Water IBC and Seeper Hose

[zeezeezed]

Good evening!

This may seem a bit of a silly question, but ............

Is it possible to attach a seeper hose to an IBC to water my allotment?

During busy watering times it isnt alway possible to get the hose connected to the standpipe, so I was wondering if this was a valid option? Otherwise it will be a watering can jobby

Would the IBC have enough pressure for it to work? It is high - about 2ft off the ground. If so, what do you think would be the maximum hose length?

Or does anyone else have any suggestions please - apart from going over there at 3am when its quiet?

[Aberdeenplotter]

If by an IBC you mean an intermediate bulk container, i.e one of these palletised tanks within a metal cage, then yes it will work with a seep hose. No presure needed because it does what it says on the tin, it seeps. The maximum length of pipe will be a mathematical sum depending on the volume of the tank and the diameter of the hose. Seriously though, it won't be a problem.

[sewer rat]

Perfectly possible and the length of the hose run shouldn't be a problem as very little pressure is required for seeper hoses to work. I have 3 IBC tanks and bought fittings from E bay that screw onto the tank and allow direct hosepipe connection via hozelock or similar snap on system.

[Kristen]

I would put a container under the seep hose to see how fast it seeps, so you know how long it takes to do what you would otherwise do manually.

If you want to use a battery-operated timer then beware that some of them need significant water pressure to work (I dunno why, seems counter intuitive to me, but I think its to keep the valve closed when the timers says it should not be open

There are some that work at low pressure though - from Gardena if I remember correctly.

[Snadger]

Slightly off topic (who me.....never!) but my allotment neighbour has an IBC tank fed from a huge shed roof at the top of the allotment.
His greenhouses are at the bottom of the allotment with a couple of water barrels close by. He has a hose pipe led from IBC to greenhouse water barrels and when he turns the tap on the water cascades out with quite a force.
So...............as long as you got a low pressure seep hose I reckon you would be on to a winner!

[Alison]

If you want to use a battery-operated timer then beware that some of them need significant water pressure to work (I dunno why, seems counter intuitive to me, but I think its to keep the valve closed when the timers says it should not be open

I've got 2 or 3 battery operated timers and pressure is totally irrelevant. The batter simply causes the valve to open for a set period of time and they've been running off water butts at home or the IBC at the lottie for a few years. They're all different makes, think one's B&Q, one Hozelock and can't remember the other one. Did buy one for Lidl but could never get that one to work but maybe that needs more pressure but to be honest that doesn't really make any sense.

Re the watering thing though, you shouldn't need to water things in open beds outside very often. I tend to water when I sow / plant out and then only very occaisionally after that to encourage deep roots and strong plants. My watering systems tend to be for the greenhouse or polytunnel where obviously no rain will get

[redser]

Hi Alison -Just wondering how you water in the tunnel. I've just been offered a free IBC (happy days!). It's a bit bashed up but it's clean and water-tight. I'm thinking of using it for the tunnel and getting a Hozelock timer. It's this one ...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hozelock-Aqu.../dp/B0011NMJ8Q

Just wondering how you set yours up? I was thinking to run a short length of hose from the IBC into the tunnel, then connect this to the timer. I want to keep the timer inside to protect it. And from there, I'm not sure what the best way to water the beds is. Any advice?
Cheers

[Alison]

I have a network of hose around the tunnel with Ts off it using soaker hose. I bought individual isolators on each leg so I could water beds individually (I have paths and beds in the tunnel) but I've never used them. Does that make sense?

[redser]

Thanks. Yeah I think so. So it's a regular garden hose punctured with Ts, and then individual lengths of soaker hose off the Ts going where you want them? Do you bury the soaker hoses? I guess I'll need to invest in a few bits and bobs.
Cheers

[Piggle]

Alison

How do you connect your timer to your water but as my timer has a screw thread but my butt standard tap?

Thanks - Gill

[Alison]

Thanks. Yeah I think so. So it's a regular garden hose punctured with Ts, and then individual lengths of soaker hose off the Ts going where you want them? Do you bury the soaker hoses? I guess I'll need to invest in a few bits and bobs.
Cheers

Yes, that's right. I have a wooden batten round the bottom of my polytunnel which I fixed the hose to just above soil level and then buried the soaker hose although I do keep accidently digging it up when I'm planting / weeding / harvesting

[Alison]

Alison

How do you connect your timer to your water but as my timer has a screw thread but my butt standard tap?l

Can't remember exactly although it did involve several fittings. Will be up there on Saturday so will take a piccie and post it for you. I know I have a push fit onto the water butt outlet and then a short length of hose. Seem to remember a screw fitting too but can't remember which fitting I used to connect but it wasn't anything fancy, just something from hoselock I should think.

[redser]

Yes, that's right. I have a wooden batten round the bottom of my polytunnel which I fixed the hose to just above soil level and then buried the soaker hose although I do keep accidently digging it up when I'm planting / weeding / harvesting

Thanks a lot. I have scaffold board around the perimeter, that's a great idea to keep it out of the way. Thanks

[Piggle]

thanks very much _ I''m trying to rig something up to my water butt and I just can't decide what!