Using Rainwater To Irrigate Soil Under Awning

A timer can also be attached to automate the lawn watering.

Using rainwater to irrigate soil under awning.

Collecting the water flowing down your downspouts in rainstorms so you can use it to irrigate in dry periods is often touted as a simple way to cut back. A more sophisticated system can be built using a sump pump and pcv pipe or flexible black pipe. The awning also prevents water from pooling on the concrete. When you collect rainwater to irrigate your garden the rainwater seeps deeply into the soil and takes salt with it removing the salt from the area around the plants roots.

It may even lower your water bill by allowing you to use captured or diverted rainwater to irrigate the lawn flowers and other ornamental plants in your yard. But setting up a functional rainwater irrigation system beyond the ubiquitous 55 gallon barrels under the downspout which won t irrigate much more than a flower bed or two is a fairly complicated diy project. Irrigation needs vary considerably depending on climate shade soil type and vegetation type but this equation will give you a rough idea of your garden s water demand. They are usually large containers situated under downspouts to catch roof runoff.

To store as much rainfall as possible in your garden soil you can set up a rainwater irrigation system that diverts your roof runoff water directly onto your garden beds or lawn if you prefer. You can see how the awning protects the door from rain water meaning you can keep the screen open on a rainy day without fear of rain water coming in. It s advised to first sketch out the underground irrigation system before digging narrow trenches and installing the pipe with sprinkler heads. Rainwater and a home s foundation don t make a compatible marriage.

Concrete can be troublesome if it slants towards your house as it is going to send rain water straight towards your basement. Rain barrels are fitted with screens over their openings to keep out debris and mosquitoes. Area to be irrigated in square feet x maximum number of weeks between major summer rainstorms x 5. That will allow the rain water to run off the awning without pooling on the cover.

The important aspect to keep in mind is that the awning should be installed at a proper pitch or slope. Unless its path is diverted the rain that runs off a roof forms a vertical sheet of water that falls around the perimeter of a house. Rain barrels can refer to any container that captures rainwater. Ensure the soil is graded to slope.

As the water collects around a home s foundation the soil can only absorb so much before excess water finds a path of least resistance.