The Contractor s Guide to. The easy to install, profitable, low maintenance alternative to spray irrigation

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Richard Harrington
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1 The Contractor s Guide to The easy to install, profitable, low maintenance alternative to spray irrigation TM

Introduction Since 1985 Agrifim has been manufacturing drip and micro irrigation products.

one of the most respected drip companies in the world.

that not only meet this need, but which also offers ease of installation, simplicity, low

We believe the Simple Drip system meets these needs.

2 Introduction Since 1985 Agrifim has been manufacturing drip and micro irrigation products. With a full line of products and their outstanding service levels, Agrifim has grown into one of the most respected drip companies in the world. Today Agrifim products can be found at most irrigation wholesalers across the United States. With water conservation becoming a higher priority, irrigators are looking for products that not only meet this need, but which also offers ease of installation, simplicity, low maintenance and reliability as an alternative to conventional spray irrigation products. We believe the Simple Drip system meets these needs. This brochure explains the benefits of the Simple Drip system and offers suggestions on its design and installation. If further help is needed, please do not hesitate to contact our technical help line at (800) We would love to help you.

3 Table of Contents The Concept Page 2 The Benefits Page 3 Selling Your Customer Page 4 Product Offering Page 5, 6, 7 Designing a Simple Drip System Defining the Zones Page 8-9 Dripperline Layout Page Installation of a Simple Drip System POC Module Page 12 Dripperline Page 13 System Flushing Page 14 System Testing Page 14 Watering Schedule Page 14 Concealing Dripperline Page 14 Simple Drip System Maintenance Trouble Shooting Page 15 Technical Information Page 16 WARNING: Simple Drip as described in this manual should not be used in turf grass or where incoming water pressure exceeds 100 psi or where elevation changes exceeds 6 feet or be buried. The above options require special considerations contact our technical department for further advice. TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

The Concept THE CONCEPT BEHIND SIMPLE DRIP Simple Drip is the watering system of the future for trees, shrubs and ground cover. Typically it is installed above grade and then covered by mulch.

4 The Concept THE CONCEPT BEHIND SIMPLE DRIP Simple Drip is the watering system of the future for trees, shrubs and ground cover. Typically it is installed above grade and then covered by mulch. It is very easy to install, conserves water and will offer years of reliable performance and more importantly, it is easy to modify as plants grow or as changes are made to the landscaping. Simple Drip can be used for both new and retrofitted systems. The system comprises 2 major components. The Point of Connection (POC) module is pre-packaged and has three functions. To control the pressure to the system To filter the water to the system To adapt the water source to the system The POC module is attached to the conventional water sources such as electric valves, riser nipples, hose bibs etc. The dripperline is then fed off the POC. From Water Source Water Flow To Dripperline Point-of-Connection module The DURA-FLO dripperline comprises 1/2 tubing with drip emitters factory inserted at predetermined spacing. Various fittings are also included to allow the dripperline to make sharp turns without the risk of kinking and to allow for periodic system flushing. DURA-FLO TM dripperline The heart of the system is the dripper. This controls the amount of water emitted at that point. The DURA-FLO TM dripper is a fully turbulent flow product which, with its large water passage and high internal velocity, is highly resistant to clogging. And the 2 discharge holes at each dripper allow water to drain after each irrigation cycle. View of DURA-FLO TM dripper 2

5 The Benefits BENEFITS MORE PROFITABLE Installing a Simple Drip system is very profitable because few man hours are needed. No trenching No back-filling No waiting around for the trenching equipment No PVC gluing. Typically, the materials required for installation would be comparable to the cost of conventional spray irrigation components. All you need to install a typical Simple Drip system: Shovel Wrench Pair of tubing cutters. CONVENTIONAL SPRAYS $ PROFIT LABOR COST EQUIPMENT COST MATERIAL COST SIMPLE DRIP TM $$$$ PROFIT LABOR COST EQUIPMENT COST MATERIAL COST As a result of the short installation period and lower equipment costs, contractors are usually able to install a Simple Drip system less expensivelly than other systems, making it very profitable. SIMPLE DESIGN By following a few basic rules, designing a drip system is extremely easy. These rules and guidelines are outlined in the Simple Drip catalog. EASY INSTALLATION The installation of the system is very simple. The POC assembly is installed and then the DURA-FLO TM dripperline is laid out as designed. Mulching to conceal the dripperline is often the final step. FEWER PARTS REQUIRED Simple Drip requires fewer parts than conventional systems. With the prepackaged POC assembly and the drip emitters pre-inserted into the DURA-FLO TM dripperline, the only extra components needed will be a limited number of fittings to connect the dripperline. Simple Drip may either be purchased as individual components or in the prepackaged Drip-in-a-Box format. NON-CONSPICUOUS With its distinctive, unique dark green color, the DURA-FLO TM dripperline with blend in perfectly with the foliage. 3

6 Selling Your Customer SELLING YOUR CUSTOMER Low Maintenance The Simple Drip system was designed for low maintenance. The POC assembly protects the DURA-FLO TM dripperline by controlling the pressure and cleaning the water. The streamlined nature of the DURA-FLO TM dripperline and fittings also eliminates most of the potential for mechanical damage. In addition the turbulent flow drippers used inside the DURA-FLO TM dripperline are extremely clog resistant. Easy To Repair Should a DURA-FLO TM dripperline be accidentally cut or punctured, repairing with a coupling can be done quickly. Should a dripper ever plug, simply cut out the tubing on either side of it and splice in another section using a coupling. Modifying the System As the plants mature or the plantings are changed, modifying the system is easy. Adding or removing DURA-FLO TM dripperline can easily be done by the end user no need to get the contractors help. Water Conservation Water usage is significantly reduced as water is directed straight to the plant roots. Wastage is a thing of the past. Over sprays onto fences, walkways roads etc are also eliminated. Water savings of up to 70% over conventional spray irrigation may be achieved. Lower Water Bills As water costs rise or water is rationed, Simple Drip becomes even more attractive. Water bills will decrease when the system is properly used making the Simple Drip system a profitable investment. 4

7 Product Offering POINT-OF-CONNECTIONS (P.O.C.) PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION USE POCBAG Point of Connection Parts in a Bag Easily adapts an existing or new 3/4" or 1" irrigation valve, 1/2" riser nipple, or hose bibb to the DURA-FLO TM dripperline. Each P.O.C. Bag Contains: PART NUMBER QUANTITY DESCRIPTION USE REL 50 1 Street Elbow 1/2" MPT x 1/2" FPT Connects 1/2" male pipe thread riser to 1/2" female pipe thread. RB Reducer Bushing 1" MPT x 3/4" FPT Converts 1" discharge or valve to 3/4" female pipe (use if required). RB Adapter 3/4" MPT x 3/4" MHT or 1/2" FPT Adapts 3/4" female pipe thread to 3/4" female hose thread or 1/2" male pipe thread. Use to convert conventional sprinkler/sprayer systems to drip or any female 3/4" hose thread connection. FTEE Tee Filter 3/4" FHT Inlet x 3/4" MHT Outlet 150 Mesh Filter Filters out particles to prevent plugging of the drippers. Filter element can be removed for cleaning. PRHHGR PSI Preset Pressure Regulator 3/4" FHT Inlet x 3/4" MHT Outlet Reduces water pressure to the recommended operating pressure of the Simple Drip system. CSA Swivel Adapter 3/4" Hose Thread x 1/2" Compression Adapts from the filter to the 1/2" supply tubing or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline. CST Swivel Tee for 1/2" supply tubing 3/4" hose thread x 1/2" compression Adapts from the filter to the 1/2" supply tubing, or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline, splitting it in two directions. 5

8 Product Offering (continued) CT 700 FITTINGS PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION USE Compression Tee for 1/2" supply tubing or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline Used to split the 1/2" supply tubing, or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline into two different directions. CEL 700 Compression Elbow for 1/2" supply tubing and 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline CC 700 Compression Coupling for 1/2" supply tubing and 1/2" DURA- FLO Dripperline Used to make a 90 degree turn in the 1/2" supply tubing or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline. Used to splice together the 1/2" supply tubing or 1/2" DURA-FLO Dripperline. CEP 700 Compression End Plug with removable cap for 1/2" supply tubing and 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline Used to close off the end of the 1/2" supply tubing or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline. The unscrewing cap should be periodically removed to flush dirt out of the system. S 8 Wire Stake 8" Secures supply tubing and DURA-FLO dripperline in place. A 700GR/50 TUBING PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION USE 1/2" Supply Tubing (No Drippers) Green 50 Foot Coil To supply water from P.O.C. to DURA-FLO dripperline, and installation under walkways in sleeve. SF-GR DRIPPERLINE PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION USE 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline, 1 GPH, 12" Spacing Green 100 Foot Coil 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline is designed to be installed on the surface or under mulch to irrigate all types of trees, shrubs and ground cover. 6

Product Offering (continued) The Drip-in-a-Box package contains an array of Simple Drip products, which should be suitable for a typical installation of approximately 300 square feet.

9 Product Offering (continued) The Drip-in-a-Box package contains an array of Simple Drip products, which should be suitable for a typical installation of approximately 300 square feet. The Drip-in-a-Box approach may be used or individual Simple Drip products may be purchased. DRIP-IN-A-BOX CONTENTS TM PART NUMBER DRIP BOX 1 DESCRIPTION Complete drip irrigation system for your typical installation of 300 square feet. Each Drip-in-a-Box Contains: PART NUMBER CONTAINS QTY. DESCRIPTION POCBAG 1 Point-of-Connection Bag CT Compression Tees for 1/2" supply tubing or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline CEL Compression Elbows for 1/2" supply tubing or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline CC Compression Couplings for 1/2" supply tubing or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline CEP Compression End Plug for 1/2" supply tubing or 1/2" DURA-FLO dripperline S " Wire Stakes A 700 GR/50 1 1/2" supply tubing without DURA-FLO drippers, green, 50' roll SF-GR /2" DURA-FLO dripperline, 12" spacing, green, 2 100' total length 7

Designing a Simple Drip TM System Comments The area on the left (yellow color) is considered to be a zone. It has a water source (electric valve) and a planted area less than 300 square feet.

10 Designing a Simple Drip TM System Comments The area on the left (yellow color) is considered to be a zone. It has a water source (electric valve) and a planted area less than 300 square feet. The two areas on the right combine to form another zone (blue color). The total combined area is still less than 300 square feet and it has its own water source (electric valve), even though it is outside this zone. Both areas in this zone will be supplied by the same water source and the areas interconnected through a PVC sleeve under the walkway. 8

Defining the Zones Rules When defining the zones remember that: trees, shrubs and plants can be in the same zone a zone cannot be larger than 300 square feet 2 or more

11 Defining the Zones Rules When defining the zones remember that: trees, shrubs and plants can be in the same zone a zone cannot be larger than 300 square feet 2 or more separate areas can be on the same zone a zone must have its own water source (although the water source may be outside of that zone) lawn areas should not be included in the zone 9

Designing a Simple Drip TM System Rules When designing the dripperline layout remember: 1/2" DURA-FLO TM dripperlines should be approximately 15"-18" apart (closer for very sandy soil, further apart

12 Designing a Simple Drip TM System Rules When designing the dripperline layout remember: 1/2" DURA-FLO TM dripperlines should be approximately 15"-18" apart (closer for very sandy soil, further apart for soils with a high clay content). use compression fittings wherever sharp turns are made. snaking of DURA-FLO TM dripperlines is necessary (never pull the DURA-FLO TM dripperline too tight - allow a little slack). plain tubing should be used instead of DURA-FLO TM dripperline to get from one area to the next (eg., in a sleeve under a walkway). maximum of 200' of DURA-FLO TM dripperline can be used per zone (consider reducing this number a little for the initial design to allow for future DURA-FLO TM dripperline additions). for denser plants or larger plants, use more DURA-FLO TM dripperline at that point to provide more water. Legend = DURA-FLO TM dripperline = supply tubing = Underground (sleeved) supply tubing 10

13 Designing Dripperline Layout Comments Additional DURA-FLO TM dripperline is used around the base of the trees. Also note the use of the fittings (tees and elbows) wherever a sharp turn is made. Be creative - DURA-FLO TM dripperlines do not have to be positioned in a specific layout. Just add DURA-FLO TM dripperline wherever more water is required. 11

14 Installation INSTALLING THE P.O.C. MODULE The Point of Connection (P.O.C.) module is used to adapt the DURA-FLO TM dripperline or tubing to the water source. Various types of water sources may be used. Besides being the adapter, the P.O.C. is the protector of the dripperline in that it controls the pressure to the DURA-FLO dripperline and eliminates all impurities that could plug the drippers. Three typical water sources are shown below: Electric Valve (new or existing) Assemble the P.O.C. module as shown using the necessary adapters. The filter flushing cap should be as close to the ground as possible, but allow sufficient room for the flush cap removal. Hose Bibb The pressure regulator should attach directly to the hose bibb. Anti-sophon valve may be required by local code. Nipple (new or from existing spray/ sprinkler system) Use the street elbow to attach to the nipple. The nipple should be about 1" above grade. Remember to cap off any extra spray heads or sprinklers in the zone if it is a retrofit. 12

15 Installation LAYING OUT THE DRIPPERLINE Step 1 Uncoil the dripperline as shown otherwise kinking will occur. If kinking does occur, it is very difficult to eliminate. If necessary cut out the kink, straighten the tubing and reconnect with a coupling. Correct Uncoiling Incorrect Uncoiling Step 2 Use a cutter to squarely cut the tubing or dripperline do not try to cut through the actual DURA-FLO TM dripper. The DURA-FLO TM tubing/dripperline should be cut where ever a fitting is used. Always allow a little extra length for snaking the dripperline. Step 3 Lay the cut length of DURA-FLO TM dripperline/tubing in place and immediately secure with a galvanized stake. Always allow snaking (a little slack) in the DURA-FLO TM dripperline. Continue until all lengths of DURA-FLO TM dripperline/tubing have been laid out, positioned and secured with stakes. Space stakes about 3 feet apart. Step 4 Connect all the cut pieces with the appropriate fitting (tee, elbow or coupling). Use the end plugs to seal off the ends of the DURA-FLO TM dripperline. The best method to insert the end of the DURA-FLO TM dripperline/tubing into the fitting is to wiggle it in (gently rocking the tubing from side to side). Trying to push the DURA-FLO TM dripperline/tubing in by pure force will not work. Finally connect the DURA-FLO TM dripperline/tubing to the P.O.C. If the first dripper is to be positioned a distance away from the P.O.C., use a short length of plain tubing and then use a coupling to transition to the DURA-FLO TM dripperline. 13

Installation FLUSHING THE SYSTEM Unscrew the caps from the end of the DURA-FLO TM dripperline. Flush out the system one cap at a time until all dirt/debris has been removed.

16 Installation FLUSHING THE SYSTEM Unscrew the caps from the end of the DURA-FLO TM dripperline. Flush out the system one cap at a time until all dirt/debris has been removed. Screw the caps back on (hand tighten only). There is a washer inside the cap be sure not to lose it. TEST THE SYSTEM Switch on the system and check for leaks. Evaluate if the coverage is adequate. Adjust the coverage as needed by either moving the DURA-FLO TM dripperlines or adding additional DURA-FLO TM dripperline as needed. (Keep in mind that the maximum amount of DURA-FLO TM dripperline per zone is 200 feet). When checking the moisture levels, do not only look at the surface water. Dig down a few inches to the root area. This is where it counts. Also keep in mind that water will spread below the surface by capillary action. SET THE WATERING SCHEDULE The watering schedule depends on a variety of factors. As a starting off point, try running the system for minutes a day, 3-5 times a week. 5 I I After a few cycles, adjust watering schedule as required. COVER DRIPPERLINE WITH MULCH To hide the DURA-FLO TM dripperline, mulch can be used. For dense plantings or for ground cover, this may not be necessary. 14

17 System Maintenance & Trouble Shooting SYSTEM MAINTENANCE 1. The filter should be cleaned and checked for damage periodically. Unscrew the cap and remove the stainless steel element. Clean and check for tears. Replace element and cap. 2. Flush the system periodically with the system running, unscrew one cap at a time and allow water to flush out for a few minutes. Replace cap and repeat for the other end plugs in the system. 3. Inspect fittings, P.O.C. and DURA-FLO TM dripperlines for leaks. If necessary, replace the damaged components. Remember to flush out the system after replacement especially if dirt could have entered the system. 4. Modify the DURA-FLO TM dripperline positions or add DURA-FLO TM dripperlines as the plants mature. Follow the same steps as in the laying DURA-FLO TM dripperline section keeping in mind the maximum amount of DURA-FLO TM dripperline per zone. TROUBLE SHOOTING Problem Suggestion Some plants not getting enough water. Add a section of dripperline to that area. DURA-FLO TM dripperline pops out of fitting. Re-cut end of tubing squarely and reinsert at least 1" past sharp edge. DURA-FLO TM dripper flow rates reducing over time. Remove filter element from tee filter and clean. If this does not help check screen washer in swivel adapter and clean if necessary. No flow from some drippers. Check adjacent DURA-FLO TM drippers if they are flowing correctly, replace that clogged DURA-FLO TM dripper. If whole section not dripping, check for kinks. Water squirting out of tubing. Tubing may have been pierced. Cut out bad piece and reconnect with a coupling. Water dripping out of end cap. Check that hose washer is still in place (inside cap). Lower drip rates at end of system. Check that the zone does not exceed 300 square feet or that the DURA-FLO TM dripperline length does not exceed 200 feet. 15

18 Technical Data TECHNICAL DATA Part # Description Information SF-GR /2" DURA-FLO TM dripperline 0.600" ID x 0.700" OD Discharge rate of psi and psi Maximum length of run = 200' Maximum pressure = 45 psi A 700 GR/50 1/2" tubing 0.600" ID x 0.700" OD Maximum pressure = 45 psi PRHHGR 30 Pressure Regulator Regulated pressure of 30 psi Flow range of 0.1 to 7.0 gpm Maximum inlet pressure of 100 psi FTEE 150 Filter Maximum flow rate of 8 gpm 150 mesh stainless steel element Maximum operating pressure of 75 psi Tubing is made from virgin LLDPE (Dow 7510) and contains an inhibitor to prevent ultra violet ray degradation. Over a period of time fading of the dark green DURA-FLO TM dripperline is to be anticipated. This will not reduce the integrity of the DURA-FLO TM dripperline. 16

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THE CONTRACTOR S CHOICE W-M AGRDRP 06-021 SIMPLE DRIP TM IS A PRODUCT OF 337

20 THE CONTRACTOR S CHOICE W-M AGRDRP SIMPLE DRIP TM IS A PRODUCT OF 337 WEST BEDFORD FRESNO, CA, U.S.A. TECHNICAL HELP:

IRRIGATION FOR CONSERVATION

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