What system and spacing for 8 rows of vines in east Kent approximately 30m long and spacings of 1.5m between plants and 2 m between rows-
Either a single lateral (or "Line"), of LeakyPipe®, laid down each row, or perhaps a line on both sides. (The latter os probably O.T.T.) All LeakyPipe lines then teed into 20mm polytube "supply" pipe, using 20-12-20mm barbed reducing tees. Ideally, feed the water supply into the middle of the polytube "manifold" and turn-on. The network will fill-up an quickly work all-at-once. (Of course, you do have to plug off the ends of the LeakyPipe and the polytube manifold). As this is a long-term cropping situation: Once you've seen it working, we would recommend that you place the LeakyPipe into the soil as this is better for the water distribution and keeps the LeakyPipe® away from husbandry operations. Phone us if you wish to discuss further.
How long have we been working with LeakyPipe?+
Over 30 years, supplying goods and systems to Landscape Gardeners and the Professional Horticulturalists across the UK.
We were initially involved in developing the various types of LeakyPipe® and over the last ten years, wholly responsible for manufacturing. We are happy to have the whole process of development, manufacture and supply under our roof to ensure the highest possible standards in this field.
We have also been selling online since the 1990's!
Why should I use LeakyPipe?+
Because it is a reliable, accurate way of applying an increasingly expensive resource direct to its target, without interrupting the use of that area.
It will last for many years, aid plant establishment and is the most water-efficient way of watering plants.
How long does LeakyPipe last?+
In the UK, LeakyPipe has a proven life of many years. It is not unusual to find watering systems with LeakyPipe still working well after 10 years.
Does LeakyPipe save water compared to using a sprinkler?+
Applying water directly, or at least, near the target plant reduces water losses through wind effects, shadow effects, evaporation and run-off. Also, because the watering philosophy is "watering lower and slower”, it gives the user more margin of error on their watering times as well as being able to water larger areas for the same effort.
How can LeakyPipe save me money?+
If you are on a metered water source, efficient use of that resource will save money. Timers & irrigation control methods are particularly good at helping you tune this approach.
LeakyPipe will help save money with labour costs of watering any landscape. Also, a big saving can be made by ensuring that new plantings are efficiently established with minimal loss and replant costs.
Landscapes can double their growth over the period of the first four years if a judicious watering plan is applied. This benefit is particularly useful to Clients who are looking to develop and maintain quick Shelter Belts and Green Screens as a part of their Development Plan.
I’ve an area with a lot of Planters. What do I do?+
Planters that have drainage built into them, can be watered with LeakyPipe. Just install about twice as much Leaky as you would in a border and connect the Leaky to a supply pipe polytube "Riser” that has been brought up through the planter. The riser is usually 'tee-ed' into a polytube "main” that is running horizontally, perhaps under the planter/s to connect the planters together. Because of the "hard” nature of the building works of a planter-based design, we recommend that 20 or 25mm MDPE "Blue” pipe or similar is used. This is because it is tough and will stand more abuse while being installed as a part of the hard-works. Compression to barbed fittings will then be needed to create the connection between the blue pipe and the LeakyPipe.
Typical planter designs need small amounts of water, very frequently, so this is the approach you should have when setting up your watering times.
Does Leaky Pipe Systems Ltd ever install LeakyPipe?+
We do install in some commercial landscaping situations. Sometimes we work to consult, advise and train Contractors, on sites to do their own installation.
In gardens, systems can be easy to DIY or perhaps employ a local garden maintenance firm who are familiar with our products. ('Local', reduces cost).
If I sent you a plan of the area, can you advise me?+
Yes, we can. We can’t tell you everything you need, but we can give you good ideas.
Commercial Schemes are likely to need creation of zones and to accommodate other hard landscaping features, so you can certainly contact us for advice and estimates.
Do you offer design and installation advice to Landscape Architects and Development Designers?+
Yes, some projects we work on can be years in the planning and are phased according to the Site Progress timelines.
Please contact us by e-mail or phone for advice.
Do you offer a quotation service for the larger quantities that your online shop doesn’t cater for?+
Yes. If you have a potential larger list of materials, please feel free to email us and we will offer you the best deal we can. sales@leakypipe.co.uk
Can I connect LeakyPipe to MDPE blue pipe?+
Yes, you can, but you have to use compression to barbed fittings as the Blue pipe is too stiff to accept barbed fittings directly.
What would you suggest for an enclosed Courtyard area?+
Enclosed courtyards can create peculiar micro-climates within themselves. Especially if the walls or buildings that surround them are tall. Please look for the Courtyard Discussion on our video "Design Information for Designers and Contractors". It may be very relevant to divide the courtyard watering system up into four 'Zones' to water separately and cater for very differing requirements (dry hot zone, cool shaded zone etc).
Can I lay LeakyPipe on a Sedum Roof?+
Yes, you definitely can. Roofing Contractors do install a network of Leaky Pipe LP12RF on the roofing felt layer, just prior to rolling out the sedum matting or other, thin, layer of root-zone material. Sometimes, drought-affected green roofs are retro-fitted with LeakyPipe on the surface of the matting. It works, even though you see the Leaky Pipe for a short time while the plants grow with the watering and cover the pipe.
What does LeakyPipe get used for in Commercial Horticulture? Fruit Growing, Flower Growing and Nursery Stock Production?+
In the Eighties, LeakyPipe started it’s use in Soft Fruit and Nursery Stock production. Wherever a reliable watering tool was needed for semi-permanent situations.
It is still used on the farm for soft fruits and vegetable irrigation!
How do I use LeakyPipe on a steep embankment?+
LeakyPipe (LP12L) with a lower leak rate is recommended for green walls and steep embankments. The LeakyPipe is laid out as horizontal laterals incorporated into the batters at 500-1000mm centers. The supply pipe manifold is run down the face of the slope, at a roughly central position. A pressure regulator is placed in the supply as it tees into the manifold. A Pressure regulator is needed for every vertical drop of 4metres. This is to help ensure that all the LeakyPipes work similarly. On some of the taller walls, where the watering is automated, upper, mid, and lower layers of the wall become "Zones” where the watering times can be adjusted to apply more water at the top than the bottom.
