A drip water system, also known as a drip irrigation system, is an effective way to save both money and time while maintaining your lawn or garden. It’s a low-pressure and low-volume watering system which delivers water through either a drip, spray, or stream.
A drip water system uses less water than other types of irrigation techniques, and it takes a lot less maintenance. Even better, the system is easily hidden under mulch so it looks great in your yard or garden. Is this system right for your home? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is a Drip Irrigation System?
First, let’s make sure you understand how this drip system works and why it’s different from other irrigation options. In most parts of the country, you need to take a hands-on approach to keep your yard watered throughout the year, especially in the summer months.
A traditional sprinkler system will get the job done, but it will also eat up a good deal more water. If you live in a water-conscious area, a drip irrigation system will do the same job with less water.
A drip irrigation system uses micro irrigation tubing that has plastic nubs, known as emitters. These emitters drip water out at a regulated pace that you’re able to control. The emitters don’t clog, and the tubing itself snakes around your plants and trees to make sure everything is watered directly at the root. There are different types of accessories that can be used for different types of plants to help your garden thrive.
What Gardens Are Best for Drip Water Systems?
Now that you know why drip irrigation is a great way to effectively water your yard or garden without wasting resources, let’s discuss which gardens are the best fit for this system. While many yards can benefit from a drip water system, it might not be worth installing in your home depending on the design of your yard.
Here’s when you should consider a drip water system:
- You have a smaller yard or only wish to water individual plans
- You live in a water-conscious area or are experiencing a drought
- Your yard uses a lot of mulch which is better at soaking the soil
- You’re prepared to install a custom system
If you have a larger area to cover, it might be more effective to opt for the traditional sprinkler system. Drip irrigation might be possible for a smaller, garden area, but it’s impractical for a large, expansive yard.
Installing a drip water system is also a bit more complicated than hand watering or using a sprinkler. You’ll need to customize the tubing to specifically water your unique plants depending on the layout of your garden. This could be tricky if you’re not familiar with irrigation methods.
Deciding to Install a Drip Irrigation System
With 40 out of 50 state water managers expecting water shortages in the next few years, we all need to be more serious without water consumption. At the end of the day, installing a drip water system for your garden is an effective way to create a healthier garden without sacrificing the environment.
While it might not be the best fit for every home, it’s a great option for smaller gardens and those who want to go the extra mile for water conservation. Once installed, drip irrigation systems are easy to control and maintain, plus they do wonders for your garden.