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 |  | Low: DIY Kits Run $15-$90 |  | Medium: DIY Custom Sets Run $40-$100+ |  | High: Hiring a Professional Runs $1,000-$3,000, Designed and Installed |
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Also referred to as trickle irrigation or micro irrigation, drip irrigation targets specific flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees without watering any of the surrounding area. A drip system applies water slowly and directly to the root zone through a plastic tube and/or PVC pipe. While an automatic sprinkler system is commonly used for watering a lawn, drip irrigation is efficient and effective at watering selected plants where they need it the most.
Typical costs: | - Pre-packaged drip irrigation kits start around $15-$90 for a basic setup for a small area (approximately 100-250 square feet) and can run $100-$500 for a higher-quality, more complex kit that will water a larger area.
- Buying the individual parts to design and install your own do-it-yourself custom irrigation system to water backyard landscaping and/or vegetable/flower beds can cost anywhere from $40-$100 in materials per 100 square feet, depending on how many watering lines are needed and how complex you make your system, according to ThisOldHouse.com[1] . That works out to $200-$500 for materials for a 20x25-foot area (500 square feet).
- Hiring a professional to design and install a drip irrigation system for your landscaping and garden beds can run $1,000-$3,000 or more for a typical home, depending on location and the complexity of the drip system.
Related articles: Sprinkler System, Lawn Aeration, Landscape Design, Sod, Soil
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What should be included: | - Because drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly, almost no water is lost to evaporation. While lawn sprinkler systems are 50-70 percent efficient, drip irrigation is more than 90 percent efficient. Drip irrigation works well for perennial borders, shade gardens, hedges and vegetable gardens.
- A typical home drip irrigation system includes a water valve, a backflow preventer (to avoid contaminating the main water supply), a pressure regulator, a filter, a tubing adapter, drip tubing, emitters (which slowly release water from the drip tubing) and end caps. The system may also include a timer, so the watering is turned on and off automatically. IrrigationTutorials.com provides an overview[2] of a basic drip irrigation system, as well as explaining the basic parts[3] of a system.
- Installing your own drip system can be time-consuming, but does not require a lot of skill. Lowe's provides video instructions[4] for installing a basic drip system.
- Check with your local planning department for any related regulations; many areas require the use of a backflow preventer to avoid contaminating the main water system.
Shopping for drip irrigation: | - Manufacturers of drip irrigation kits/parts include Mister Landscaper[5] and Rain Bird[6] . Pre-packaged drip irrigation systems or the parts to design your own custom system are available through Amazon[7] and other online sources; or at home improvement centers.
- Search for local companies through the Irrigation Association[8] or check with a state or regional organization[9] of the American Nursery & Landscape Association.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Tygr1971 in San Diego, CA. | Posted: August 22nd, 2016 06:08AM |
| Contractor: | Sq Foot of Yard: 250 at most |
Had existing spray head system converted to drip irrigation. Most heads were capped off and drip lines ran from remaining pre-existing heads. Existing underground lines, electrical and timer were kept. One section of underground line (less than 5') had to be replaced. In addition, weed barrier and one cubic yard of mulch was applied to small section of yard. Entire project took 2 people approximately 8 hours at $70/hr. labor. Hauling and dump fees were included in final price. |
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| Posted by: Sprinkler wise in Anahiem hill, CA. | Posted: May 4th, 2014 05:05PM |
| Contractor: Pro lawn care | Sq Foot of Yard: 200 |
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External Resources: | - www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,1088902,00.html
- www.irrigationtutorials.com/dripguide.htm
- www.irrigationtutorials.com/drip-parts.htm
- www.lowes.com/cd_Lowes+Video+Center_94400869_
- secured.misterlandscaper.com/default.aspx
- www.rainbird.com/homeowner/referral/referral.htm
- www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_ol/104-2476296-2649550?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-key...
- www.irrigation.org/Membership/Find_a_Member_Company.aspx
- www.anla.org/index.cfm?area=&page=Content&categoryID=35
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