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Hi there, a quick search on the subject reveals: On flow rates:
"If you are watering flower beds and individual plants, then a leaking or soaker hose is the most water efficient. The water goes straight into the ground where it is needed. A typical leaking pipe uses 1 to 10 litres per metre per hour depending on whether it is 4mm or 12.5 mm diameter. Drippers (trickle feed) are water efficient also, directing water exactly to where water is needed. Fixed rate drippers use 4 litres an hour per dripper. Mini-sprinklers can be directed to specific areas and plants typically vary in range from 1.5 m, 2m and 3m, and use on average 55 litres per sprinkler per hour. For example, a 40 sprinkler kit covering 750 m2 would use @ 2200 litres an hour. A typical spray sprinkler covering 240 m2 may not cost very much (eg £12.99) but is not water efficient, using @ 1000 litres an hour. To water 750 m2 would therefore use @ 3000 litres an hour, nearly a third more than the mini-sprinkler system."
On soaker hoses and winter:
"Yes, the hose is designed to be used intermittently, not all the time. And when turned on, the water will slowly bead up, then flow down the sides.
However, if your area freezes, and you leave the soaker out for the winter, it will gradually get bigger and bigger holes, so all the water will flow out of these holes and nowhere else. At which point you buy another soaker hose. Don't leave them out in the winter.
If left out in the winter they will last 3-4 years before they become unusable."
Water Pressure:
If mains water is used as the source of supply, the tap should only be partially turned on, as very low pressure is needed. If the supply is from a water butt, the head of water should be at least 1.2 metres (4 feet above the level to be watered.
Water Release
Water seeps through the porous walls of the hose into the soil. The water will spread about 0.5 metres (20 inches) either side of the pipe dependant on soil-type. On cultivated ground the pipes should be laid about 1 metre apart, but in lawns they should be buried about 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) apart to reduce the risk of striping.
The length of any single pipe run should not exceed 50 metres (160 feet), or the pressure may be insufficient to allow uniform water release along the length of the pipe.
Lots to think about - I'd really like to spend some time looking into it and will put it on my 'to do' list. Solenoids etc sounds like a full blown control system and I can almost hear the cash registers whirring in anticipation. "Meaning leaving the deckchair at least four times" Steady on - that could be a showstopper. How about a wireless remote connection by the telly? Or once you've costed it, you might find you could get a government grant for NEET slaves. Government figures for young people not in employment, education or training mean that they'll be desperate to massage the figures with some statistical slight of hand; which means they should be operating the printing presses to hand out cash to 'investors in people'. Although, we might all be in that 'NEET' boat before too long. Can I apply for the role now?
Logistically, that could mean one NAFF Unit (Neet Autohuman Factory Fodder Unit) working on each area, total expenditure 8 watering cans (two for each NAFF Unit) and a much reduced likelihood of needing to leave the deckchair? ...and you'd get a shiny 'investor in people' plaque to nail to the shed door.
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