|
|
|
Tomatoes 2008
|
Inspect and clean your filters in the spring and fall, and more often if necessary~ If your filter appears clogged, gently remove the screen from the casing and scrub it with a soft bristled tooth brush to remove sediment. If it's damaged, replace it. Occasionally run your system to visually check the emitters. If an emitter is clogged, clean or replace it. Continue to observe plants for signs of stress, and adjust the system when necessary. Even with filters, debris can accumulate in the system. Several times each season, remove the endcaps on each zone and activate the valve for about 15 seconds to flush out debris. GLOSSARY 1/2 or 3/4 inch tubing A low volume distribution component typically used to bring water from a riser into a hydrozone. Self piercing emitters punch directly into this tubing. 1/4 inch tubing A low volume distribution component typically used to bring water directly to the plants (in runs no longer than 5 feet). Also known as "spaghetti" tubing. Backflow preventer A device that stops water in the irrigation system from backing up into the water supply during a sudden loss of pressure. Required by code in one form or another, Low volume irrigation these devices protect public health and safety by pre A type of watering system (drip, bubblers, microspray, venting water system contamination and pollution. soaker hose) in which a precise amount of water is applied directly to the rootzones of plants. GPM An abbreviation for Gallons Per Minute, a measure of the flow of water through an irrigation system. GPM is typically used to measure flow in conventional irrigation systems. Hydrant See "Multi outlet emission device." Hydrozone A group of plants with similar water requirements served by one irrigation valve. Clock See "Controller." Controller/Tirner/Clock A device used to program days of the week, times of day and number of minutes, to automatically irrigate your landscape according to seasonal weather and plant needs. Controllers communicate with your valves via field wiring. Drip emitter A low volume emission device that delivers water at low flow rates. Drip emitters are used to apply water directly to an individual plant rootzone. Filter A device used to screen dirt and debris from the water. Filters are important in low volume systems because the small emitters can easily become clogged. Flow The amount of water, usually measured in gallons per minute or gallons per hour, that can pass through an irrigation system. GPD An abbreviation for Gallons Per Day as required by landscape plants, and used to formulate irrigation schedules. GPH An abbreviation for Gallons Per Hour, a measure of the flow of water through an irrigation system. GPH is typically used to measure flow in low volume irrigation systems. Mainline Pressurized pipe that runs from the water source to the valve manifold, generally under continuous pressure. Manifold A constructed base of PVC pipe consisting of "tees" spaced at specific intervals onto which individual valves are attached. Microclimate Areas on a property that have slightly different exposures to sun, wind, heat, humidity and precipitation. Multi outlet emission device A low volume emission device that contains several drip emitters connected to 1/4 inch distribution tubing. The tubing is then run to several different plants. Poly pipe Polyethylene is black flexible pipe popular in Xeriscape applications. Poly fittings don't require glue. Pressure regulator A device that reduces the water pressure in low volume control zones to a level the system can handle, usually between 15 and 60 pounds per square inch (PSI). PVC pipe Is white in color, is commonly used for irrigation mainlines and valve manifolds, and is more rigid than the black or brown poly pipe. Runtime The number of minutes a zone on your irrigation system should run each time you water. Runtimes should be adjusted each month, as well as any time there is significant rainfall. Schedule A program or series of programs assigned to the controller that determines the frequency and duration of landscape watering. Schedules should be regularly adjusted according to weather at least monthly. Soil types Types of soil determined by their composition. Soil is made up of sand, silt and clay particles, the percentage of each determines the soil type. Soil type will affect your irrigation design and watering schedule. Station Location on the controller that operates an electric valve. (i.e. station #1 = valve #1, station # 2 = valve #2) Timer See "Controller." Valve A device that opens and closes to allow pressurized water to flow through pipes. Valve box An underground enclosure that protects the electrical components of valves from moisture and other damage, and provides accessibility for adjustments and repairs. Water meter A measuring device installed and owned by the City that records the amount of water delivered to the property. |