SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Okay here's the story.

We uses to have a sprinkler system but after years of disuse it is now shot.

So I am going to make a new one now.

However we currently have all the PVC pipe we need in the form of 3/4" PVC schedule 40.

Now what I want to do is to set up a sprinlker system that is set just a couple inches bellow the soil level.

I plan to rototill the garden every spring.

I also plan to change my garden's design in the years to come, and maybe expand it.



So here is my question.

Is there anything I can do with the 3/4" PVC schedule 40 pipe that I already have that would enable me to disassemble at the end of the year and reassemble in spring, possibly into a different configuration?

Is that even doable?



Yes I know it will be alot of work disassembling and reassembing the system every year, but it will be worth it.





Or



What kind of pipes/fittings can you suggest that I can do that with.

I wasn't planning on using sprinklers actually.

What I am planning on doing is something along the lines of a drip irrigation system, but more like the aqua globe concept. It is kinda crazy and off the wall so bare with me.

I plan on using a couple 5 gallon jugs hooked up to the tubing to take it straight to what ever plants I'm planting that year. This year it's mostly going to be popcorn, which won't require as many holes as say tomatoes would. What I want to do is tailor my layout to what I'm doing that year. So I need something that is easy to change out, like from holes every couple inches for someting like carrots to one every foot for the popcorn I'm planting this year. The tubing is to deliver the water straight to the roots so it's going to be just barely under the surface of the dirt and some mulch to prevent the water from evaporating away.

It's kinda hard to explain what I'm doing, but hopefully you get the concept.

Okay, your saying to use poly tubing in the garden. However, my concern is it the connectors. I need use connectors that once I'm done with that section of tubing I can take that tubing off and replace the afformentioned section with a section of tubing that has less or maybe more emission points. Without harming the fittings of the tubing

To clarify I guess I should say my question is if regular poly insert fitting like this would allow me to easily change out a section of my system? And would poly tubing and insert fittings would stand up to being changed out so frequently(maybe 3 to 4 times a year)?

Do you understand what I'm saying? I know I am all over the place. If I'm not being clear just ask me to clarify.

Thank you.

Thank-you so much for sendig me to Lowes HooKooDooKu.

I went to Lowes today to check out those parts in person and from what I could see those fittings deffinitely are not ment to be changed out frequently and would tear up the poly tubing too much under repeated assembly and disassembly.

I stood there for about a half hour going through the price points in my head and looking at other fittings. Trying to decide if I should scrap my original system idea for a regular drip system or if I could some how salvage my vision.

I finnally settled back by the drip irrigation supplies, which was coincidentally right next to the PVC fittings. I was thinking about buying some PVC threaded fittings and adapters, but I realized that would put me up at the sameprice I would be for buying a whole new system.

So I continued to stand there and let my mind work through the problem.

While I was there I realized something PVC glue/cement is commonly used to hold PVC pipes and fittings together, duh I knew that. So I thought what would happen if I didn't use any glue. I asked a Lowes associate what was the worse that could happen. He said that it might blow appart depending on the pressure that it is put under. I explained to him that I was not going to be putting the pipes or the fittings through any significant pressure, just gravity, and explained a little bit about my project. He said the most I would have to worry about then was some water starting to slowly seep out.

I was so happy I very nearly skipped to the check out.

So for my purpose, for my little veggie garden, I think the best solution for me right now is to simply not use PVC glue/cement to bond the fitting to the pipes.

I am so excited to get started!

I already have my pipes, my fittings, my air valves, my jugs, my tools, and I don't have to give up my vision.

I just need to find the right drill bit.

Thanks again for all your help.