Rainwater Irrigation
Irrigating Your Garden with a Rain Barrel and Soaker Hose
Collected rainwater can be used to irrigate garden beds, raised beds and planting areas. With the CS Soaker Hose Pressureless, irrigation from an elevated water storage container is possible under suitable conditions, even without an electric pump.
How It Works
How Does Irrigation from a Rain Barrel Work?
With an open rain barrel, the available pressure head is determined by the height difference between the water level and the Soaker Hose. If this difference is sufficient, water can flow without a pump through a suitable supply line into the CS Soaker Hose Drucklos.
As the water level in the rain barrel drops, the available pressure head also decreases. Filters, fittings, longer supply lines and elevation differences cause additional pressure losses. Therefore, the actual available water flow is just as important as the pressure.
Benefits
Why Use Rainwater and Irrigation Close to the Soil?
This solution uses stored water and delivers it as close as possible to the soil that needs irrigation.
Use Collected Rainwater
Rainwater collected in a suitable container can be used to irrigate garden plants.
Possible Without an Electric Pump
With sufficient pressure head and a suitable system configuration, water flows using gravity alone.
Deliver Water Close to the Soil
The Soaker Hose releases water along its porous wall. How moisture spreads through the soil depends on soil conditions, pressure and installation.
CS Soaker Hose Drucklos
What Is the Maximum Installation Length of the Soaker Hose?
With the CS Soaker Hose Drucklos, the maximum lengths vary depending on the installation layout.
Straight Installation
25 m
Up to 25 Meters per Run
A largely straight hose run is supplied with water at one end. The other end is sealed with an end plug.
Circular Installation
50 m
Up to 50 Meters Total Hose Length
The hose is laid out in a circular pattern, supplied with water at one end only and sealed at the other end with an end plug.
Important: The circular installation is not a closed loop supplied with water from both ends. 50 meters refers to the total installed hose length, not a straight 50-meter run. Larger required water volumes may need to be distributed across several suitably supplied irrigation runs.
Planning and Connection
Rain Barrel Irrigation in Four Steps
From the water source to the Soaker Hose, all components must be suitable for the low available pressure.
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Check Water Source and Height
Position the rain barrel or tank securely. The height of the water level relative to the irrigation area is crucial, even as the water level drops.
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Install a Suitable Filter
Use a water filter suitable for gravity-fed systems. A filter that is too fine or clogged can significantly reduce water flow.
Select Water Filter -
Choose the Correct Supply Line Size
Avoid restrictions, unnecessarily long supply lines and significant uphill sections. The available water flow must be sufficient for the planned irrigation run.
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Install and Test the System
Connect the CS Soaker Hose Drucklos at one end and seal the other end. Check the connections and water delivery, and adjust the operating time based on soil moisture.
Discover CS Drucklos
No Universal Minimum Height: Whether gravity-fed irrigation is sufficient cannot be determined solely by the height of the rain barrel. Water level, supply line, filter, hose length and elevation differences must all be considered together.
Rain Barrel or Cistern
When Is a Pump Necessary?
If the water level is sufficiently high above the Soaker Hose, gravity-fed irrigation can work without a pump. For an underground or lower-lying cistern, a suitable water pumping system is usually required.
When using a pump, the flow rate and pressure must match the irrigation system. Excessive pressure must be limited using suitable pressure regulation. Reducing the flow rate alone does not replace a pressure reducer.
Application Examples
Where Is Rainwater Irrigation with a Soaker Hose Suitable?
With a sufficient water supply, various planting areas can be irrigated from a water storage container.
Raised Beds and Herb Beds
Particularly suitable for short irrigation runs and a conveniently positioned rain barrel.
Plan Raised Bed IrrigationVegetable Beds
For delivering water along planting rows when the soil and water supply are suitable for the planned hose layout.
Plan Vegetable Bed IrrigationGreenhouses and Planting Areas
For suitable garden beds with a predictable water supply and irrigation duration adjusted to the plants’ needs.
View More ApplicationsFrequently Asked Questions
FAQ About Garden Irrigation with a Rain Barrel
Do I Need a Pump for the CS Soaker Hose Drucklos?
Not necessarily. An elevated water reservoir may be sufficient for gravity-fed operation if the height difference and supply line are suitable.
How High Must the Rain Barrel Be Positioned?
There is no universal minimum height that applies to every system. What matters is the actual height difference between the water level and the hose. The filter, water supply, hose length and available water flow also affect performance.
Can I Install 50 Meters of CS Soaker Hose Drucklos in a Straight Line?
No. For straight installations, the maximum length is 25 meters per run. Up to 50 meters is permitted for circular installations; the hose is supplied with water at one end only and sealed at the other end.
Do I Need a Water Filter When Using Rainwater?
A suitable filter is recommended to retain dirt particles. In gravity-fed systems, it is important to ensure that the filter does not cause excessive pressure loss, as the available pressure is already low.
Can I Also Use an Underground Cistern?
Yes, provided a suitable water supply is available. If the water level is below the Soaker Hose, a pump is generally required. Its pressure and flow rate must be suitable.
How Long Should Irrigation Run?
There is no universal irrigation duration. Check the soil moisture in the root zone and adjust the duration and frequency according to the plants, weather, soil conditions and actual water delivery.
Start Planning Now
Choose the CS Soaker Hose Drucklos for Your Rain Barrel
Select the appropriate hose length and accessories. If you are unsure about water level, filtration or multiple irrigation runs, we can help you plan your system.