Do-it-yourself water supply and irrigation system in the country from plastic pipes - photo and step-by-step instructions
In a situation where the summer cottage serves as a place of rest, it is impossible to do without organizing a reliable source of water supply. If it is planned to grow crops in the country, regular water supply should be taken care of first.
The well can feed the water supply in the countryBased on specific conditions, the source of water can be called:
- well or well - require a submersible or other pump;
- water supply network - you need to cut the pipe of the irrigation and water supply system of the house into the central water supply;
- natural or artificial open water - requires a pump and filter according to the situation;
- autonomous capacity as a drive for a working, but not in a constant mode, water supply.
The volume of the tank is sufficient, but an additional pump is required
Possible options for arranging water supply
As a source of water on the site, it is possible to use a central water supply system or a pump. In this case, an uninterrupted supply of fluid will be provided by a storage tank or a hydraulic accumulator. In a situation with a tank, a moisture reserve is stored equal to the volume of the container, which can be of any size. It is located at a height, due to which a slight pressure is created in the water supply.
Using a hydraulic accumulator is more convenient because it maintains a stable high pressure in the water supply. By adding a pressure switch and a suitable pump to the accumulator, you can get an automatic pumping station. Hydraulic accumulator - a container in the form of a cylinder, divided into two volumes by a rubber membrane. In one half there is air under a pressure of about 2 atmospheres, in the other part water is supplied. The hydraulic accumulator has a limited volume, and this is a serious drawback.
When the tap is opened, water leaves the accumulator, which reduces the pressure in the system, the value of which is controlled by the relay. When the lower threshold is reached, the pump automatically starts, which pumps water until the upper pressure level is reached.
Hydraulic accumulators come in different sizes
Types of water pipes
The market offers a wide range of pipes, mounting elements and valves for self-organization of the water supply system on the site. Its construction is a responsible event, the success of which is determined by the optimality of the selected elements.
One of the important tasks is the selection of suitable water pipes. A worthy alternative to steel plumbing are plastic pipes. Plastic is not subject to corrosion, works well at low temperatures, and retains its functions for a long time. There are several types of plastic pipes, so you can choose the appropriate option based on the specific situation.
Pipes made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are distinguished by a low price. They are joined by cold welding. As a result of welding, the connection can withstand pressure up to 15 atmospheres, and the water supply system has been serving for more than 50 years. The temperature regime of its operation is from -15 ºС to +45 ºС (maximum +65 ºС). The susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation is average, in the cold the pipeline becomes brittle.
PVC pipes are suitable for plumbing
Advantages of PVC pipes:
- ease of installation;
- do not support combustion;
- smooth surface;
- resistance to oxidation;
- possibility of bending.
Among the negative qualities of PVC plumbing, there is a loss of strength due to scratches. Polyvinyl chloride pipes do not allow threaded connections. It is undesirable to use them for an open plumbing system. Plumbing should be placed in a trench or sewer.
Polypropylene pipes (PPR) are often used for plumbing in the country. Note that PPR pipes for cold water are marked with a blue stripe, for hot - red. The elements of the water supply system are connected by means of special soldering irons that heat up the plastic at the ends of the pipes to be welded, which are quickly fastened and solidified upon contact.
Polypropylene pipes in summer plumbing
Polypropylene pipes do not bend, and additional corners and fittings are used when collecting water pipes. The result is a high reliability of the system, but with a large number of fittings, the cost of the entire plumbing increases.
LDPE pipes
Pipes made of low-pressure polyethylene (HDPE) are connected without glue and additional devices. Threaded HDPE plumbing fittings are easily twisted by hand. Other advantages of such products include:
- operation in the mode up to -60 ºС is possible;
- resistance to chemical attack, decay;
- assembly by welding or using threaded fittings is possible;
- service over 50 years;
- use for summer and winter plumbing;
- smooth inner surface, which eliminates pressure losses in the water supply and deposits on the walls;
- when water freezes in pipes, they increase their size, and when thawed, they return to their original state without destruction.
An insignificant drawback of such pipes for country water supply is the impossibility of operation at a high temperature of the liquid. A more tangible inconvenience is that it is impossible to step on such a water supply system, unlike metal structures.
HDPE pipe as a line for drip irrigation
We have already noted that HDPE pipes can be welded or joined using threaded fittings. Note that the threaded connection can withstand water pressure up to 4 atmospheres, which is more than enough in summer cottage conditions.
When selecting HDPE pipes, you should purchase options with blue stripes (for transferring cold water). The version with yellow lines cannot be used in the garden, as they are designed for gas environments and contain toxic additives.
Based on the working pressure, HDPE pipes are divided into several categories:
- light - hold up to 2.5 atmospheres;
- medium-light - up to 4 atmospheres;
- medium - up to 8 atmospheres.
Street water supply at the site is assembled from light and medium-light pipes (denoted C and SL, respectively) with a diameter of 32 to 50 mm. You need to decide what density of pipes you need, it comes in three options: 63, 80, 100 (the numbers indicate the density). The greater the density, the greater the cost of products.
Sometimes, despite the higher price, a high-density option should be chosen for a summer residence: the walls of such pipes are thinner, which ultimately reduces the weight of the structure. This can be a decisive factor when water is extracted from a well or well. The light weight makes it easy to fix the pipes.
Assembling the plumbing system
Before you start installing the plumbing in the country with your own hands, it is important to determine which side of the garden the wiring will go to and draw a diagram of the location of the plastic pipeline. It is necessary to provide for water supply to the country house, as well as to key areas of the site where regular watering is provided. A plan on a scale will allow you to determine the location of the water points, the length of the irrigation system and the number of fittings.
Several points of water intake should be provided so as not to carry heavy hoses and ensure simultaneous watering in different places. It is necessary to provide a crane at the entrance to the house and in front of the main branch.
A drain cock is also required at the lowest point of the system. It will allow you to remove water from pipes in winter, to prevent it from freezing. If the plumbing is installed from HDPE, a drain valve is not required. It should be taken into account that the number of possible cycles of freezing and thawing water in the system is not infinite, and even a polyethylene pipe may eventually collapse.
The irrigation scheme will help calculate the amount of materials
The procedure for preparing for the collection of the plumbing system is as follows:
- drawing up a layout of pipes;
- calculation of the length of the system and the number of fittings;
- decision on the operating mode: winter or summer;
- preparation of ditches;
- purchase of irrigation system components from the selected material.
The winter and summer mode of using the water supply system differ in the depth of laying polyethylene pipes. In the case when the cottage is visited all year round, it is advisable to choose an insulated water supply or lay a standard one, below the freezing zone. When installing watering pipes in the country, it is more profitable to use the summer type of water supply. If you have a greenhouse, you can not do without a winter styling option. The insulated pipeline that goes to the greenhouse should be laid in deep ditches or pipe heating should be provided.
The issue of conducting water with our own hands to the house in the country is considered by us in a special article. Experts recommend using welded polypropylene pipes for this purpose, which are resistant to temperature fluctuations and depressurization. The place of their laying is chosen taking into account the location of the rooms and ease of installation. Filters are required. The expansion tank will serve as a good addition.
Diagram of a water supply system with drip irrigation
The type of filters for a garden house is selected based on the composition of the water being taken. When there is a lot of iron in it, a system of two filters is used. One of them is ion-exchange, removing iron. The other is carbon, for proper mechanical cleaning. Before using water for domestic purposes, it is important to take a sample for analysis. If the results are unsatisfactory, they put an additional filter and be sure to boil the water before use.
Autonomous water supply at their summer cottage with their own hands
An irrigation system with an automatic pump cannot work without electricity. The supply of electricity to rural areas can be intermittent, so you should think about a reserve stock so as not to be left without water in the absence of electricity. A tank or other container can be installed in an attic or a special area and water can be pumped into it from a well or reservoir.
Rainwater can also be stored in the tank, but in this case, a filtration system should be provided. First, the water must undergo a rough cleaning, and then several stages of fine purification. A coarse filter and a non-return valve should also be installed at the inlet of the suction pipe coming from the pump. The filter will prevent damage to equipment sensitive to dirty water. The valve will insure against the reverse discharge of water after the pump is turned off.
An autonomous tank in the country contributes to high-quality watering of plants. In the warm season, its contents warm up quickly. Plants that are watered with warm water grow faster and give a rich harvest. If it is necessary to create drip irrigation, a single line should be assembled. Tees should be placed on the central pipe and drip irrigation tapes should be connected.