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Installing a Micro Spray Irrigation System

How to Set up a Garden Watering Irrigation System Nut Lock and Barbed Fittings

Building a basic pipe network is the essential foundation to any plant watering irrigation system, yet is simple to set up and can be customised to any individual plant’s watering requirements. Installing bespoke pipe layout requires the combination of LDPE pipe, Micro Pipe and Barbed fittings that enable irrigation pipe to be navigated around garden beds and borders whilst taking into account the simple requirements for a garden watering system.

How to Set Up an Irrigation System

Irrigation Supply Hose

Barbed irrigation fittings are designed to be used in conjunction with irrigation pipe.

Irrigation pipe is manufactured from low-density polyethylene and is specifically designed to deliver and transport water around a garden irrigation system. It features a rigid wall that, unlike garden hose pipes, ensures a leak-free and watertight connection with micro emitters, rigid risers and barbed connectors. This inflexibility of the pipe wall is hugely beneficial when installing a micro-irrigation system because 4mm holes, ideal for installing emitters with 4mm barbed inlets, are easily punctured with minimal fraying.

Irrigation Pipe

The most common use for LDPE pipe is to supply water to low-volume irrigation systems such as micro drip, micro-spray, micro-sprinkler or dripline. With the ever-growing environmental concerns for minimising water consumption, a garden watering system designed to precisely water plants with exactly the amount they need is increasing in demand. Micro emitters efficiency can reduce water consumption by up to 90% - a well-worth project to invest in.

The key to an efficient irrigation system capable of drastically reducing water wastage whilst still maintaining plant health is a good quality and well-thought-out pipe network with the right irrigation components. Often, water wastage is caused by ill-fitting connectors that allow water to seep from joins in the pipe. Using Barbed or Nut Lock Connectors means you can have a watertight irrigation system customised to your garden layout AND ensure water is delivered to even the hardest-to-reach areas without wasting a drop!

Watertight connections also ensure water pressure in an irrigation system is not compromised as correct water pressures are essential for emitters to perform at their optimum levels and output the amount of water they are designed to.

Planning Irrigation Pipe Layout

LDPE irrigation hose and connectors are quoted by their internal diameters as connectors push inside the internal pipe bore. It is advisable to use irrigation connectors with the same size irrigation pipe, however, for a more secure fit and protection against pipe blow-off, use a connector 1mm larger than the internal diameter of the pipe. For example, it is recommended to use 14mm connectors with 13mm LDPE pipe.

Top Tip: It can be difficult to push a barbed connector larger than the internal diameter of the pipe onto a fitting. Allow the pipe to become more malleable by heating the pipe in hot water for 10-30 seconds before installation. As the pipe cools it contracts around the connector ensuring a secure hold.

High Quality Irrigation Pipe

LDPE pipe and connectors

HydroSure LDPE pipe and most fittings are manufactured from UV stabilised materials ensuring long life and protection against deterioration when exposed to direct sunlight. Connectors and emitters should not become loose promising a watertight connection even on the warmest of days.

HydroSure pipeline will last many seasons and can remain in situ for a long time. Lesser quality competitor pipe will require uprooting time and time again so it is worth investing in the superiority of HydroSure pipe.

Planning Irrigation Pipe Network

Uncoiling Irrigation Pipe

Uncoiling pipe correctly to avoid kinks protects the structure of the pipe meaning it is less likely to split in the long run. To correctly un-roll, begin by placing tape over the open ends to prevent debris from getting into the pipe which may block emitters.

Then, weigh the end down using a brick and unravel the pipe from the coil in a straight line. Leave the pipe weighted down at both ends for one hour, preferably on a sunny day. This should make the pipe more malleable and easier to handle.

Repairing Damaged LDPE Irrigation Pipe

Occasionally, after a long time or if you accidentally spear the pipe while digging in the garden, the irrigation pipe may split or crack causing a leak in your system. To repair the split irrigation pipe, simply mark the pipe where water is leaking and turn off the water supply.

Then remove the hole by cutting out the damaged area using Pipe Cutters – try to save as much pipe as you can! Then use a Barbed Joiner or Nut Lock Joiner to re-connect the pipe together.

Planning Irrigation Pipe Layout

Choosing where to install LDPE supply hose is basically drawing a pathway around the plants in your garden. Not all plants need to have a section of pipe that runs directly past it as you can simply offtake a smaller Micro Pipe from the main supply. Try to navigate this pipe pathway around patios and other obstacles in straight lines as any corners or changes in pipe direction can be achieved using Elbows and Tees.

Top Tip: Plants should be no more than four metres away from the main pipe as micro-pipe offtakes can only be run in shorter lengths due to more friction in smaller bore pipe.

Irrigation Zones

It may be useful to organise an irrigation system into two/multiple zones especially if irrigating a large garden. Zoning an irrigation system essentially means splitting water from the tap to water different areas of your garden at different times. The aim of zoning an irrigation system is to use the available water, usually calculated by the rate of flow, from the tap and ensure this water can reach the furthest point away from the water source. Zoning is also advisable if you have plants with different watering requirements, for example, you can run a micro drip system in one zone and a micro-sprinkler in another.

Each irrigation emitter will require a fraction of the pressure outputted from the tap to function at its optimal flow rate. Micro-irrigation is usually a low-volume irrigation system that does not require a high bar pressure and can usually be installed in longer run lengths.

Example Emitter System

A domestic tap that outputs around 9 litres of water per minute will output around 540 litres per hour.

• 7-8 Micro sprinklers emitting 70 LPH can be installed in one zone (540 divided by 70)

• 12 Micro sprays emitting 42 LPH can be installed in another (540 divided by 42)

• 45 Micro Drippers emitting 8 LPH can be installed in the next zone (540 divided by 8)

Barbed Irrigation Connections

Essential System Components

tap connectors

Tap connectors: An easy one-step solution when making the connection between an outdoor tap and LDPE pipe. Simply install the female thread onto the male threaded outlet of an outside tap, Tap Timer or Multi-Outlet Water Distributor for an instant way to supply your irrigation system.

barbed joiner

Joiner/Coupling: Use to join together two lengths of LDPE or create a secure join between a length of Drip Line or Soaker Hose.

elbow connectors

Barbed Elbows: Ideal for re-routing pipe in different directions or navigating irrigation pipe around corners. Elbows are also an essential component to ensure irrigation pipe does not bend and restrict water flow.

cross connector

Barbed Tee: Install along the far edge of an expanse of area you are looking to water to create lengths of pipe that penetrate through the depth of a garden bed. Use a barbed tee to also divert water flow in three directions.

elbow connectors

Cross Connectors: Especially useful for diverting pipeline in four different directions. Install down the middle of an irrigation system that branches across either side of a network of pipe.

eng plugs

End Plugs/Caps: A vitally important irrigation component required to build pressure within the pipeline. Install a barbed end plug at any open end of an irrigation system to maintain bar pressure. Without the essential addition of end pieces as part of an irrigation system, irrigation emitters do not have sufficient pressure to function.

Valved Connector

Irrigation Valves: Can be used in multiple locations in an irrigation system. Use to control water flow by either reducing the rate of flow or switching off the supply to an area entirely. Install a valve at any open end of a system, instead of an end plug, for a simple way to flush debris from an irrigation system.

Micro Irrigation Connectors - 4mm

barbed joiner

4mm Irrigation Components offer the ideal solution for connecting lengths of Micro Pipe and diverting water flow away from the main irrigation supply pipe. Micro Barbed Joiners are, however, especially useful irrigation tools when looking to discreetly branch off from the main irrigation supply – invaluable when irrigating a hanging basket or hard to reach areas.

Barbed Irrigation Components

Available in sizes 13mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 21mm, and 25mm. Connectors can be either single barbed, double barbed and triple barbed. A single barbed connection provides a sufficient and watertight join between two lengths of pipe whereas, double and triple barbed connectors have one or two more tapered edges. These function to provide at least twice the protection against pipe dislocation from the irrigation fitting. Top Tip: Use a Ratchet Clamp to secure the pipe in place once installed.

Barbed to Threaded Irrigation Components

barbed joiner

Barbed to threaded connectors are especially useful irrigation tools that enable the user to connect irrigation pipe via a barbed connection to a threaded accessory.

Use these handy connections to create watertight joins between Garden Hose Pipes, Lawn Sprinklers, Pop-Up Sprinklers, Irrigation Filters, and other accessory connectors.

Irrigation Pipe Example Pipe Layout

The below diagram indicates a pipe layout with 3 irrigation zones from only 2 water outlets. The water source is split via an Outlet Water Distributor. The first outlet is directed via a length of pipe to a barbed elbow and the other two irrigation zones are from one outlet of the water source. This is split via an Irrigation Valve that can be manually turned on and off at alternative times. Top Tip: Don’t forget to use Pipe Stakes every metre to secure the pipe in place.

image

Nut Lock Connectors

Nut Lock Connectors are designed to be used in conjunction with LDPE Irrigation Pipe and/or Dripline.

What is a Nut Lock Connector?

Available in sizes 13mm/14mm, 18mm and 21mm, Nut Lock connectors feature a built-in internal barbed tapper that functions to firstly secure irrigation pipe in place. It also has an additional external collar that clamps down on the irrigation pipe for an extra layer of protection and security against pipe blow off and leaks. This double reinforcement anti-leak seal removes the need for additional ratchet clamps.

Uses and Benefits of a Nut Lock Connector

Nut Lock Connectors are often used in high traffic areas, such as parks and fields, due to their robust, high-grade polypropylene composition. The locking mechanisms of these connectors can withstand pressures up to an impressive 6 Bar without the risk of coming loose for reliable and crush resistant connections between pipe. The perfect solution when building an irrigation system that is not often checked or located far away from your property!

Adaptability of Nut Lock Connectors

Easily convert any ¾” BSP male threaded accessory into a nut lock fitting by simply pushing the smooth end of the barbed tapper into the central cavity of a threaded outlet. Thread the nut tapered edge over the LDPE pipe first and push the pipe onto the barbed outlet. Finally, tighten the nut for simple conversion between low-density pipe and higher density pipe. This is often a required connection in underground sprinkler irrigation systems where LDPE pipe is required to join to MDPE or HDPE.

1. Simply remove the collar from the main body of the nut lock fitting by turning the collar anti-clockwise.

2. Insert the barbed tapper into the main body of the connector for a mechanical seal.

3. Insert the collar over the end of the pipe and push the pipe firmly over the barbed fitting until you reach the tapper.

4. Once the pipe has been pushed firmly over the barb, screw the collar clockwise to the main body of the connector.

How To Use A Nut Lock Fitting

Nut Lock connectors, unlike barbed connectors, can be easily removed from a fitting and re-used elsewhere without risking damage to the fitting or the need to cut the pipe using additional tools.

1. Simply remove the nut lock collar by rotating anti-clockwise.

2. Then, gently remove the connector by moving the barbed fitting up and down whilst pulling towards yourself.

Example of a Nut Lock Irrigation System

This irrigation pipe layout features a hard-wearing, Chrome-Brass Water Distributor and Nut Lock Tap Connectors both designed to cope with high bar pressures. Divert irrigation pipe in three directions using Tees or around corners using Elbows. The pipeline also features a Nut Lock Joiner that has repaired some damaged pipe.

Installing more Nut Lock Valves offers you more control over an irrigation system. The water distributor can be used to zone off the pipe network with an additional Valve along the back wall that can be manually switched on and off to further break down the system into zones. Valves are also used to function as End plugs that can be switched on manually when you need to flush your irrigation system. Install valves if you are growing vegetables that may require uprooting later in the season as water to that row of pipeline can be easily switched off.

Frequently Asked Questions

soakerfaq

My Connector has a different size printed on the fitting – I have received the wrong product!

The external pipe diameter is printed on the barbed and nut lock connectors. This is because, the drip line, soaker hose and LDPE pipe these connectors are intended for use with are quoted as an internal diameter, we have translated this for you. Instead, you will see the barbed connectors listed on the website with their internal diameter. As connectors push inside the pipe, listing the connectors in this way allows for easy identification of the pipe you require. 

soakerfaq

My barbed connectors keep coming loose from my irrigation pipe!

Loose barbed fittings indicate either the incorrect sized connector has been purchased or the pressure running through your system is too high. Barbed fittings provide ideal connections for Micro Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems with working pressures up to 8 bar. Too much pressure will cause barbed connectors to dislocate from the pipe. Check that the pressure running through your system is regulated to the correct level using a Pressure Reducer regulated to the working pressure for emitters to function optimally.

Top Tip: Try a Ratchet Clamp to secure the pipe to the barbed fitting.

soakerfaq

Are barbed connectors compatible with garden hose pipes?

Garden hose pipe is flexible enough to navigate itself around corners or in different directions without barbed connectors. When used alongside barbed fittings, the soft PVC structure of a garden hose does not ensure a long-term or watertight solution as barbed fittings require a more rigid pipe structure to lock into such as Drip Line or LDPE. Read on to find out how to connect Drip Line, Soaker Hose or Irrigation Pipe to Garden Hose Pipe Correctly.

soakerfaq

How do I connect LDPE to a garden hose pipe?

There are multiple ways to connect LDPE to a garden hose pipe using barbed fittings. Connect a Barbed Director to a Quick Click Tap Connector by simply threading them together. Your LDPE pipe can be installed onto the barbed outlet of the director and the Hose Pipe can be connected to the quick click tap connector via a Hose End Connector.  

soakerfaq

What sized barbed connector does my irrigation supply pipe need?

LDPE Irrigation Pipe is compatible with connectors the same size as your pipe’s internal diameter however, for a more secure and watertight connection, use connectors 1mm larger than the internal diameter of your pipe.

Example

13mm Connectors - 13mm LDPE and 13mm Soaker Hose

14mm Connectors - 13/14mm LDPE and 13/14mm Drip Line

16mm Connectors - 16mm LDPE and 16mm Soaker Hose

18mm Connectors –  18mm LDPE and 18mm Drip Line

 

soakerfaq

What sized barbed connector does my soaker hose need?

The internal structure of a soaker hose has multiple porous layers with a hard sponge-like texture. A soaker hose works so effectively because of these layers so the pipe diameter may vary slightly compared with the smooth bore of LDPE or Drip Line. For this reason, a soaker hose is most compatible with connectors the same size as its internal bore.

Example

13mm Barbed Connectors are compatible with 13mm Soaker Hose

16mm Barbed Connectors are compatible with 16mm Probore Soaker Hose

soakerfaq

What sized barbed connector does my drip line need?

For enhanced water flow and minimal pipe friction, drip line has a narrow wall thickness to allow for optimal performance in longer run-lengths. For this reason, drip line requires either barbed connectors 1mm larger than the internal pipe bore or double barbed connectors to ensure a watertight connection and minimal pipe dislocation.

Example

Barbed Connectors compatible with Microbore Drip Line

Barbed/Nut Lock Connectors compatible with 13/14mm Drip Line

Barbed/Nut Lock Connectors compatible with 18mm Drip Line

soakerfaq

Can barbed fittings be used with MDPE or HDPE pipe?

No, barbed fittings should only be used to connect lengths of LDPE, Drip Line and Soaker Hose. The wall structure of Medium-Density and High-Density pipe require fittings that fit the external diameter and should be installed alongside Compression Fittings.

soakerfaq

How to branch off micro pipe and micro dripline from irrigation pipe?

Begin by piercing a 4mm hole into the wall of your LDPE Irrigation Pipe using a Hole Punch. One outlet of a 4mm Barbed joiner can be pushed into the hole created and the other protruding from outside the pipe offers the ideal connection for 4mm Drip Line or 4mm Micro Pipe.

Top Tip: Use 4mm Barbed Tees and Cross Connectors to branch off pipe in different directions and 4mm Valves to control water flow.

soakerfaq

How are barbed fittings measured?

Before measuring, neatly cut the end of the pipe using sharp Pipe Cutters ensuring there is no deformation or frays. Measure the internal diameter of the pipe (not including the pipe walls) and use a connector the same size as the pipe or 1mm larger. 

soakerfaq

Do barbed fittings need clamps?

A barbed connector will produce a watertight connection without the need for a pipe clamp however, naturally over time, harsh climates or temperatures will cause the pipe to change shape and the connector to dislocate from the pipe. It is often best practice to install a Ratchet Clamp around each connection outlet at the point of initial installation to prevent connectors from coming loose. 

soakerfaq

Can barbed fittings be buried underground?

Yes, barbed fittings and LDPE are ideal for sub-surface installation and capable of withstanding bar pressures required for a small domestic underground sprinkler irrigation system. Top Tip: Before burying the system underground, install a Ratchet Clamp to secure each outlet and check each connection is watertight.