Choosing a drip irrigation pump

Which pump is better for watering the garden - we determine the model

Getting lost in a huge number of different models is quite easy even for an experienced buyer. We offer to consider our TOP-5 pumps that will successfully cope with the irrigation of gardens, lawns and flower beds:

• The 5th place is occupied by the Unipump QB80 model - this inexpensive unit can be used for pumping water both from a tank and from wells. It has small dimensions and sufficiently high power, which allows the device to take a maximum of 2700 hp. liquids per hour. This unit works stably even at low temperatures, has a durable cast iron body and a protective coating;
• The fourth place in our rating is occupied by the Marina RSM 5/GA pumping station for watering the vegetable garden. This model is characterized by high productivity, which helps to irrigate even very large plots of vegetable gardens. The water passing through the pumping station has a primary level of purification, which allows it to be used for various domestic purposes;
• The third place is occupied by electric pumps for irrigation Bison ZNS-1100. They are easy to use and small in size. The device produces high pressure at a depth of up to 45 meters. It can be used when processing fields, next to which there are no streams and ponds, but there is a deep well;
• The second place is occupied by a pump with a compressor Caliber NBTs-900P. This is one of the most economical units currently on the market. This model is capable of pumping up to 3500 liters. water per hour of work;
• In the first place is a high-quality model with a Jumbo timer 70/50H. These water pumps for irrigation are in demand due to the high quality of parts and workmanship, excellent performance and low cost.

Overview of manufacturers of pumping equipment

High demand for pumping equipment for domestic use stimulates manufacturers. Today, foreign and domestic manufacturers offer a wide range of equipment in different price categories.

Imported global brands

Among foreign manufacturers that have proven themselves in the pumping equipment market, it is worth highlighting:

• HAMMER. German leader in the production of first-class pumping equipment. A wide range of models, unique technical solutions and the highest reliability - all this combines products manufactured under this brand.
• PATRIOT.One of the oldest American brands. The quality of products manufactured by this company has been tested by generations. Reliable and easy-to-use chainsaws are better known to the domestic buyer under this brand. But the pumping equipment is not inferior to them.
• "Salpeda". Recognized champion in the world market. The Italian company is famous for its good technical traditions. All equipment is manufactured using high-precision technology.
• QUATTRO ELEMENTI. Another well-known Italian brand representing high-quality equipment. The company, founded by like-minded engineers, focuses on the reliability and maintainability of its products.

Choosing products of well-known brands, even in the event of a breakdown, it will be much easier to find spare parts for them, and masters accept them more willingly for repairs.

Among the companies that are only increasing their potential so far, but have already earned a positive reputation among a wide range of consumers, it is also worth highlighting Makita and Gardena.

domestic brands

Popular brands of pumping equipment of a domestic manufacturer:

• "Vortex". Leading Russian manufacturer. The main advantage of the products is ease of use, quiet operation and minimal hydraulic losses during the pumping process.
• "Jileks". The Russian company produces reliable pumps that can be used both for pumping clean and slightly contaminated water for irrigation.
• "Gardener". Products manufactured under this brand successfully combine an affordable price with decent quality. Compact centrifugal units handle contaminated water with ease.

The price of centrifugal submersible pumps of these brands starts at 4 thousand rubles. Drainage units of medium power cost from 5 thousand and above.

Budget models of domestic production "Brook" and "Kid" are also widely popular. The price of products ranges from 1.5-2 thousand rubles.

But it is worth noting that they are very sensitive to voltage fluctuations in the mains. For work in our conditions, it is better to choose centrifugal models, for which no such sin has been noticed.

Selection Tips

Before ordering the entire arsenal of watering hoses and fittings, they draw a diagram of the future pipeline. It marks the places of water intake, the location of garden plants, the distances to them. The frequency of irrigation for each group of plantations is taken into account in order to determine the number of taps for separate shutdown of the corresponding line.

For irrigation, plastic tubes (PVC or HDPE) with a diameter of 16-32 mm and flexible hoses with a cross section of 16 mm are used. More durable - reinforced, like brake machine hoses. As a rule, fittings made of plastic are also used.

Experienced summer residents recommend immediately purchasing spare repair connectors, since drip tape or hoses are often damaged or cracked during the season. Damage must be repaired immediately, since a violation of the integrity of the outlet leads to a drop in pressure in the entire system and a cessation of water supply through droppers.

Do not do without air valves. They prevent liquid dirt from being sucked into the drip holes. They are installed at the end or highest points of the irrigation system.

On sale there is a wide variety of sets of irrigation systems that contain all the necessary components.

Defining parameters

As for productivity, we have already decided - it needs a small one - about 3-5 cubic meters per hour (this is 3000-5000 liters per hour), which is more than enough for watering the garden.

What will need to be considered is the pressure of the pump. This is the amount by which water can be pumped. The pressure usually consists of two components - vertical and horizontal. Vertical - this is the depth from which you have to raise water. Here, as it is, it is so - each meter of depth is equal to one meter of pressure. Only in the technical specifications for pumps is there such a line as “maximum suction depth”. So, it should be at least 20-25% more than the existing depth. You can take it back to back, but only branded equipment, since Chinese indicators are usually significantly overestimated.

Garden pump for watering BP 4 Garden Set

The horizontal component of the pump head is the distance that the raised water will have to be transported to the irrigation point (when calculating, take the farthest point). When using inch piping or hose, it is considered that 1 meter of lift is required for 10 meters of horizontal piping. As the diameter decreases, the figure becomes smaller - for example, 3/4 inch counts 7 meters of pipe / hose per 1 meter of lift.

You will also have to take into account the resistance of pipes (hoses). To do this, add about 20% to the calculated value.

Example of pressure calculation. The water mirror is located at a distance of 6 meters from the surface, we will pump from a depth of 8 m, it will be necessary to transfer from the intake point to 50 m. The pipe is an inch, therefore we consider the horizontal head to be 10 m.

So: total head 8 m + 50m/10 = 13 m.We add a margin for losses at the joints (20% of 13 m is 2.6 m), we get 15.6 m, after rounding - 16 m. When choosing a pump for irrigation, we look for its maximum head to be no less than this figure.

drip tapes

This irrigation system is well suited for a summer cottage or garden plot with gravity water supply. The drip tape is afraid of high pressure, so it cannot be used in a system with forced moisture supply. Also, pathogenic microflora develops faster in it. The tape becomes clogged and difficult to clean. It must not be cleaned with water or high pressure air.

Also, the drip tape is afraid of mechanical impact. Dismantling and transferring the tape significantly reduces the life of this product. With proper use and selection of medium water hardness, drip tape can last several seasons. The biggest advantage of this system is its cost.

Description of pumps

So, there are several types of water pumps, which are classified based on water extraction method: a well, a well, a barrel or an open reservoir. Based on the above, there are two main types of water pumps: submersible and surface. Accordingly, surface devices will be chosen by those summer residents who extract water from the bottom of a well or well. Also, if the site is located near a river or pond. Such a pump is designed for pumping water from a depth of up to 10 meters.

Submersible water pumps are not as often used on the farm as surface ones. But if it happened and the water level in the well or well is below 10 meters, then this is the only correct option. Submersible pumps are designed to a depth of 40-80 meters.Not often summer residents choose this type of water supply because of the complex installation system.

For those who do not like to water the garden or garden for a long time, there is an automatic or drip water pump. Such systems are equipped with a winding timer, which allows the owner of the summer cottage to stay away from him. You can build something like this yourself.

When choosing the type of device for your summer cottage, consider the quality of the water you will work with and the place where the water station is located. Small debris can ruin a device that is not designed to pump water, such as from a swamp. Often, springs require drainage filtration due to the low quality of the water.

Having considered the different types of water pumps, let's talk about the two main ones - surface and submersible.

Video “Selection, piping and installation of the pump in the well”

Practical recommendations for self-selection, piping and installation of centrifugal and screw submersible pumps in the well. How to install a pump in a well yourself.

Surface

This type of water pump is usually located on the surface of the earth, the water is supplied from a water intake hose. Hoses, in turn, pump water from a well or well. A metal pipe is attached to the other side. With such a water supply system, it is better not to use a hose made of rubber. Since rarefied air is formed in the hose, due to which the walls are compressed and the normal flow of water is disturbed. A big advantage of this system is the ease of installation. The unit must be placed on a flat, dry surface and then the hose must be connected. Another advantage is the powerful water supply, from one source you can water a large part of the garden.Their plus is that this type of system is self-made, you can not resort to the help of professionals. Surface pumps are also used for drip irrigation.

Submersible

Submersible devices are used if the water level in the source is below 10 meters. Such a machine is lowered below the water level of a well or river, and water enters the land through a conventional hose. Models of submersible pumps can push water up to 40 meters, and more complex ones up to 80.

Installation of such a system is not self-made and without the help of professionals it will be difficult to cope. Also, as with dismantling, you will need the help of a specialist. During the winter, the system must be removed if it is not to be used. There are two types of submersible water devices: vibration and centrifugal. The first is more accessible, but will not work in dirty water bodies (swamps). Centrifugal, on the other hand, carries out the flow of water thanks to the blades and wheels. Due to the strength of the action, dirty water is not a hindrance. Accordingly, the price of such a pump will be several times higher.

Types of hoses for drip irrigation

Consider the main types of hoses for drip irrigation currently used. Often, especially in homemade systems, traditional rubber or PVC hoses are used to deliver water to plants, without any special devices. During installation, holes are drilled in them into which droppers are inserted. To the latter, in turn, attach thin tubes with a diameter of 3-5 mm and special racks stuck into the ground at each individual plant. Through these racks, moisture is transferred through individual drops. With the help of splitters, one dripper can supply 2-4 plants in nearby beds.Due to the fact that such hoses for drip irrigation are made in a handicraft way, their reliability and quality often leave much to be desired.

Accessories for drip irrigation

Prices for PVC hoses

pvc hose

The labyrinth drip tape was one of the first hoses designed specifically for the task of delivering water droplets to plant root systems. An external labyrinth channel is mounted along the wall of this tape, connected to the hose itself by small holes.

Diagram of a labyrinth drip tape

When water is supplied, the channel takes it, drives it through the labyrinth, slowing it down, and gives it to the soil through the outer holes. Today, such a hose for drip irrigation is outdated, and its only advantage is its cheapness. The disadvantages of the labyrinth drip tape include low reliability and durability, the tendency of the channel to clog and installation problems: it is not so easy to position the outer labyrinth correctly, but it is easy to damage it in the process.

Labyrinth Drip Tape

If the labyrinth channel on the outside creates too many problems, then why not try to hide it inside, in the hose itself? Those who created the slotted drip tape were guided by just such considerations. In this embodiment, the labyrinth channel is laid under the outer sheath along the entire length of the hose. Watering occurs through thin slotted water outlets, cut at a certain interval. Thanks to such design features, this drip irrigation hose is more reliable and durable than its labyrinth “brother”, and the likelihood of damage during installation is much lower. But the problem with clogging of cracks is still relevant.

Slotted Dripline Device
It's the same, but already in action.

The most perfect and reliable among drip tapes is emitter. It decided to abandon the location of the labyrinth channel along the entire length of the hose. Instead, under the outer shell of the tape with a certain interval (from 10 to 40 cm) are droppers of a special design, called emitters. They are flat, have a very complex and tortuous shape of the drainage system, in which turbulent flows are created that ensure self-cleaning of the dropper. Emitter tapes are reliable and less demanding on the quality of water filtration (although this does not mean that a drip irrigation system can be used for a very long time without any cleaning device).

Emitter drip tape
Flat emitter droppers

In addition to tapes, there are other types of hoses for drip irrigation. One of them appeared relatively recently and is presented by manufacturers of goods for summer cottages as a simple and convenient solution to the issue of irrigation. This is a oozing drip hose, also sometimes called a "weeping" hose. It is a flexible tube made of polyvinyl chloride, over the entire surface of which there is a huge number of micropores, which is why the oozing hose resembles a sponge in some ways. When water is supplied, drops pass through these pores and flow down from the surface to the ground, to the root system of plants.

oozing hose for drip irrigation

Such a hose is very convenient for drip irrigation without installing a complex and expensive system - just connect it to the water supply through a fitting, spread it along the garden bed or flower bed and turn the valve valve on the pipe.

seeping hose

Separately, it is worth mentioning about the sprinkler hose.This is a flexible tube made of rubber or other elastic material, provided with holes along the entire length on both sides (without any labyrinths). Water under pressure breaks out through them in the form of jets consisting of very small droplets. The advantage of such an irrigation system in the area covered is that with one hose-sprinkler you can “cover” several beds at once. At the same time, moisture enters not only the soil at the root system of plants, but also the entire area of ​​​​the garden and the surface of the leaves, so many do not consider this method of supplying crops, flowers and grass with water as “real” drip irrigation.

Sprinkler hose

Requirements

When choosing a pump for irrigation, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of the operation of these devices. It is still significantly different from the usual working conditions that are used for water supply at home.

Performance

You can water the garden with any type of unit, but there is one caveat: the power must be selected so that when using nozzles (irrigation gun, sprinkler, etc.) the hose does not break off. And not the most pleasant moment is that with simple root watering, less productivity is required - a strong jet will simply wash the soil. When using sprinklers or irrigation guns, the pressure must be greater - in order to capture a larger area.

The only acceptable way out is to put a tee at the output of a pump of decent power. Connect a hose for irrigation to one outlet, and a hose through the valve to the second outlet, which will divert part of the water back to the source. With this connection, by adjusting the amount of water returned by the valve, it will be possible to change the irrigation pressure, and in a wide range.

Surface pumps for watering the garden in plastic cases are garden models that were developed just for this purpose.

Such a system is very useful when watering from barrels. When using even conventional drains, barrels are pumped out very quickly. This water return trick allows you to stretch the flow and water a large area.

If you are looking for a pump for watering a garden with low productivity, you will find that it is difficult to find units of good brands with low power. If they are, then at a high price. But there are a lot of cheap Chinese low-capacity pumps, which are also designed for pumping dirty water. This is just the option that is needed for watering from a barrel, pond or river. True, their percentage of marriage is high - 20-30%.

There are two solutions in this case - buy a cheap pump, if necessary, buy a new one. The second way out is to reduce the productivity of a normal unit. This can be done by installing a smaller diameter hose at the outlet. But this is bad for the pump - it will work, but the wear rate will increase significantly. To improve working conditions, you can lead to the irrigation point with a regular-sized hose, and only then install an adapter. This is not something that will drastically improve the situation, but the water consumption will be less, and the pressure will be strong - you can use sprinklers and other nozzles.

Overheating and dry running protection

Since the pump for watering the garden has been operating for a long time, and often not in the best mode for it, it is quite possible that the motor will overheat. Therefore, it is very desirable to have protection against overheating (thermal relay). A very useful option - when the threshold temperature is reached, the power supply is simply turned off.

This float cuts off power to the pump when water becomes low.

Any source of water can be scarce. Even from a well or a well, it can be pumped out. If the pump runs for some time without water, it will burn out - the water also serves to cool the housing. Therefore, they put protection against dry running. The most popular, simple, reliable and cheap way is a float. This is a water level sensor, which, if there is not enough water, simply breaks the power circuit. There are pumps for watering the garden that immediately come with such a device, and if not, you can install it yourself - by connecting the wires from the sensor to the break in one of the supply wires.

What to look for when buying a drainage pump

For stable and high-quality operation of the pump, when buying it, it is important to consider the following points:

properties of the pumped liquid.

Before buying a pump, it is important to decide what exactly it will pump out. It can be clean, little, moderately polluted or dirty water, waste and sewer water, fecal matter.

The characteristics of the pump indicate what size impurities it can pass

In addition, attention should be paid to the temperature and pH of the pumped water.

depth of immersion (or suction).

This parameter shows the maximum depth to which the pump (or hose on surface models) can be lowered. If you do not take this indicator into account and lower it deeper, then it may simply not cope with the task.

case material.

The body can be made of plastic, stainless steel and cast iron. The plastic case is more prone to mechanical damage, but such models are cheaper. The steel and cast iron body is strong and durable, but these models will cost more.

the presence of circuit breakers.

Circuit breakers are necessary to protect against dry running of the motor, as well as from its overheating. Most pumps are equipped with an automatic float switch that turns off the unit when the water level drops, and turns it on when it rises, thereby protecting it from dry running. In addition, more powerful devices are equipped with protection against overheating of the electric motor in the form of a thermal relay.

pump performance (capacity).

It depends on this indicator how quickly it can drain a reservoir (basement, pool), or how many water intake points (faucet in the kitchen, in the bathroom, watering) can provide an acceptable pressure.

pushing ability.

It should not be confused with maximum pressure. The maximum head is the height of the water column to which the pump can deliver water. Those. the water will rise to the maximum height, but the pressure will be zero. Thus, the pressure capacity of the pump and, in general, its performance is affected by the diameter and length of the hose, the height of the water rise, and the voltage in the mains. For example, with a hose diameter of 25 mm, the performance is almost two times lower than with a diameter of 32 mm.

If all of the above factors are not taken into account, then the minimum performance of a serviceable pump can be obtained at the output, which is not a reason for claims against the manufacturer.

Consider which drainage pumps, according to users, can be called the best.

Classification and types

Drip tapes and tubes have a different structure:

1. The tapes have thin walls (up to 0.4 mm) and are easily flattened.
2. Pipes are more rigid, their walls are 0.4 to 1.5 mm thick.Their diameter ranges from 16 to 32 mm.

Therefore, hard-type connectors are suitable for highways - with a ribbed surface, for drip tapes - of the usual type.

According to the general functional purpose, fittings for watering systems are divided into:

• Starting cranes.
• Fittings for connecting and creating branches.
• For droppers.
• Control valves.
• Fittings for fertilization.
• Simple additional mounting fittings.

Selection Tips

Before ordering the entire arsenal of watering hoses and fittings, they draw a diagram of the future pipeline. It marks the places of water intake, the location of garden plants, the distances to them. The frequency of irrigation for each group of plantations is taken into account in order to determine the number of taps for separate shutdown of the corresponding line.

For irrigation, plastic tubes (PVC or HDPE) with a diameter of 16-32 mm and flexible hoses with a cross section of 16 mm are used. More durable - reinforced, like brake machine hoses. As a rule, fittings made of plastic are also used.

Experienced summer residents recommend immediately purchasing spare repair connectors, since drip tape or hoses are often damaged or cracked during the season. Damage must be repaired immediately, since a violation of the integrity of the outlet leads to a drop in pressure in the entire system and a cessation of water supply through droppers.

Do not do without air valves. They prevent liquid dirt from being sucked into the drip holes. They are installed at the end or highest points of the irrigation system.

On sale there is a wide variety of sets of irrigation systems that contain all the necessary components.

Parameters for selection of technical characteristics of the pump

In addition to the type of pump, it is necessary to take into account its technical capabilities: power, performance, etc. To do this, you will have to analyze the following parameters in advance:

1. How many meters from the source of water intake to the extreme point of your garden.
2. How many meters is the height difference from the place where the pump will be installed to the extreme point of the garden.
3. How often do you plan to water your garden beds?
4. What area do you have horticultural crops that need constant watering.
5. What type of irrigation will you choose (under the root, sprinkling, drip, etc.).

Now let's take a closer look at the most important points.

Performance calculation

If we take average indicators, then approximately calculate the characteristics of the pump as follows:

According to SNiP standards for irrigation of 1 sq.m. beds or flower beds take 3-6 liters of water per day (depending on the climate and soil conditions). So, if your garden area is 200 sq.m., you will need 200 X 6 \u003d 1200 liters. water per day. Accordingly, the pump must be able to pump such a volume of liquid in an hour, because no one wants to spend more time watering. You will find the performance of a particular model in the instructions or on the label on the device itself. It is denoted by the letter Q and in our case should be close to the numbers 1.5-2 cubic meters. in hour.

How to calculate the recommended pressure?

The second indicator is the height to which the unit can raise water from a river, well, well, etc. (i.e. pressure). The higher it is (in meters), the greater the distance can be between the pump and the water intake point.For example, if the maximum height of the model is declared as 40 meters, then your well or river cannot be more than 400 meters from the extreme point of irrigation of the site, since 1 vertical meter corresponds to 10 meters horizontally for hoses with a size of 1 inch.

The greater the distance or height from the water intake point to the beds, the weaker the pump performance, as the water head loss increases

Now we will carry out calculations on a specific example, so that you understand what numbers you need to accurately calculate on the site before you go to the store for the pump. These calculations are suitable for any type of pump designed for pumping water from reservoirs, wells, wells.

For example, you plan to water the area with water from a well located 30 meters from the extreme point of the garden. You will lower the pump to a depth of 6 meters.

1. We calculate the length of the pipeline: 30 + 6 = 36 m.
2. We make a allowance for pressure losses inside the pipeline and at joints, bends, etc. As a rule, it is 20% (0.2) of the total length of the hose or pipe. So, 36 X 0.2 = about 7 meters.
3. We add this figure to the height to which the water column must rise, in this case 6 m of depth, we get - 13 m.
4. In order for the pump to work without overloads, and the outlet pressure to remain within the normal range, they add another 10 m. In total, 13 + 10 = 23 m. This will be the pressure recommended for these conditions of use, which in the instructions is referred to as H (height, pressure) . Thus, in this situation, pumps with H from 25 to 30 m can be selected.

The power of the motor will depend on the type of irrigation.For drip irrigation, low-power systems are used, and if sprinkling is used, then, on the contrary, systems are needed that can withstand high pressure.