You now have the technical study in hand in order to realize the underground watering of your garden. Therefore, you will probably have to make several watering networks.
Indeed, from a single source of water supply (tap, pump ...), the flow (volume of water) and pressure (speed of water circulation) will not be sufficient to operate all the sprinklers in your garden at once.
It is therefore necessary to distribute this power in several successive stages, which will water one after the other: in cascade. When the first part will have finished its cycle, the second part will start, then at the end of the second cycle the third...etc.
To do this, we must create an important part of any underground watering installation: the solenoid valve manifold [see photo above ].
This manifold (also called "clarinet") is composed of various parts :
- the single water inlet pipe, coming from your pump or your faucet, with its fitting
- a shut-off valve (with a small bleeder) to isolate the watering from the rest of the domestic supply, for example in case of repairs on the installation. This valve can be placed well before on the water supply pipe, but regardless of its location, it is essential. That is why it can be found at the entrance to the collector, but often it is located in the basement, in the garage ...
- Union fittings: these have various shapes (elbow, cross, tee...). For a few years, they are now easily dismountable and do not require any sealing product such as Teflon. They allow all kinds of assemblies, depending on the number of networks to be made and the desired configuration. The main advantage of these fittings is the fact that disassembly for repair is significantly simplified.
- The solenoid valves: this is the nerve centre of the installation. These are the parts that open and close on command from the programmer.
- Since they will operate in cascade, the number of solenoid valves is not limited. Logically, you should install as many as you need.
- You must connect them and the pipes that go out into your garden.
- The whole thing will be placed outside, under the ground level, in a manhole which is provided with a green cover: this one will be discreet, even implanted in your lawn
- Finally, it remains to install a multi-strand electrical cable near the collector, to connect the solenoid valves to the programmer in a watertight manner.
As a finishing touch, you can put a little gravel at the bottom of the manhole, this allows the water to drain.
Now you can water your whole garden with one hose, but in several steps: the programmer and the solenoid valves work for you at night.
