There may come a time where you ask, “Hey, what's the extra stuff you are making us buy and attach to the timer? A pressure regulator? Can I go without and pocket the cash?”
Great question and a simple answer, your irrigation system will explode. It’s gonna be messy, and your admin is going to be mad at you.
Thanks!
Pressure Regulators Explained
Incorporating a pressure regulator is often essential for the following reasons:
- Protect Equipment and Drip System Components: Drip irrigation systems, especially those with micro-sprayers, soaker hoses, and drip emitters, are designed to operate at specific pressure levels. Excessive pressure can damage these components or cause them to malfunction.
- Uniform Distribution: Consistent water pressure ensures that water is uniformly distributed throughout the system. Without a regulator, areas at the beginning of a hose or tubing might receive too much water, while those at the end might receive too little.
- Prevent Water Wastage: A pressure regulator can help maintain the system's efficiency, ensuring that you're not using more water than necessary. This not only saves water but also reduces costs.
- Avoid Water Hammer: Water hammer is a surge of pressure that can occur when water is suddenly stopped or redirected, as might be the case with timers turning water on or off abruptly. This can cause pipes to burst or fittings to break. A pressure regulator can help reduce the risk of water hammer by ensuring the pressure stays within safe limits.
- Extend System Lifespan: By preventing rapid wear and tear from pressure fluctuations, a pressure regulator can prolong the life of your irrigation system, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
Vacuum Breaker
A vacuum breaker is an essential component when connecting a drip irrigation system to a hose spigot. It acts as a safety mechanism, preventing any backward flow or "backflow" of water from the irrigation system into your school's clean water supply. This ensures that potential contaminants like soil, fertilizers, or pesticides don't get drawn back into the water you use.
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💡 THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PART, please do not run irrigation systems without this part.
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Hose Thread to Poly Adapter
A hose thread to poly line adapter serves as a bridge, connecting standard garden hose threads to you 1/2 inch poly drip tubing. This ensures a secure and leak-free connection between the water source and the drip system. By using this adapter you can transition from a typical hose setup to a more efficient drip irrigation layout
Irrigation Line Fittings