{"id":156,"date":"2022-07-27T13:34:57","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T17:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/plumbing3b\/chapter\/types-of-irrigation-systems\/"},"modified":"2022-09-07T13:01:22","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T17:01:22","slug":"types-of-irrigation-systems","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/plumbing3b\/chapter\/types-of-irrigation-systems\/","title":{"raw":"Learning Task 1","rendered":"Learning Task 1"},"content":{"raw":"

Types of Irrigation Systems<\/h1>\r\nAn irrigation system is simply one that supplies water to plants of different varieties. They can be broadly classed as being agricultural (crops such as hay, alfalfa, etc.), commercial (large-scale building sites, golf courses) or residential (single family dwellings, duplexes and small townhouses). This guide will focus on a single-family house in its descriptions, but it should be noted that the design considerations covered can be applied to installations of any size.\r\n\r\nThere are two different styles of irrigation systems, which are traditional sprinkler-based systems and drip irrigation systems. They are often used together to ensure that the watering needs of all plants are met.\r\n\r\nTraditional sprinkler-based systems are well suited for large areas of grass and plants that have similar watering needs. They water uniformly by broadcasting water in well-defined patterns which are often 1.5m (5\u2032) or more in diameter.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_155\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"624\"]\"\" Figure 1 Traditional Sprinkler System[\/caption]\r\n\r\nDrip irrigation complements traditional systems by targeting smaller, more specific areas such as planters on patios, hanging baskets and such. They use very little water and, in doing so, are effective in discouraging weed growth.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_155\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"624\"]\"\" Figure 2 Drip irrigation[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBecause drip systems are quite simple and easy to install, with little piping or trades knowledge required, we will leave their considerations alone and will instead concentrate on traditional sprinkler-based systems. Within that context, we will describe the steps involved in the installation of an irrigation system in a logical sequence that will span from the investigation and planning process through installation, testing and commissioning. The steps in this procedure should be taken in this order to reduce the chances of overlooking important factors in the process.\r\n\r\nThe steps are:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. Obtaining site information<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Determining the irrigation requirement<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. Determining water and power supply<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. Selecting and locating sprinklers<\/li>\r\n \t
  5. Layout of zone valves and main lines<\/li>\r\n \t
  6. Sizing pipe and valves and calculating total system pressure loss<\/li>\r\n \t
  7. Locating controllers and sizing wire<\/li>\r\n \t
  8. Installing the system<\/li>\r\n \t
  9. Flushing, testing and commissioning<\/li>\r\n \t
  10. Routine maintenance and troubleshooting<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    Step 1: Site Information<\/h1>\r\nBefore embarking on any installation, contact the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for information regarding any permits and other requirements such as backflow prevention. It is also imperative that you recognize the need to \u201ccall before you dig\u201d. In British Columbia, a service known as \u201cBC 1 Call\u201d is available that will gather and relay to interested parties the information that is archived with utility providers. It will show the approximate location and depth of known underground services such as hydro, water, telephone, gas and sewer. This information usually takes a couple of business days to reach the inquirer so be sure to make the request well in advance of the intended work.\r\n\r\nThis is the logical point where a sketch of the site should be created. For newer buildings there may already be one that could be utilized; if not, it should be drawn as accurately as possible, and to scale. This will assist in the selection and placement of the types of sprinklers to be used as well as the number and location of zones and zone valves. The use of graph paper is the best choice for the sketch. Each square of graph paper should represent one square foot of property if possible. Alternatively, choose a scale such as 1 inch = 10 feet, or 1 inch = 20 feet. Try to use a scale that will represent the proposed site with as much detail as possible. Remember to:\r\n