I just installed my first drip irrigation system and am getting conflicting answers on filters for the system.
Our municipal water is top notch. We are in No Colorado and the water comes off snow pack. So what am I filtering?
From a web page…
Proper filtration and clean water are essential to the efficient operation of low volume irrigation systems. Trash, algae, sand, silt, and other contaminants present in the irrigation water source will lead to clogged emitters and micro-sprinklers, inoperative valves and an overall significant reduction in system efficiency,
I stopped by my local nursery sprinkler supply and some of their installers put them on and some didn’t.
I would just throw one on but am out of room pipe wise between the manifold and the ground.
I can get them in but do I need them?
This is form a filter page online… just Google drip irrigation parts.
Filters remove sediment and other particles big enough to clog emitters. The filters remove sediment and other particles big enough to clog emitters. The higher the mesh (M) number, the finer the screen. Normal screen size for drip systems is 120-150 mesh, while T-tape and misters require 200 mesh filtering. We recommend a filter on every system and will only warranty a system on which a proper filter is used.The mesh (M) number, the finer the screen. Normal screen size for drip systems is 120-150 mesh, while T-tape and misters require 200 mesh filtering. We recommend a filter on every system and will only warranty a system on which a proper filter is used.
Will Rogers
Edited 5/20/2009 1:25 pm by popawheelie
Replies
never used a filter on mine and I'm using a well with just a sediment trap/filter.
I have a centrifugal sand separator on my system, plus a mesh filter. But I'm pumping directly from a 6" well in land that is very sandy. Plugged emitters are tough to replace, though. I'd sure try to plumb in a filter, somehow, some way. I'm sure you're much better off with your municipal water, and they probably watch water quality very closely, but I've known of cases where a main was shut down for service, and taps ran muddy after the work was done.
I have to chlorinate my system, too. The water runs so slowly, with 2 gph emitters over 25 acres that I get algae in the lines if I don't introduce chlorine.
Greg
Sounds like I will be putting them in. I'll see where I can fit them in.
I have emitters that aren't emitting right off the bat. But it can't be because the are plugged.
I take them off and replace them or I've been pinching the hose off and then tapping them. Then they flow.
I installed the system so it would water the plants. Now I'm on my hands and knees dinking around with small plastic parts.
Will Rogers
Just went to the Rainbird website. If I get assistance from them over the phone they want to charge me. Unbelievable!
I've never been charged for assistance with a product.
So much for Rainbird. I'll change out all the emitters if I have to.
I was told that they had good product.
Will Rogers
Edited 5/20/2009 2:49 pm by popawheelie