Automated Sprinkler System

Discussion in 'Tools And Equipment' started by Sirius, Mar 8, 2017.

  1. Sirius

    Sirius Total Gardener

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    I am after a bit of advice please.

    It's my Mrs significant birthday during the summer, and we are going on a month holiday to celebrate. Never been away this long.
    I could get a neighbour to come and water my garden, but not sure how willing he would be.
    So am considering an automated sprinkler system
    To keep costs down, I am thinking of installing it myself.
    But......I am DIY challenged ie not very good at this sort of thing :whistle:

    So am after advice/suggestions/tips etc.

    Thanks
     
  2. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Sirius

      Sirius Total Gardener

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      Clueless,
      Thanks, that looks like a good controller.

      Does anyone have advice re the irrigation system itself?
       
    • clueless1

      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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      Depending on the area you need to cover, the best sprinkler I've found is actually a cheapo spinning one from wilkos. It cost me 2 quid, and give wider and more even coverage than my much more expensive hozelock one.
       
    • Sandy Ground

      Sandy Ground Total Gardener

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      There are a lot of variables that affect the system. For example, size and shape of the garden, how far the sprinkler or sprinklers will be from a tap, water pressure, is it to be a temporary or permanent solution, etc. Remember that with a permanent solution you will also need to plan in a "low point" in order to drain the system before frost sets in.

      Timers are, in my opinion, a must. These are not only used to start and stop the watering, but also to regulate the amount of water.

      As regards practical skills needed, about the only one is being able to dig the pipes in (permanent solution) as well as hiring a decent plumber/electrician to fit the timer. The pipes themselves are quite often click-to-fit. Companies such as Gardena offer free online planners to help with the choice of sprinklers and so on.

      One final thought. Dont forget that someone will be needed to switch the system off if a hose pipe ban is put into place when you are away.
       
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      • Sirius

        Sirius Total Gardener

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        The system is intended to be temporary, but if it works, I may use it all summer.

        From the brief research I have done, there are some battery operated "plug and play" controllers? No plumber/electrician needed?
         
      • Sirius

        Sirius Total Gardener

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      • NCFCcrazy

        NCFCcrazy Super Gardener

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      • Sirius

        Sirius Total Gardener

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        Thanks, I will look into that.
         
      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Is this for a greenhouse or outside or both?
         
      • Sirius

        Sirius Total Gardener

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        Raised beds (outside)
         
      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        In that case I wouldn't go for a micro irrigation system. Instead I've used a programmable timer (like clueless1's) and a leaky hose outdoors like this:

        Soaker Hose Kits - Harrod Horticultural (UK)
         
      • ricky101

        ricky101 Total Gardener

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      • Rustler

        Rustler Super Gardener

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        Just a bit of input for you.
        This is in relation to the Hozelock timers that are available. Mine failed in the early part of the year and left a rusty mark down the wall where it started leaking.
        I took it apart last week and found the battery compartment flooded with the batteries and connections completely corroded, beyond repair.
        I need another , thought I, but after much research found that it is a common problem between all models with a very high failure rate.
        Just a heads up as I'm still searching for a viable alternative for the times I can't be here.
         
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        • ricky101

          ricky101 Total Gardener

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          Suppose you gets what you pay for in those little battery operated ones, though would have hoped they performed better than you experienced !

          You could go for something like one of these, if mains is available, of if a diyer you could make your own more robust low voltage DC unit up using a 12v DC solenoid.

          Simply Control Transformer Water Controller Simply Control
           
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