By Mazero Agrifood
/ November 24, 2023
/ Blog, Drip irrigation
/ Tags: Angle valves, Anti-siphon valves, Bubblers, Drip irrigation components, Drip irrigation systems, emitters, how to prevent pressure leaks, pressure compensating emitters, Pressure requirements, types of emitters, types of valves, valves

Irrigation Valves, Emitters, Solenoids: All You Should Know

Drip irrigation is one of the most effective irrigation methods that you can use and ensure optimal plant growth with maximum water conservation.

If you are planning to customize your drip irrigation system to fit into your landscape, you need to take into consideration factors like;

Pressure requirements
Irrigation duration
Distance
Watering frequency

This calls for you to rethink your irrigation components such as solenoids, valves, and bubblers.

Bubblers are components that deliver controlled amounts of water directly to the plants roots.

Valves regulate the water flow and section off your irrigation system, making it easier to customize your irrigation system to fit into specific zones.

Solenoids attach to valves to regulate water flow. This is a high tech version of valves that are opened and closed manually.

What are Bubblers?

Bubblers are small irrigation heads that emit water to the root systems like natural raindrops. They provide a more precise watering by targeting the required area directly at ground level. It can be considered to be an efficient way that does not overspray the leaves, like it’s in the case of overhead and sprinklers.

What are Valves

If you don’t have a controller in your system, it’s time to think about using valves. However, they may not be necessary when hose bib is the main water source.

Before using valves, you should install a filter to minimize the risk of clogging.

For areas without electricity, you can use automatic distribution valves which are powered by water flow. But, if you plan to automate your irrigation system, you can use AC and DC valves that are controlled by a timer.

There are different valves that you can use in your irrigation system to optimize the water flow, such as;

Angle valves. They allow for pressure moderation when the pressure drops inside they valve. These are the ideal valves if you are experiencing pressure regulations in your irrigation system.
Anti-siphon valves incorporate a backflow preventer. They should be installed installed above ground and are an excellent option if you are using it as a fertigation system.
Globe valves, although they require a backflow preventer. They do not prevent backflow.

Preventing leaks

There are different options to prevent leaks from your valves in your irrigation system.

One option is pipe dope, which is a thread pipe sealant made with rubber, elastomers, and plastics.
You can also use thread sealant tape. This tape fills the empty space in pipe connections.

Pressure Compensating vs. Non-Pressure Compensating Emitters

Pressure compensating emitter delivers the same amount of water regardless of pressure changes in your system or terrain.

Non-Pressure compensating emitters are unable to compensate for changes in pressure and maintain a uniform rate. They do not emit the same amount of water to each plant.

If you are irrigating elevated gardens or using a large irrigation system with long runs, consider using pressure-compensating emitters.

From start to finish, Mazero will handle everything for you

Are you looking for a supplier for irrigation components? At Mazero, quality is in our DNA. We offer high-quality valves, emitters, and drip irrigation systems to help you scale up your irrigation efforts.

In addition, we have a team of experts to help you install drip irrigation systems in the right way and provide all tools to give you the best water flow.