Drip Irrigation: Filter? Valve?

711 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by atticwalker, Jun 24, 2020

atticwalker

Discussion Starter · Jun 23, 2020

Hi all,

This post is not related to my back lawn other post; I am working on two completely different yard projects at the same time.

Main question: I have a simple drip irrigation system to water a row of pampass grass bushes (general view in pix "MostGeneralView.jpg"). Do I need any kind of "filter" or "Backflow" valve at either junction where the regular hose connects to either 1) the timer, or 2) the drip irrigation hose? I illustrate my question in pix "Timer.jpg" and "Connection.jpg"

I am confused on whether "backflow" can reenter my house water pipes and do damage. I am going off hearsay, and apologize if this worry sounds weird, but I want to make sure. Is this even worth worrying about for such a simple drip irrigation system?

My impression is that I do not need filter and backflow valves, since my drip irrigation system is so basic. I have not yet put fertilizer into the bushes since I planted them and they don't seem to need it for now. Nor are there any chemicals that either me or my neighbor use. If I am wrong, however, let me know, and I will obtain whatever part the replies recommend. All the videos I saw on drip irrigation seemed to suggest "filter" and "backflow".

See less See more

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

jmon

· #2 · Jun 23, 2020

Imo, Yes, it's a good idea to put a vacuum breaker/backflow preventer on any outside hose bib. One right on the main hose bib is all you need.

I understand your set-up nothing really warrants one, but if the situation should ever arise you would be covered. About 5 bucks at any big box store. Again this is just my opinion and suggestion only others may disagree.

Save

Reactions: 1

atticwalker

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 23, 2020

For five bucks, that will be well worth it. Like you said, if it prevents that one incident, then the backflow breaker would be worth it. Can you put a link or attach an image to what kind of backflow breaker would work for me? Nothing spectacular, just enough to get the job done. That way, when I buy it, I will get the correct part.

Save

Reactions: 1

HotRodx10

· #4 · Jun 23, 2020

Just a simple hose bibb vaccuum breaker will do.

Unless you have steel piping that's flaking rust, you shouldn't need a filter. Are you catching alot of chunks in your faucet aerators in the house? If not, the filter is probably unecessary.

Save

Reactions: 1

atticwalker

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 24, 2020

I checked a couple of the aerators in the faucets. Nothing noticeable. No pipes with flaky steel rust. Water in the house looks fine.

I have been doing drip irrigation with the pix I uploaded, through a much more crude system (that I am replacing with a better system based on help from other people). I haven't noticed anything different about the house water since I started dry irrigation over the last few months. Probably I don't need the filter/valves but am just making sure since these parts were given so much attention in the videos I saw.

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Drip Irrigation: Filter? Valve?

atticwalker

Attachments

jmon

atticwalker

HotRodx10

atticwalker

Top Contributors this Month