Greenhouse Drip Irrigation Troubleshooting

The Greenhouse Drip Irrigation system, although useful for farmers to supply water to the crops, is also a cause of many problems. Many problems occur due to the improper working of drip irrigation systems hindering the delivery of water. If you are facing such problems, you can solve them yourself by following these troubleshooting tips:

Improper working of electric valve

The potential cause of this problem could be a wrong sized valve, which leads to a low flow of water. You would also face this problem if the valve diaphragm orifice is clogged. You can fix this by replacing the incorrect valve size with the correct valve size, and cleaning or replacing the diaphragm.

Leaking pressure regulator

Irrigation systems face this common problem when a lot of dirt accumulates inside the pressure regulator. Remove the washer and clean it, or replace it if is damaged.

Improper working of the battery controlled operator

Check whether the controller contact touches the battery; your operator will function efficiently if you lift the battery clip upwards, or replace the battery.

Uneven or no flow of the dripper or micro sprinkler

The drip irrigation system has to be in a good working condition for proper water supply. A clogged filter and dripper can prevent this from happening. It can also be due to a faulty filter. Extremely high or low pressure can also cause this problem. To rectify this problem, check the drip line and clean or replace the dripper. Also check the screen filter, nozzle of the micro sprinkler and the pressure regulator for any problems.

Dripper or micro sprinkler popping out of drip line

If a micro sprinkler is popping, it can indicate that there is a flawed pressure regulator or improper installation of drippers or micro sprinklers. Damaged or faulty punch can also cause this. A quick solution for this is replacing the pressure regulator. Check or replace micro sprinklers or drippers. High pressure can also lead to this problem, so install a pressure regulator.

Clogged drippers

A proper filter generally solves such problems, but if the problem continues; try to hold your finger over the dripper vent for sometime. The back flushing will surely work.

Clogged drippers at the end of the line

Many drippers can be choked due to a breakage in the line. Check the poly tube.

Failed water flow from micro sprinklers or drippers

You can solve this problem by cleaning up the faucet adaptor or washing the filter screen with water.

Calcium deposits in micro sprinklers or drippers

Hard water can cause calcium deposits. Fix this problem by soaking the micro sprinkler or dripper in a chlorine solution for an hour.

Stressed look of the plants

Plants can appear stressed due to a crack in the dripper, or if the drippers are unplugged near the plants. Replace the drippers. Check and clean the filter and repair the break (if any) using a connector.