I've got a few 55-gallon rain barrels collecting rainwater and I'm looking to set up a drip irrigation system instead of constantly filling watering cans. I know the pressure from these barrels is about 1-2 psi when on flat ground. Has anyone had experience or can recommend a simple and effective irrigation line to use for this setup?
3 Answers
One idea I've tried is to install a check valve from a bike tire tube in the cap of the rain barrel. This allows you to use a tire pump to add a bit of pressure, which helps push the water up a small hill. Currently, I’m planning to put a barrel at the top of a 10-foot hill to create a gravity-fed system. I’ll need a transfer pump to get water from the barrel at my home to the high spot, possibly powered by solar panels.
I set up a simple system using 3/4” drip hose along with a no-pressure hose timer. It worked pretty well, just keep in mind that it releases water a bit slowly.