How To Guide

When it comes to building an efficient watering system, a little knowledge goes a long way. This guide will walk you through the basic steps of setting up a simple automatic watering system using Hozelock products.

Step 1: Plan Your System

Before you start, take a few minutes to plan.

Map it out: Draw a simple sketch of your garden. Mark where your outdoor tap is and where you want to water. This will help you visualise the layout and determine how much pipe and how many connectors you’ll need.

Choose your system type: Do you need to water a lawn, pots, or a vegetable patch? This will guide your choice between pop-up sprinklers, a drip system, or a micro-jet system.

Step 2: Assemble Your Components

Gather all the parts you'll need. A typical Hozelock system will include:

A Water Timer: Connects directly to your outdoor tap.

A Tap Connector: Screws onto the timer.

Main Supply Pipe (13mm): The primary line that runs through your garden.

Connectors & Tees: To split the pipe and direct it to different areas.

Drippers/Sprayers: The emitters that deliver the water to your plants.

Pipe Stakes: To secure the pipe in place.

Pipe Cutter & Punch Tool: To make clean cuts and holes.

Step 3: Install the System

Connect to the Tap: First, screw your water timer onto your outdoor tap. This is the heart of your automatic system.

Lay the Main Pipe: Lay the 13mm main supply pipe from the timer to the first area you want to water. Use a pipe cutter for clean, straight cuts. You can secure it along the way with pipe stakes.

Add Emitters: Use the punch tool to create a small hole in the main supply pipe at each plant you want to water. Push a dripper directly into the hole. For a longer run of plants, you can attach a smaller 4mm micro-tubing to the dripper and run it to a specific plant.

Connect Different Zones: Use tee connectors to split the main pipe to other areas of your garden, such as a different flower bed or a series of pots.

Finish the Line: At the end of each run, use an end cap to seal the pipe.

Step 4: Program and Test

Program the Timer: Follow the instructions on your Hozelock water timer to set your watering schedule. We recommend programming it to water in the early morning to minimise water loss from evaporation.

Test the System: Turn on the tap to test for leaks. If you find any, simply tighten the connection or check that the pipe is inserted securely.

Adjust as Needed: Monitor your plants over the next few days. If they look a little dry, increase the watering duration on your timer. If they look a bit soggy, reduce it. Fine-tuning your system will give you the perfect results.