.
5. Drip lines won't last long, and will probably get filled with dirt and roots within a few months.
We install filters and air reliefs to prevent dirt from entering emitters, and only install emitters with built-in backflow valves that prevent unwanted dirt particles from entering the hose. And newer lines come with copper-lined emitters that halt the growth of roots around them, making sure your lines stay clear. And if a clog should appear, the drip systems are built with flush valves to allow for easy, inexpensive repairs.
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