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How to install irrigation sprayers and drippers

A drip irrigation system is watering a garden bed filled with green plants.

Overview

A well-designed irrigation system makes it easy to keep your garden healthy and thriving. Whether you need broad coverage for garden beds or targeted watering for individual plants, installing sprayers and drippers is a great way to ensure even and efficient watering. Follow these steps to set up an irrigation system that suits your garden’s needs.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Lay poly pipe to attach sprayers

Measure and cut the poly pipe and pin it to the ground. Sprayers are good in hot houses and vegetable patches. They're not so good in shrubbery. There are many different types of sprayers. Some will have flexi tube and a riser already attached. For other types you will have to attach these yourself.

2Attach a sprinkler with flexi tube and adapter

First we demonstrate how to attach a sprinkler with a flexi tube and a 4ml adapter already attached. Use a hole punch to punch a hole in the poly pipe and push the 4ml adapter into the pipe. Put the stake of the sprinkler into the ground where you would like the sprayer to spray.

3Attach a sprinkler without a stake

To install a sprinkler that's not on a stake, you will need to attach it to a metal riser to install it. In this demonstration the sprinkler is attached to a 4ml adapter. Connect the adapter to the pipe in the same way as in Step 2.  Place the metal riser in the correct position for the sprayer

4Attach the flexi tube and adapters to the sprinkler

Installing your own flexi tube gives you more flexibility on how far you want your sprayer to be from your plants. First snap the 4ml adapter off the sprinkler. Cut the flexi tube to length. Attach one end to the sprinkler and the other end into the 4ml adapter. Pre-punch a hole into your pipe and attach adapter to the pipeline. Put sprayer in place.

5Roll out poly pipe for drip system

Use a drip line system when installing individual dippers. First roll out poly pipe and measure and cut. It is easier to roll the pipe out on the lawn where easier to work with. Lay the pipe in the garden and pin it in place.

6Punch holes

Use your hole puncher to individually punch a hole behind each plant. Make sure the hole is on the side of the tube facing toward the plant.

7Cut flexi tube to size

Cut the flexi tube to size. Measure each piece to the right length by holding one end to the pipe and the other to the plant. Cut a piece of flexi tube for each hole that you've made in the pipe.

8Attach adapters and drippers to the flexi tube

Attach double end adapters by placing one end into the flex tube and other into the pipe. Then attach the dippers on the other end of the flexi tube. Make sure the holes in the pipe are coming out the side. Place the dripper next to the base of the plant.

9Now that you’ve installed irrigation sprayers and drippers…

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.