Orbit DripMaster Installation Manual

Fr e e

Fr e e

Installation Guide

The best way to water plants, trees,

shrubs, hanging baskets, and gardens

UP TO 70%

WATER SAVINGS

2010

2010

Drip M a s t e r

Orbit® DripMaster® | Installation Guide

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Orbit® DripMaster® | Installation Guide

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DripMaster

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A Drip-Irrigation system is a watering system designed to

apply water to designated areas, such as gardens, flower

beds, container plants, trees, and ground cover.

Why Install A
Drip-Irrigation System?

n

Saves Water—Water is delivered directly to the roots

n

Saves Money—Up to a 70% reduction in water waste,

resulting in lower water bills

n

Saves Time—Replaces hand watering

n

Healthier Plants—Plants flourish when receiving the precise

amount of water

n

Less Yard Maintenance—Delivers water to the plants,

not to weeds

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Drip-Irrigation?

Section 1

Before You Begin ......................................................Page 4

Section 2

Water Sources ................................................................Page 5

Section 3

Connecting to a Hose Faucet ..................................Page 6

Section 4

Common Hose Faucet Projects

Potted/Hanging Plants .............................................Page 8

Ground Cover & Flower Beds .................................Page 10

Small Trees & Shrubs ...............................................Page 12

Section 5

Retrofit—Converting a Shrub Head

to Drip Irrigation ......................................................Page 14

Section 6

Common Retrofit Projects

Container Plants and Shrubs ...................................Page 16

Flower Beds, Ground Cover, Shrubs,

and Large Plants ........................................................Page 19

Section 7

Direct Connection to an

automatic sprinkler system .......................................Page 22

Section 8

Common Projects

Gardens ......................................................................Page 23

Desert Landscaping ...................................................Page 25

Section 9

Orbit® DripMaster® Parts List ..................................Page 29

WATER SOURCE AND PRESSURE

Water Source—Drip-Irrigation Systems can be connected to any of the

following water sources. Select the best option for you.

1

Outside Hose Faucet

2

Converting a Shrub Head to Drip (Retrofit)

3

Automatic Irrigation System

Water Pressure—Obtain a

water pressure gauge (available at

most home improvement stores)

and attach it to your source of

water. Drip-Irrigation systems are

designed to operate between 15– 35

PSI (high water pressure may cause

system failure).

PROCEED TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION

1. For Hose Faucet Connection—proceed to the next page.

2. Convert a Shrub Head to Drip—proceed to page 14.

3. Automatic Irrigation System—proceed to page 22.

IDENTIFY PLANTS WITH SIMILAR
WATERING REQUIREMENTS

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1

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SECTION

2

Water Sources

SECTION

1

Before You Begin

1–TREES & SHRUBS 2–GARDEN

3–GROUND COVER 4–POTTED PLANTS

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4

3

Distribution/Supply Tube

The main supply line that feeds
water to the Drip-Irrigation system.
Distribution Tube may be installed
either above or below ground.
(part # 67345 or 67346)

TIP— To make installation easier,
allow the 1/2" Distribution/Supply
Tube to sit in the sun and soften prior
to installation.

4

Tube End Cap

Plugs the end of the 1/2"
Distribution/Supply Tube and
serves as a drain for the Drip­Watering system. (part # 67462 or

69462)

COMMON USES FOR DRIPIRRIGATION

1. Potted/Hanging plants—page 8

2. Ground Cover and Flower Beds—page 10

3. Large Plants, Small Trees & Shrubs—page 12

Select the application that best matches your needs.

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SECTION

3

Connecting To A Hose Faucet

CONNECTING TO AN OUTSIDE
HOSE FAUCET

An outside hose faucet is one of the simplest ways to
connect your Drip-Irrigation system.

TIP—For complete hands-free watering,
install an Orbit Electronic Hose Timer
to the hose faucet prior to connecting
your Drip-Irrigation system.

The following items are recommended for your hose
faucet Drip-Irrigation system:

1

Anti-Siphon

Prevents contaminants from entering
your drinking water supply. (Required
in most areas).
(part # 67750 or 69750)

2

3-in-1 Drip Faucet Connection

A Pressure Regulator (20 PSI), Filter,
and 1/2" Drip Tubing Adapter in one.
(part # 67739 or 69739)

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Important: Check local code
requirements prior to installing any
watering system.

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FOR POTTED PLANTS

4

Attach Multi-Stream Drippers to
each 1/4" Distribution/Supply Line
and insert stake next to each plant.

5

Remove the 1/2" End Cap and
turn on water to flush system; replace
cap.

6

Adjust water flow by twisting the
top of the Multi-Stream Dripper.

FOR HANGING PLANTS

4

Attach Adjustable Flow Mist
Sprayers to each 1/4"
Distribution/Supply Line and aim
sprayer into the hanging basket.

5

Continue running lines to each
hanging basket until the system is
completed.

6

Remove the 1/2" End Cap and
turn on water to flush system; replace
cap.

7

Rotate the flow control knob on
the Mist Sprayer to adjust flow rate.

IMPORTANT: The maximum
recommended number of Multi-Stream

Drippers and Mist Sprayers per 1/2"
supply line is 15.

Supplies needed

- 1/2" Tube Straps (part # 65716 or 69716)

- 1/4" Tube Straps (part # 65715 or 69715)

- 1/4" Distribution/Supply Tube (part # 67300, 67301 or 67303)

- 1/4" Barbed Couplers (part # 67402 or 69402)

- Stake with Multi-Stream Dripper (part # 67105 or 69105)

- Adjustable Flow Mist Sprayer (part # 67190 or 69190)

- Punch Tool (part # 67756 or 69756)

SECTION

4

POTTED / HANGING PLANTS

Note: Steps 1–3 apply to both potted & hanging plants

1

Distribution/Supply Line—Place the 1/2" Distribution/Supply Line close

to your Potted or Hanging Plants. Use 1/2" Tube Straps to secure the Tube and
install a 1/2" End Cap.

2

Hole Punch—Punch holes in

the 1/2" Distribution/Supply Line
for each container or hanging basket.
Next, insert 1/4" Barbed Couplers
into each hole.

3

Connect 1/4" Distribution/Supply
Line to each exposed Barbed Coupler
and run the Distribution/Supply Line
to each container/basket. Use 1/4"
Tube Straps to hold in place.

IMPORTANT: A single 1/4"
Distribution/Supply Line should not
exceed 30'.

Common Hose Faucet Projects

2

3

4

6

4

7

To Hose Faucet

To Hose Faucet

1/2" Tube Straps

To Hose Faucet

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Connect the 1/4" Distribution/
Supply Line to each of the exposed
Barbed Couplers and run the
Distribution/Supply Line to each
sprinkler location. Cut tubing to
desired length.

IMPORTANT: Keep Drip-Tubing
lengths to less than 30’.

5

Attach the On-Stake Low­Volume Sprinkler to each 1/4"
Distribution/Supply Line.

6

Remove the 1/2" End Cap, turn
on water to flush system; replace cap.

7

Rotate the flow control knob to
adjust flow rate.

IMPORTANT: The maximum
recommended number of Low-Volume Sprinklers per 1/2" supply line is 16 at
medium flow setting (8 at the maximum setting)

Supplies needed

- 1/4" Distribution/Supply Tube (part # 67300, 67301 or 67303)

- 1/4" Barbed Couplers (part # 67402 or 69402)

- Low-Volume Sprinkler on Stake (part # 67135, 67136, 67137 or 67138)

- 1/2" Loop Stake (part # 65731 or 66731)

- Punch Tool (part # 67756 or 69756)

SECTION

4

GROUND COVER & FLOWER BEDS

1

Distribution/Supply Line—Lay the 1/2" Distribution/Supply Line

down the center of the Flower Bed or Ground Cover and install a 1/2" End
Cap. Use Loop Stakes to hold in place.

2

Low-Volume Sprinkler—

Following the illustrated example,
place Quarter-Spray-Pattern
Sprinkler Heads in the corners, Half­Spray-Pattern Sprinkler Heads along
the sides, and Full-Spray-Pattern
Sprinkler Heads in the center of your
ground cover.

IMPORTANT: Spacing should
be no more than 10’ from one
sprinkler to the next.

3

Hole Punch—Punch a hole on

top of the 1/2" Distribution/Supply
line for each Low-Volume Sprinkler.
Next insert a 1/4" Barbed
Coupler into each hole.

Common Hose Faucet Projects

2

3

4

5

6

7

1

No more
than 10'

Loop Stake

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Remove the 1/2" End Cap, turn
on water to flush system; replace cap.

Note: If your Drip-irrigation
system is being installed on non­level ground, replace all 4 GPH Flag
Drippers with 1 or 2 GPH Pressure
Compensating Drippers to ensure consis­tent water flow across the entire system.

IMPORTANT: The total number of 4 GPH (Gallons per Hour) Flag
Drippers attached to a single 1/2" Supply Line should not exceed 45.

Supplies needed:

- Flag Drippers (part # 65201 or 66201)

- 1/2" Loop Stake (part # 65731 or 69731)

- 1/4" Insect Plug (part # 66405 or 67405)

- Punch Tool (part # 66756 or 69756)

SECTION

4

SMALL TREES & SHRUBS

1

Distribution/Supply Line—Lay the 1/2" Distribution/Supply Line

next to the base of your plants, shrubs, and trees. Install a 1/2" End Cap at
the end of the tubing. Use Loop Stakes to hold in place.

2

Hole Punch—Punch holes on

top of the 1/2" Distribution/Supply
Line next to the base of each plant,
shrub or tree. Insert the barbed end
of a 4 GPH Flag Dripper into the
hole.

3

If needed, attach 1/4"
Distribution/Supply Line to the end
of the Flag Dripper and run the 1/4"
Distribution/Supply Line to the
plant location.

4

Install an insect plug into the end
of the 1/4" Distribution/Supply Line.

Common Hose Faucet Projects

2

3

5

4

Loop Stake

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SECTION

5

CONVERTING A SHRUB
HEAD TO DRIP IRRIGATION

Converting a shrub head to drip, using a drip manifold, is a simple way to
supply water to your Drip-Irrigation system. Retrofits are commonly used to
conserve water by replacing inefficient shrub sprinklers and bubblers.

Retrofit Drip-Irrigation
systems consist mainly of

1

Manifold—Attaches to a 1/2" riser

and consists of 1 to 8 outlets.

2

1/4" Distribution/Supply Line

3

Low-Volume Sprinkler, Dripper,

or Soaker Tube

MANIFOLDS

The main function of a Manifold is to distribute water through 1/4" outlets.

There are 4 types of Manifolds

1

Adjustable Flow Manifolds—Ideal when water system pressures

exceeds 40 PSI and where flow control is desired.

2

Full Flow Manifolds—Ideal for replacing inefficient shrub heads and

bubblers.

3

Shrub Adapter—Ideal for micro-sprinklers.

4

Riser Adapter Manifolds—Permits Drip-Irrigation without

eliminating a sprinkler head.

Retrofit

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INSTALLATION FOR ADJUSTABLE
FLOW, FULLFLOW, AND RISER
ADAPTER MANIFOLDS

1

Remove sprinkler head from a 1/2"
Riser and attach the manifold. (For
Riser Adapter Manifold, reattach
sprinkler head).

2

Remove Cap(s) from the 1/4"
Barb(s) and insert 1/4" Distribution/
Supply Line.

3

Attach a Low-Volume Sprinkler or
Drip-Irrigation Dripper to the end of
the Distribution/Supply Line.

4

To avoid high water pressure
failure, install a 1/4" High Pressure
Clamp on all tube connections.

5

Position Drip-Irrigation Dripper
next to plant.

6

If applicable, adjust flow-control
knob for desired flow rate.

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COMMON RETROFIT PROJECTS

1. Container Plants and Shrubs—page 16

2. Shrubs and Large Plants—page 19

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SECTION

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CONTAINER PLANTS AND SHRUBS

Replacing hand watering with Drip-Irrigation

1

Connect an 8-Port or a 4-Port Adjustable Manifold to an exposed shrub
riser. If a vacant riser is not available, use a Saddle Adapter to connect to the
sprinkler line.

2

Remove Caps and attach 1/4" Distribution/Supply Line to each 1/4"
Barb.

3

Run each 1/4" Distribution/
Supply Line to each container. Use
1/4" Tube Straps to hold tube in
place. (Window boxes and large
containers may require more than
one line.)

IMPORTANT: A single 1/4"
Distribution/Supply Line should
not exceed 30'.

4

Flush lines to clear any debris.

5

Select the appropriate Drip-
Irrigation Dripper for each container
and plant.

Common Retrofit Projects

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SECTION

6

HANGING BASKETS AND WINDOW BOXES

Use Orbit’s® FlexMist™
(part # 66190 or 69190).

POTTED PLANTS

Use Orbit’s® Multi-Stream on a Stake
(part # 67105 or 69105) or a Micro­Bubbler on a Stake (part # 67110).

SHRUBS

Use Orbit’s® Low-Volume Sprinkler
Head on 12" Stake. (See Parts List
at end of manual for spray pattern
options)

6

Adjust the flow rate by

turning the flow control screw.

Continued on next page

Common Retrofit Projects

Flow
Control

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SECTION

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Supplies Needed

- 8-Port Adjustable Manifold (part # 67000 or 69000)

Or

- 4-Port Adjustable Manifold (part # 67005 or 69005)

- The appropriate Drip-Irrigation Sprinkler listed above

- 1/4" Tube Straps (part # 65715 or 69715)

- 1/4" Distribution/Supply Tube (part # 67300, 67301 or 67303)

Common Retrofit Projects

SECTION

6

FLOWER BEDS, GROUND COVER,
SHRUBS AND LARGE PLANTS

Replacing inefficient shrub heads with Drip-Irrigation

1

Remove shrub heads from risers and replace with “Full-Flow 4-Port

Manifolds.”

2

Remove Barb Caps from the manifolds and attach 1/4" Distribution/
Supply Lines to each exposed 1/4" Barb. Run individual 1/4" Distribution/
Supply Line to each Low-Volume Sprinkler Head. Flush lines to clear any
debris.

IMPORTANT: Full-Flow Manifolds
do not have an internal pressure
regulator. To avoid high pressure
failures install 1/4" High Pressure
Clamps on all 1/4" connections.

IMPORTANT: A single 1/4"
Distribution/Supply Line should not
exceed 30’.

Continued on next page

Common Retrofit Projects

1

2

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SECTION

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FLOWER BEDS AND GROUND COVER

Attach a Low-Volume Sprinkler Head on 12" Stake, spaced no more than
10' apart. (See Parts List for spray pattern options)

or

Multi-Stream Dripper on a stake, spaced no more than 3' apart.
(part # 67105 or 69105)

Note: Adjust the flow rate by turning
the flow control on each Drip­Irrigation sprinkler head.

Common Retrofit Projects

SECTION

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SHRUBS AND LARGE PLANTS

Use Orbit’s® Multi-Stream Dripper on a Stake next to each shrub or large
plant. (part # 67105 or 69105)

Note: Adjust the flow rate by turning
the flow control on each Drip-Irrigation
Sprinkler Head.

Supplies needed:

- Full-Flow 4-Port Manifold (part # 67025 or 69025)

- The appropriate Drip-Irrigation sprinkler head listed above

- 1/4" Distribution/Supply Tube (part # 67300, 67301 or 67303)

- 1/4" High Pressure Clamps (part # 67710 or 69710)

Common Retrofit Projects

No more than 10' apart

No more than 3' apart

Orbit® DripMaster® | Installation Guide Orbit® DripMaster® | Installation Guide