FAQ

How to Contact Us:                           

Mail:   3744 Highway 58,   Buffalo Jct,   VA 24529

• We are located in southside Virginia.  We are 30 miles W of South Hill, VA.  30 Miles N of Oxford, NC and 55 miles E of Danville, VA.
• Phone  434 374 5555
• Fax     434 374 0131
• Email

F. A. Q.

1.      How long and how often will I need to run the system?

It takes about 1.50 hours per day to equal 1” of water per week with the standard flow drip tape.  We recommend that you water you garden every day for the same amount of time to keep your plants happy and never let them dry out and cause plant stress. 

2.      How do I know which Drip Tape to order?

The drip tape is available in 8, 10 and 15 mil thicknesses.  8 mil is typically used once and thrown away.  10 mil is better for rocky soil or over wintering a crop such as strawberries.  15 mil tape is commonly used by those that want to get the tape up and use it multiple years or on crops that aren’t replace each year.

3.      What spacing is right for me?

The standard drip tape is a 12” spacing, which works well for most vegetable gardens.  If you have very high plant densities such as carrots, corns or flowers, choose an 8” spacing. 

4.      What Flow is right for me?          How many Feet can I water with my Garden Hose ?

Standard flow rate is 4.5 gallons per minute per 1000’ linear foot.  If you have  a very low water supply in gallons per minute you can order tape that is only 2.2 gallons per minute per 1000’.   We have many flow rates available to meet you needs. 

The Flow of your drip tape is the 3rd set of numbers in the Model #.  This number is stated in GPM per every 100' of tape that you run.

EXAMPLE:  EA5081245-7500   This standard tape puts out .45 gpm for every 100 feet that you run.   OR  4.5 gpm for every 1,000' of tape that you run.

TRY IT :     --- I have 12 gpm of water coming out of your garden hose at the field/plot.   Therefore, I can run 2,666 feet of drip tape at one time.  (MATH: 12 divided by .45= 26.666   x 100 feet = 2,666 feet)

TRY IT #2: --- I have 14 gpm of water  "   "    " ...    Therefore, I can run 3,111 feet of drip tape at one time.

5.      How do I figure my GPM?

The best way is to go the spigot/hydrant you will be watering from with a 5 gallon bucket.  Turn the spigot on all the way and see how long it takes to fill the bucket.  For example if it takes 30 seconds to fill the bucket you have 10 gallons per minute.

6.     Which Poly Tubing Mainline should I use?      

Under 5 GPM	1/2"
5-8 GPM	3/4"
8-12 GPM	1"

7.      What if my rows are longer than 100 Feet?

Row lengths up to 500’ are typically no problem for most drip tapes.

8.      Do I bury my Drip Tape or will it get clogged up?

You can bury the tape without any problems.  You just need to be sure that the side with the openings faces up.  You will have less trouble with your tape if its buried since rodents like to chew on the tape to get water.

9.      How many lines of Drip Tape do I put on one row?

Generally you put one line of tape per row of crop.  Some rows that are 30” or wider may require two lines of tape depending on plant density. 

10.     Can I run Fertilizer through my Drip Tape?

You can run fertilizer through the drip tape we recommend that you flush the system after running fertilizer until fresh water is all the way through the system. 

11.   How long will the Drip Tape last?

8-mil drip tape is used once and discarded.  10-mil tape is generally used for rocky soil or overwintering crops.  15-mil tape is usually good for 3-5 years as long as the filter and regulator are working properly. 

12.   What is the maximum pressure on drip tape?

Standard drip tape has a maximum pressure of 12 psi.   We usually recommend a 10 or 12 PSI Pressure Regulator.      Sprinklers can take much more!

13.  What are the filtration requirements for drip tape?

We recommend that you have a  filter of 140 mesh.     ** Don't forget to check your Filters!   Screens and Discs must be manually cleaned.  Sand Filters must be Backflushed!

The higher a Mesh Number, the smaller the openings.  Large Mesh Numbers = Fine Filtration.    Micron is a term of measurement referring to the max size of a particle that will pass through a Filter Screen.  

14.   Can I punch more holes into the Drip Tape?

                NO!   This will not work.   Each slit in your drip tape is made with special Emitters.  They will emit the correct amount of water for each row.   IF you cut another hole, then the water will spew out and your plants will NOT receive consistent watering.

15.  What if pests are chewing on my drip tape?  

                 Covering it with dirt usually helps this problem.   You can bury the tape.  Usually one inch of soil over the tape will deter most pests. They are in search of water.    Couplers (CPT-06-LS will repair the tape.)

16.    Can I use a Water Tank to Gravity Feed my Crop ?    

           YES!   Your Tank must be at a minimum of 4 Feet ABOVE the CROP.   (Measuring from the bottom of the tank.)

How many feet can you water this way ?   That depends on the size of your tank, length of your rows, flow of your Drip Tape...   REFER TO #4

           We recommend a Low Flow Drip Tape (12"  3.4  for example)  (This can be requested in your Garden Kit as well.)

17.  Growing in a High Tunnel or Greenhouse?  Tomatoes in Bags?   VA Farm Bureau taped a great video about how to do this well.  https://youtu.be/-hlXhtGks80

 

18.  Can I use Well Pipe or High Density Pipe as my mainline?

Low Density Poly Tubing is what you want to use for your irrigation system.   This type of tubing is made for drip irrigation purposes.  It is almost impossible to punch a barb fitting into a high density poly pipe.  

We stock all premium grade polytehylene resins made for drip irrigation.   Low density poly pipe is soft and pliable which makes it easier to work with and roll out.  It will also accept all the Drip Fittings and connectors.  You cannot use a standard drip punch and barbed fitting with high density pipe/well pipe.

 

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NEED PERSONAL ASSISTANCE?

1.      I am confused as to what type of system I need.      Can I send you a drawing?

Yes, you can send us a drawing to help design your system.  Email, Fax or by mail. (see below)    -- Please note we have more time in the late summer thru December to help you with designs. Please plan ahead and contact us then if possible.

2.      Does my Drawing need to be detailed?

We need to know distances, number of rows, as well as any elevation changes that may exist.

3.      What other information should I send with the Drawing?

If you know your gallons per minute that will be helpful.  Be sure to let us know what the water source is and if you plan any expansion. 

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MAINTENANCE &  WINTER PREPARATION

Most systems are pretty maintenance free.  All of the main & submain lines (oval hose, layflat, blue-stripe) can be driven across as long as you are careful not to hit any connections and fittings that you may have installed inline.  You will need to keep any filters, pumps, fertilizer injectors and timers from freezing by storing them in a warm place or to thoroughly drain all water from them.   

FREEZING TEMPS:  DRAIN THEM & TAKE YOUR TIMERS, FILTERS & FERTILIZER INJECTORS INDOORS IN THE WINTER TIME!

SAND FILTERS?  PUMPS?   You need to winterize these items!

Colorful, Detailed Instructions come with each of our Kits, Pieces of Equipment, Injector Systems, Filters, etc.    If you are missing these, please call or email us immediately.

Sand filters, in conjunction with drip irrigation, allow the farmer to provide his crop with regular waterings which are proven to have higher yields than crops depending on rain. This is also a fairly inexpensive way to irrigate.   The sand should be changed every 2-3 years depending on how dirty your water is and how frequent you use the system.