Operation and Maintenance Manual

Irrigation Systems
Operation and Maintenance Manual
This Operators Manual has been developed to help you understand the components and
workings of a basic irrigation system, and to assist in servicing and troubleshooting any minor
issues should they occur.
1. Water Supply
a) Scheme water systems - Plumbers Retic Cut- In and Mains Isolation Valve
For scheme/mains fed systems, water will usually be sourced near the water meter at the front
of the property. Close to the water meter, a licensed plumber will cut in to the main water
supply to the house, and will install a dual check / non-return valve and an isolation valve ready
for the irrigation system.
In some cases, the cut-in and isolation cannot be located near the water meter, and may need
to be installed at an alternate location at the property (eg. copper feeding hose taps).
In either case, the cut-in isolation valve is the point where to shut off the mains water feed to
the irrigation system in case of emergencies.
b) Bore water systems
Most bore pumps are activated by a pump start relay which is generally located next to the
irrigation controller. The controller sends a 24VAC signal to the pump start which via the relay
sends 240VAC to the pump.
Pump start boxes generally have a reset button on the housing which may need to be used if
you are experiencing problems with starting your bore.
2. Master Solenoid Valve
The Master Solenoid Valve (located near the water meter) protects the garden and lawn
solenoid valves from being pressurised when the controller is off and avoids wasting water if
one of the zone solenoid valves fails to open.
3. Fertigation System (if installed)
The fertigation system injects fertiliser into your drip system directly. If installed, the operation of
this will be explained by your commissioning installer.
4. Filtration
Filters removed unwanted solids such as sand from entering the system. The filter elements
should be inspected and cleaned every three months. Simply take the element out, separate
the discs and/or wash the screen with a coarse bristled brush under the tap.
Tech Filters are chemical filters designed to deter roots from entering the drippers. If they have
been installed on your system, it is recommended that the filter element be replaced at least
every 2 years to maintain its protective properties.
5. Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV)
After the filter is the pressure regulating valve. This small black device ensures no more than
300kPa of pressure is downstream of this device, maintaining a constant pressure and
eliminating the chance of drip fitting blow outs due to high pressure.
Earth and Water Pty Ltd
Page 1 of 12
Irrigation Systems
6. Irrigation Controller
The controller automates irrigation events by turning on and off solenoid valves for particular
zones for a set time and on a set date as per the programme. Further information on controller
operation and programming can be found in the enclosed manual.
7. Station (Zone) Solenoid Valves
Station solenoid valves supply water to the various areas of your garden. All of the solenoid
valves, including the master valve, are wired up to your controller that, when automatically or
manually activated, will turn on one of the lawn or garden Solenoid Valves and the Master
Solenoid at the same time.
8. Mainline and Sub-Mains
From the solenoid valve generally low density poly pipe, known as the sub main, runs off the
solenoid valve to a garden bed or part of the lawn.
9. Vacuum Breakers / Air Valves
Located in the sub main is an air release valve, it is installed to prevent drippers sucking in dirt
when that zone is turned off. When the zone turns off, the water in the drip line seeps out, as
this volume of water lost it is replaced by air entering through the air release valve.
10. Dripline Laterals
From the sub main drip line laterals are fed in parallel lines covering either an area under the
lawn or under the mulch in the garden beds.
11. Collection / Flushing Manifold
At the end of the drip line laterals is the Collection or Flushing Manifold. The drip lines are
connected into this poly pipe for the purpose of flushing.
12. Manual Flushing Valves
A manual valve will be located in a round valve box with a green lid. The valve needs opening
while the system is operational once per month for around 1 minute to release any foreign
particles that might have entered the system. This flushing process ensures that the filter on
the back of the drippers does not get blocked.
Page 2 of 12
Irrigation Systems
Irrigation Scheduling
Calculating how long to run your system depends on a number of factors including:
The application rate of the sprinklers or drippers

The flow rate and spacing of the driplines and sprinklers
Seasonal and daily weather conditions
Landscape water demand (ie. veggies, natives, turf or or exotics)
Local watering restrictions
Application Rate
The application rate is a measure of the depth of water applied to an area over a given
time period. The standard unit of measurement is millimetres per hour (mm/hr).
Evapo-transpiration (ET) = Loss of moisture from the soil through the combined effects of
evaporation and plant transpiration. Usually measured in millimetres per day (mm/day).
In Perths summers, we lose an average of 8mm of water per day due to evapotranspiration. Whilst it would be nice to replace all the water lost through this process, we
have to help save water and only irrigate a supplementary amount in order to keep our
landscapes alive.
The amount of water we can responsibly use for residential landscapes is governed by the
Water Corporations Permanent Water Efficiency Measures which have been developed
in collaboration with the Department of Water and other government agencies.
Rostered Watering Days (Perth & Mandurah)

Last Digit of
House Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
Source: Water Corporation Website
Scheme and Bore Water Users

Wednesday and Saturday
Thursday and Sunday
Friday and Monday
Saturday and Tuesday
Sunday and Wednesday
Monday and Thursday
Tuesday and Friday
Wednesday and Saturday
Thursday and Sunday
Friday and Monday
Bore Owners
Additional Day
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Where a house number is not available, it defaults to your lot number.

You may only water once either before 9am or after 6pm.
Page 3 of 12
Irrigation Systems
The Standard Drink

The Standard Drink is currently set at 10mm or 10 Litres/m2 (ie. 1mm = 1L / 1m2)
o Scheme water users can apply 20mm / week to their gardens (ie. 2 Std. drinks)
o Bore water users can apply 30mm / week (3 Std. drinks)
Table 1: Calculations for Standard Drink Runtimes
Dripline
Type
Nominal
Flow Rate
@100 kPa
(L/hr)
Dripper
spacing
(m)
Row Spacing
(m)
Application
Rate (mm/hr)
Min. runtime to
apply standard
10mm drink
Toro DDC
6.0
0.2
0.3
66
9 minutes
Techline AS
3.0
0.3
0.3
33
18 minutes
Tiran
8.0
0.3
0.3
88
7 minutes
Uniram
3.5
0.3
0.3
38
16 minutes
MP Rotator
Sprinkler
Nozzles
Nominal
Flow Rate
@ 250 kPa
(L/hr)
Spacing (variable)
Head to head coverage
Radius of throw
(180 degree)
Application
Rate (mm/hr)
Min. runtime to
apply standard
10mm drink
MP1000
81
4.0m
10
1 hour
MP2000
160
5.5m
11
55 minutes
MP3000
393
8.5m
11
55 minutes
Example 1:
o Dripper Flow Rate: 3.5 L/hr
o Dripper spacing along dripline: 30cm (0.3 metres)
o Spacing between runs of dripline: 40cm (0.4 metres)
Application Rate (mm/hour) = Volume (L/hr) = 3.5 L/hr
= 29 mm/hr
2
Area (m )
0.3m x 0.4m
Example 2:
o Dripper Flow Rate: 4.0 L/hr
o Dripper spacing along dripline: 20cm (0.2 metres)
o Spacing between runs of dripline: 30cm (0.3 metres)
Application Rate (mm/hour) = Volume (L/hr) = 4.0 L/hr
= 66 mm/hr
2
Area (m )
0.2m x 0.3m
Irrigation Runtime (minutes) = Required depth (mm) x 60
Application Rate (mm/hr)
To apply a standard 10mm drink using Example 2: 10mm x 60 (mins) = 9 minutes
66mm/hr
Page 4 of 12
Irrigation Systems
System Maintenance
Filter Cleaning
The filter is located in a valve box in the ground.
Un-screw the top of this and pull out the filter
element.
IMPORTANT: Ensure system is not running
and/or pressurised before removing filter cap.
This shows the different parts of the filter.
Although this is a Tech filter it has the same parts
as a standard disc filter.
The filter on the left needs cleaning and the one
on the right is a clean element. Remember that a
tech filter element needs to be replaced every
year to prevent root intrusion.
Pull apart the discs of the filter.
Rinse under a tap to remove all the loose

particles until the filter is clean.
For systems with a bore running a large area

there will be a screen filter fitted to your system.
Open the red tap on the end of the filter

with the system running for 20 seconds
every month or when a loss of pressure is
noticed to flush out any dirt that might be
inside the filter.
Page 5 of 12
Irrigation Systems
Repairing Damaged Dripline

Pooling of water while the system is running can
indicate that a dripline has been cut or damaged
and needs repair
Expose the dripline to find the break in the

line.
Cut the dripline on the break. A pair of

scissors or sharp secateurs will cut this. If
the break is on a dripper then cut the
dripper out.
Insert a straight barbed joiner into one end

of the dripline.
Join the dripline together. If you have had

to take a dripper out then cut a new bit of
dripline in with a dripper using two joiners.
Make sure the joiner is fully pushed into

either end of the dripline.
Flush out any sand through the flush valve.
Page 6 of 12
Irrigation Systems
Manual Flushing Points

In each area you will have a ball valve (tap) in a
round green box as a flushing point.
Remove the box lid and with the system

running open the tap.
Let the water flush through for a minute

until the water runs clear before shutting
the tap then replace the valve box lid.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Monthly
Bi-Monthly
1. Manually Flush all 1.

Fertilise
collection manifolds
depending
on
landscape
2. Check and clean requirements
filters as required
(bore systems)
2. Visually inspect
vacuum breakers / air
valves are shutting /
opening
Quarterly
Annually
1. Adjust irrigation 1. Change batteries in

program
to
suit controller
seasonal
watering
requirements
2. Replace Tech Filter
(if installed)
2. Check and clean
filters as required 3. Acid rinse bore
(scheme systems)
systems
with
iron/calcium problems
Page 7 of 12
Irrigation Systems
Fertigation System / Venturi Operation
Mix up you soluble fertiliser in a 9 L bucket.

Put the end of the tube into the soluble
fertiliser mixture.
Open Valves A & B that branch off the

mainline to allow water to pass through the
venturi.
While a station is running, begin closing

the main tap until you can feel that suction
has been achieved through the end of the
hose. The more the main valve is throttled,
the greater the suction. Throttle to a point
where it takes approx. 10-15 minutes for
the fertiliser solution to be injected. This will
ensure that fertiliser reaches all parts of the
zone.
Run water through the station for another

5-10 minutes after fertilising to remove any
traces of fertiliser from the driplines.
Repeat this process for all stations being

fertilised.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When finished,

ensure that both branch valves are
returned to the closed position, and that
the main valve is returned to the fully open
position.
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS USE SOLUBLE

FERTILISER.
Page 8 of 12
Irrigation Systems
Fertiliser Recommendations for Residential Gardens

To best advise a home gardener on which fertiliser and how much is an easy question, but
provides for a wide ranging set of answers and suggestions.
The most accurate way is to have a chemical soil analysis done on a say two samples of soil,
one for the turf, the other for the garden. This information will provide accurate information as to
the balance and availability of nutrients in the soil at that time without any guessing. The
average cost per sample is $90.00. If someone can recommend what you require without such
an analysis it will only be a best guess and possibly only experience been the only supporting
suggestion.
The following is a general suggestion for some of the organic fertilisers and soil conditioners we
promote and sell. Always make sure you cross check any suggestions you are given and
ensure the mixtures will not clog the irrigation system, ensure the irrigation filter is in place,
make sure the dissolved or liquid fertiliser is free of solids or precipitate.
1. Use Soil Wetting Agents
Apply every two months for the first 4 months and then every 4 months thereafter. After two
years the non wetting sands will improve as the waxy layer surrounding the sand particles
are broken down by the soil wetter.
** Important Note: Use only liquid wetting agents for drip irrigated gardens and turf areas.
For best results, apply using a hand held spray dispenser rather than injecting through a
fertigation system (if installed). Liquid or granular agents can be used on turf areas irrigated
with sprinklers.
Application rate: As per manufacturers directions.
2. Improve Sandy Soils
Regularly add organic matter such as manures, composts, humates and worm castings
into the soil. Incorporating inorganic materials such as bentonite clay will also improve the
soils ability to retain moisture.
3. Soil Organisms - Feed them up
The soil micro-flora is the most beneficial aspect of a healthy soil. These organisms work on
the minerals and nutrients feeding them to the plants roots. The soil organisms also protect the
plants roots from infection and pathogenic attack.
In our depleted soils these organisms are in low concentrations. We suggest building up their
numbers to create a living soil.
4. Use a mix of Microbes Garden Microbes Powder
10gms of powder per 10m2 of garden
Or
Page 9 of 12
Irrigation Systems
Grow your own brew, and mix in say 50gms of microbe powder into a 5 litre bucket of water at
room temperature, leave the brew overnight and filter through some stockings/ tights to remove
the solids. Then irrigate this brew through the dispenser or fertiliser bottle system.
Apply 200mls liquid per 10m2 three times a year - Autumn, Spring and Summer.
5. Feed the Microbes Use Fish and Kelp Mixture Eco Vital
The fish and kelp will feed the soil organisms as well the above the microbes you have just
spread onto the garden.
Apply 20mls per 10m2 of garden through the dispenser or drip system. Beware it is sticky and
smelly. So do not inject too much at a time through the dripper system, slowly inject it. This is
also the best way to feed the plants, little and often.
Apply with the microbes at the same time, and even mixed together.
6. Feed the plants and Soil Organisms Liquid Worm Castings
A great feeder and stimulant for soil and plants. You might have your own worm farm, use the
liquid, filter the bits out first, then use it through the drip system or dispenser.
Apply as often and together with the Eco Vital and Microbes.
7. Major Nutrients NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium)
These are essential nutrients for all plants, in varying concentrations. It requires a soil
analysis to indicate the deficiencies and excesses, this information then needs to compared
to the plant types nutrient requirements in your garden.
8. Trace Elements This minor group also play a vital role in plant nutrition, but can only
be recommended once a soil analysis is carried out.
o Remember pre-mix the fertiliser mix with water to make sure it does not
make solids that might clog your drip or sprinkler system prior to use.
o You should use RPZ valves on scheme water systems
o
Fertilising your Garden How much fertiliser should I use? How should I mix it?
This is a good question, and one which is misleading because the fertiliser label only tells you
how much you need per square metre. Some instructions are misleading and advise you to
apply one watering can per 10m of garden.
The Procedure
Establish what nutrients your garden needs. Then you can decide on the type of
fertiliser your garden needs.
Ensure the fertiliser is liquid soluble if you are injecting it through the irrigation system
Page 10 of 12
Irrigation Systems
Ensure the fertiliser is low risk category if injecting through the fertigation system. The
irrigation system should have a back flow prevention device, check valve or dual acting
check valve to avoid possible contamination of the scheme water supply.
In most cases use only organic certified fertilisers / chemicals from your local Nursery.
Check the fertiliser is liquid soluble to avoid clogging drippers or sprinkler nozzles.
Calculations
How much fertiliser? The amount is according to the manufacturers label.
For example a great soil wetter called Eco Wet (Organic). The label suggests the
following information:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eco Wet - Application Rate
Soil Wetter
150ml
300ml
450ml
Area
50sqm
100sqm
150sqm
The label then suggests you hose it on using a dilution rate of 1: 50

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you are going to use your fertiliser injector then the calculations as follows:
Work out the area to be fertilised off that station, or all of the stations.
For example Station 1 Turfed area = 6 metres x 8.5 metres = 51 sqm
Looking at the label you require 150mls of Eco Wet.
Check how much fertiliser your injector will suck on station 1 ( the turfed area )
What is the venturi fertiliser suction rate?
To check the suction rate:
Fill a graduated container with water, or simply use an old 500mLwater bottle. Fill the
graduated container to a known level, say I litre (1,000mL)
Start the fertiliser injector sucking by opening the two fertiliser valves and throttling the
inline valve to make a change in pressure.
Measure the amount of water sucked out of the graduated container over 1 minute.
Note: Most small venturi injectors will suck from 20 litres / hour to a maximum 100 litres /hour.
After measuring you might find the venturi sucks 500mL over 1 minute.
You have already calculated you need 150mL of Eco Wet for the turf on station 1.
Page 11 of 12
Irrigation Systems
If you suck straight Eco Wet then you would only suck for about 20 seconds. This is too
short a time period and it would not allow the 150mL of fertiliser to be spread evenly
throughout the irrigation system for the turf on station 1.
Also, if the fertiliser concentration was too strong it might burn the plant roots.
The fertiliser should be injected over a minimum of 10 minutes.
Therefore 10 minutes x 500mL injection rate per minute = 5 litres
Dilute the 150mL of fertiliser into a 5 litre bucket of water.

This will ensure the fertiliser is not too concentrated and that it has time to reach all the
drippers or sprinklers and distribute uniformly throughout.
Inject the Fertiliser - Run Station 1 again sucking the fertiliser solution out of the bucket.
If the bucket empties and you are not present, no problem, this will not affect the venturi
or irrigation system.
Rinse - It is a good idea to run a bit of fresh water through the system after the
fertigation to rinse out the system to avoid any blockages or fertiliser just sitting in the
pipes.
Always make sure you use safe fertilisers, read the manufacturers instructions, use liquid
soluble fertilisers and be safe. Use non return valves on scheme water systems.
Page 12 of 12

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Irrigation Systems