Is Leaky Pipe affected by hard water?

All trickle watering systems can be effected by the salts (mostly Bicarbonates and Carbonates) that are present in "hard" water, and Leaky Pipe systems are not immune. However Leaky Pipe can be protected from suspended salts by the filters we recommend being fitted to the system. The remaining salts that stay in solution are not a problem until successive wet/dry cycles eventually encourage the salts to deposit on the outside of the Leaky Pipe. Instead of blocking many trickle pipes, this can slowly reduce the leak rate of Leaky Pipe. If the problem reduces the leak rate to an intolerable degree, the advantage of Leaky Pipe is that it can be treated to clear the problem. We recommend a higher pressure to burst the salts off, together with a gentle stretching of the pipes if desired. Alternatively, a chemical method is to dose low levels of Nitric Acid through the system. The acid will dissolve the encrustation and restore the leak rate. If done properly, the remaining solution will have no deleterious effect on plant life.

What do I need to make a system?

Many systems can be constructed of just Leaky Pipe, some 20mm LDPE polythene tubing or hosepipe, barbed fittings and a filter/pressure regulator set. The latter can be omitted but the system would not then be protected from internal blockage and over-pressurisation. To this can be added automatic controls, flow meters, feeding injectors and so on. 12mm barbed fittings are needed to fit LP12 type Leaky Pipe systems. 16 mm barbed fittings are needed for LP16 systems, or you can use "Hozelock" type connections. No clips should be necessary as long as the Leaky Pipe is cut cleanly and squarely before the barb is pushed into it.

How can Leaky Pipe save money ?

It can save you money in a number of ways, three of them are below:- 1. Through accurate placement of water, the reduction in evaporative losses and run-off helps save this increasingly expensive resource. 2. Because it works at low pressure and low volume, it can water larger areas at once, with weaker water sources than conventional irrigation systems. With nobody needed to stand around with hosepipes , Leaky Pipe will save both energy and labour costs. 3. Leaky Pipe has proven commercial use here in the U.K. Where used properly, it has a life well in excess of five years. We have established systems that have been working since 1985. Because Leaky Pipe lasts, it has shown that not only do systems cost less than a lot of other irrigation devices, but the capital investment is paid back swiftly in subsequent years.

If you are 100% happy with the system you already use, why change? However, if you are looking for something that may be better for you, why not try some Leaky Pipe.

What should I do to the system in the winter to ensure that there is no frost damage?

Leaky Pipe is not affected by frost or water freezing solid inside it. The valves controlling a system do usually need draining down or protection from frost.

Can Leaky Pipe be penetrated by roots?

Leaky Pipe is not penetrated by roots.

Used sub-surface, will Leaky Pipe be blocked by soil?

In short, NO it will not be blocked by soil.

How effective would a Leaky Pipe system be on slopes?

Leaky Pipe LP12L, the low porosity pipe has often been complemented for its effectiveness on slopes, Ideally water should be fed in to it from the top of the slope, downwards, but some users have successfully bent this rule.

ANY watering system, particularly trickle systems will be blocked at some time if dirty water is used. Protect your Leaky Pipe properly and it will keep working for you. We are happy to advise you on water quality and filtration. Remember prevention of blockage is better than curative, cleaning measures.

How many metres of Leaky Pipe can I run at one time?

This depends on two main factors, the strength of the water source (or pump) and the porosity of the Leaky Pipe you wish to use. To put this into perspective, a typical domestic hosepipe supply is capable of running a cumulative metreage of up to 200metres of LP12H or 500metres of LP12L. (This will have to be in upto 50metre lengths for LP12H and upto 100metre lengths for LP12L.)

What is the best time to install Leaky Pipe into new landscape constructions?

The Leaky Pipe can be laid "to suit" on the soil surface after planting just prior to mulching. Where mulches are not intended, The Leaky Pipe can be laid 2-6" below the soil surface by way of drawing narrow drills in the soil before planting. The exposed pipe in the bottom of the drill can then be covered at planting time, thus allowing the positioning of the pipes to be traced during planting. Drills can be made by the use of hoes or coulters drawn by hand or by tractor.

Will Leaky Pipe perish?

Leaky Pipe is made from rubber and, in theory, if exposed to ultra-violet light from the sun should perish over a period of time. In our experience in the U.K. this is not a significant problem.