Low water pressure in your irrigation system? This can lead to irregular spray patterns, dry spots in your garden, and inefficient water distribution. Fortunately, the causes are often easy to identify and fix.
Common Causes:
- Design Errors: Incorrect pipe diameters or excessively long pipes.
- Physical Damage: Cracked pipes, leaks, or worn-out components.
- Blockages: Dirt in sprinkler heads or filters.
- Elevation Differences: Every meter of elevation difference reduces the pressure by 0.1 bar.
- Peak Load: Too much simultaneous water usage.
Quick Solutions:
- Check and repair leaks.
- Clean sprinkler heads and replace filters.
- Install a booster pump or divide the system into zones.
With a simple check and maintenance, you can restore the water pressure and have your system working optimally again. Read on for a detailed approach and handy tips.
5 Main Causes of Pressure Loss
Design Errors
A poorly designed irrigation system can lead to pressure loss. Especially the diameter and length of the pipes play a major role in this.
Minimum filtration requirements for different irrigation products:
| Irrigation Product | Minimum Filtration Requirement |
|---|---|
| Rotors and Sprinklers | 80 Mesh |
| Drip Systems and Spray Heads | 120 Mesh |
| Drip Tape | 155 Mesh |
Additionally, physical damage can further reduce the efficiency of the system.
Physical Damage
Common damages that cause pressure loss include:
- Cracked or burst pipes
- Damaged sprinkler heads
- Leaking connections
- Worn gaskets
Blockages
Proper maintenance prevents problems. Ensure you:
- Regularly check and clean sprinkler heads
- Replace filters in time
- Install flush valves to make maintenance easier
Besides dirt accumulation, elevation differences can also greatly impact the pressure.
Elevation Differences
"Every meter of elevation that needs to be overcome causes a decrease in water pressure by 0.1 bar." – Aquacombi.nl
Consider the following guidelines:
- Ideal water pressure: between 2.76 and 4.1 bar
- Minimum water pressure: 1.5 bar for household appliances
- Water supply via main meter: approximately 2.5 bar
Peak Load
The pressure decreases by about 0.3 bar per 30 meters of pipe length. To maintain stable water pressure during peak hours, you can:
- Install a hydro pump (booster)
- Divide the system into zones
- Spread the watering times throughout the day
Detecting Pressure Problems
After discussing possible causes, it’s time to check if there are any pressure problems.
System Check
Start with a visual inspection of the system. Pay attention to:
- White or wet spots indicating leaks.
- Damaged sprinkler heads.
- Moist connection points.
- Uneven water distribution.
Measuring Water Pressure
To measure the pressure, you can use the following method:
The Bucket Test
- Remove the faucet connection.
- Place a 10-liter bucket under the faucet.
- Turn the faucet fully open and measure the time it takes to fill the bucket (ideally less than 30 seconds).
- Calculate the capacity with this formula:
10 / (time in seconds) × 3600 = L/h.
If the bucket test results are inconclusive, you can use a professional pressure gauge. These are available starting at €49.82.
| Pressure Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Water Pressure in the Netherlands | 2.0 bar |
| Minimum Water Line Pressure | 1.5 bar |
If you still can’t determine the problem after these measurements, it may be wise to seek professional assistance.
When to Call a Professional?
Consider calling a professional in the following cases:
- You can’t determine the cause of the pressure loss.
- The problem persists despite your own checks.
- You suspect leaks that you cannot locate yourself.
Resolving Water Pressure Loss
After detecting pressure problems, this chapter offers practical solutions to address water pressure loss. This approach directly corresponds to the previously identified causes, allowing you to take targeted action.
Adjustments to System Layout
A 25 mm pipe has a pressure loss of 0.03 bar per 10 meters at a flow rate of 37.8 L/min. To optimize this:
- Use SDR pipes after the valves.
- Limit the number of connections.
- Place valves underground in valve boxes.
- Create a loop connection in the main line for even pressure distribution.
Performing Repairs
Regularly check and maintain the following components:
| Component | Checkpoints | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Leaks, cracks | Replace |
| Valves | Wear, blockages | Clean/replace |
| Sprinklers | Blockages, breakage | Clean/replace |
| Pipes | Cracks, kinks | Repair/replace |
Clearing Blockages
Follow these steps to effectively treat blockages:
- Biological Deposits: Use a 50 ppm chlorine solution, let it sit for 24 hours, and then flush thoroughly.
- Mineral Deposits: Inject water with a pH of 5, let it sit for 24 hours, and flush through.
- Biofilm and Deposits: Use an enzymatic cleaner such as Bioflo for a thorough cleaning.
Pressure Regulation Equipment
Install pressure regulators suitable for the maximum inlet pressure and the required flow rate. For large pressure fluctuations, you can place two regulators in series with a short distance between them.
Smart Management
Digitalization can help monitor and maintain a stable system:
- Install pH sensors.
- Use a calcium hypochlorite injection system to maintain a stable ORP value of 300–500 mV.
- Ensure a constant 2 ppm free chlorine at the sprinklers.
- Digitally monitor the system for precise control.
By following these guidelines and performing regular maintenance, you can effectively prevent and resolve water pressure problems.
Regular Maintenance
Monthly Checks
A monthly maintenance program is important to keep the water pressure optimal. Check the following components:
| Component | Checkpoint | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinklers | Blockages and lime deposits | Monthly |
| Filters | Dirt accumulation and flow | Monthly |
| Connections | Leaks and corrosion | Monthly |
| Valves | Functionality and wear | Quarterly |
Keep a digital log of all inspections and repairs. This makes it easier to identify recurring problems and plan preventive maintenance. After these monthly checks, it's smart to prepare the system for seasonal changes.
Preparation for Weather Conditions
It is important to adjust the system for the seasons:
Winterizing:
- Drain the system before frost begins.
- Use the blowout method (max. 50 psi) to remove excess water.
- Ensure all shut-off and check valves are fully open.
Spring Check:
- Inspect pipes for frost damage.
- Thoroughly clean all sprinklers.
- Test the system pressure to see if everything is functioning properly.
From practical experience, pressure-regulated sprinkler heads significantly reduce water consumption.
System Updates
In addition to regular checks and seasonal preparations, it is wise to replace outdated components in a timely manner. Pay attention to:
- The water pressure at various outlet points.
- Sudden pressure drops in specific zones.
- Sediment accumulation in the water heater.
- Lime scale on aerators.
By immediately replacing worn components, you prevent larger problems and keep the water pressure stable.
Next Steps
Quick Problem Guide
Use this handy table to quickly identify and resolve common problems with your irrigation system:
| Problem | Check | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low pressure in the entire system | Measure the pressure at the outdoor faucet (normally 40-60 PSI) | Check the pressure-reducing valve |
| Sudden pressure drop | Inspect visible pipes for leaks | Repair damage or leaks |
| Uneven pressure | Test the pressure at different points in the system | Check and clean the sprinkler heads |
| Reduced pressure with elevation changes | Measure the pressure at different heights | Consider installing a booster pump |
Maintenance Scheduling
A good maintenance plan ensures a smoothly operating system. Follow these three phases:
Regular Checks:
- Weekly visual inspection of pipes and sprinklers.
- Monthly measurement of water pressure.
- Periodic seasonal checks.
Seasonal Considerations:
- Spring: Check the system after winter and repair any damage.
- Summer: Adjust watering times based on weather conditions.
- Autumn: Prepare the system for frost to prevent damage.
With this approach, your irrigation system remains reliable and efficient.
Action Plan
-
Measure
- Check the pressure at the outside faucet. Is it lower than 40 PSI? Professional help may be needed.
- Utilize Bricknest's digital platform for a comprehensive system analysis.
-
Install
- Consider installing an automatic irrigation system with sensors.
- Set up the system for remote monitoring and automatic adjustments based on weather conditions.
-
Professional Support
- Sign a maintenance contract to ensure regular checks and quick solutions.
"A fully automated custom irrigation system guarantees the optimal growth and bloom of your plants." - Virtoria
With these steps, you ensure your irrigation system always performs optimally.
