DIG FM01AS - User Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Patio Drip
Watering Kit
Model FM01AS with Backow Preventer
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the DIG model FM01AS Drip Watering Kit. Please take the time to read through
the enclosed instructions and follow them step by step. If you have any questions, please call our customer
service line at 1-800-344-2281. Use model FM01 or FM01AS Patio Drip Watering Kit to maximize your
efcient use of water and to promote abundant growth in your planters, potted plants or baskets. If you
decide to expand your system, all the necessary parts are available individually from a DIG distributor.
ABOUT YOUR PATIO DRIP WATERING KIT
The FM01AS Drip Watering Kit is designed to irrigate plants in hanging baskets, pots and planters. This kit
contains all the necessary parts to install a drip system for up to 10 pots or baskets. Note that two emitters
should be used for larger pots (12″–18″). This drip kit can be easily expanded to irrigate up to 15 pots
or baskets. Before the installation, familiarize yourself with all the parts in this kit. See the part list and
description at the end of this instruction manual and on the back of the box.
PLANNING SUGGESTION
Determine the number of pots or baskets you need to water, taking into account that pots greater then 12″
need two or more drip emitters.
Option 1: For baskets up to 10″, use one dripper per pot. To do this, run the 1/4″ micro tubing mainline
to the pot or basket. Cut the micro tubing near the pot or basket and add a 1/4″ tee. To the tee, add an
additional section of micro tubing, which becomes the feederline. Run the micro tubing feederline into
the pot or basket about 1″ from the plant. Insert a dripper into the end of the micro tubing and secure the
dripper with a tubing holder stake.
Option 2: For larger baskets (12″-18″), install two drippers per pot. To do this, run the 1/4″ micro tubing
mainline to the pot or basket. Near the pot or basket cut the micro tubing and add a 1/4″ tee. To the tee,
connect a length of micro tubing, which becomes the feederline. Run the micro tubing feederline into
the pot or basket. Inside the pot or a basket, split the mictotube into two feederlines using an additional
1/4″ tee and two pieces of micro tubing, 3″-5″ length. At the end of each micro tubing feederline, add one
dripper and secure the dripper using the tubing holder stake.
Ideally when everything is connected and running, each pot on a system should begin to drain water
at about the same time. If this is not happening, it is usually because there are various pot sizes. A 1/4″
valve can be added to control the ow to each pot or section of pots. When planning out your system, it is
common to group like-size containers on one line, sectioning out the pots. In this situation, a single 1/4″
valve can control the ow to a number of similar sized pots. If this is not possible because of the layout of
the pots, which is common, a 1/4″ valve can be added to each line to individually control the water to the
pots. This ball valve will allow you to adjust the ow by turning the knob to either side.
Note: There are two ball valves available in the kit. If more ball valves are needed, use Model D33A,
Part #65.
1.800.322.9146 FAX: 760.727.0282
DIG CORPORATION 3 YEAR WARRANTY
DIG CORPORATION warrants these products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period of three years from date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident,
misuse, neglect, modification or improper installation. This warranty shall extend only to the original
purchaser and user of the product. The obligation of DIG CORPORATION under this warranty is limited
to repairing or replacing at its factory this product. This product must be returned to the factory within
three years after the original purchase and upon examination, is found to contain defects in material and
workmanship.
DIG CORPORATION SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND; THE SOLE OBLIGATION OF DIG BEING LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT
APPLY TO YOU.
Unattended use for prolonged periods without inspection to verify proper operation, is beyond the
intended use of this product. Any damage resulting from such use shall not be the responsibility of DIG
CORPORATION. There are no warranties which extend beyond the description on the face hereof. In the
case of purchase of the product for use other than for irrigation purposes, DIG CORPORATION hereby
disclaims any implied warranties, including any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose. In the case of the purchase of the product for personal, family or household purposes, DIG
CORPORATION disclaims any such warranties to the extent permitted by law. To the extent that any such
disclaimer or implied warranties shall be ineffectual, then any implied warranties shall be limited
in duration to a period of three years from the date of the original purchase for use by the purchaser.
Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may
not apply to you.
In order to obtain performance under this warranty, the unit must be returned to the factory, along with
proof of purchase indicating original date of purchase, shipping prepaid, addressed as follows:
DIG CORPORATION, 1210 Activity Drive, Vista, CA 92081. Repaired or replaced units will be shipped
prepaid to the name and address supplied with the unit returned under warranty. Allow four weeks for
repairs and shipping time. Repair of damaged units, not otherwise within warranty may be refused or
done at a reasonable cost or charge at the option of DIG CORPORATION.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state
to state.
www.digcorp.com
dig@digcorp.com
1210 Activity Drive
Vista, CA 92081-8510
Printed in the USA. We at DIG strongly believe in conservation.
Please recycle whenever possible. 072318 26-009

Summary

Installation Instructions

Introduction

Provides an overview of the DIG model FM01AS Drip Watering Kit and its purpose for efficient plant irrigation.

About Your Patio Drip Watering Kit

Details the kit's design for irrigating up to 10 pots, with expansion capabilities and part familiarization.

Planning Suggestion

Guides users on determining dripper needs per pot size and optimizing water flow for consistent watering.

Installation Steps

Faucet Connection

Connects the 3/4" FHT backflow device, pressure regulator, and compression adapter to the faucet or hose end timer.

Microtubing Placement & Connection

Instructions for laying out 1/4" micro tubing and connecting it to the adapter, side-to-side, no barb needed.

Connecting 1;4 Tees

Details on cutting micro tubing and inserting 1/4" tees to connect feeder lines to plants, with flushing advice.

Connect 1;4 Ball Valve (optional)

Explains how to attach a 1/4" ball valve to control flow rate for individual containers or sections.

Flush the Line

Procedure to turn on water and flush the system for 10-20 seconds to remove debris.

Installing Drip Emitters

Guidance on inserting drip emitters into micro tubing ends for small containers and reference to larger container options.

Secure Micro tubing

Instructions to secure the micro tubing to patios, containers, or planters using 1/4" C-clamps.

System Start Up

Steps for turning on water, adjusting ball valves, and optimizing watering duration for plant health.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The DIG Model FM01AS Drip Watering Kit is designed for efficient irrigation of plants in hanging baskets, pots, and planters. This kit aims to maximize water efficiency and promote abundant plant growth. It includes all necessary components to set up a drip system for up to 10 pots or baskets, with the flexibility to expand the system to irrigate up to 15.

Function Description:

The FM01AS kit provides a complete drip irrigation solution, delivering water directly to the plant root zone, minimizing waste and promoting healthier plants. It operates by connecting to a standard outdoor faucet and distributing water through 1/4" micro tubing to individual drip emitters placed in each pot or basket. The system includes a backflow preventer to ensure water safety, a pressure regulator to maintain optimal operating pressure, and various connectors and fittings for flexible installation.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Maximum Incoming Pressure: 80 PSI.
• Pressure Regulation: Includes a 3/4" FHT x MHT 25-PSI Preset Pressure Regulator to ensure consistent water flow and protect the system from high pressure.
• Dripper Flow Rate: Features 1-GPH (Gallon Per Hour) PC Drippers, providing a precise and consistent water delivery rate.
• Tubing: Comes with 60 feet of 1/4" Micro Tubing for distributing water to individual plants.
• Fittings: Includes 1/4" Barbed Connectors, Elbows, and Tees for creating custom layouts and branching the micro tubing.
• Control: Two 1/4" Barbed Ball Valves are included for adjusting or shutting off water flow to individual lines or sections of pots.
• Backflow Prevention: Equipped with a 3/4" FHT x MHT Backflow Device to prevent contaminated water from re-entering the main water supply.
• Installation: Designed for outdoor use only. Threaded fittings should be tightened by hand; no wrench or Teflon tape is required.

Usage Features:

• Ease of Installation: The kit is designed for straightforward installation, with clear step-by-step instructions provided. Components like the micro tubing can be easily connected to the compression adapter without barbs. Soaking micro tubing in hot water can ease the installation of barbed fittings.
• Scalability: The system can be expanded beyond the initial 10-pot capacity to accommodate up to 15 pots or baskets by purchasing additional parts individually from a DIG distributor.
• Customizable Layouts: Various barbed fittings (tees, elbows, connectors) allow users to create a customized drip system layout to suit different garden configurations, whether for single pots, groups of similar-sized containers, or hanging baskets.
• Targeted Watering: Drip emitters deliver water directly to the plant's root zone, reducing water loss due to evaporation and runoff, which is particularly beneficial for potted plants and hanging baskets.
• Flow Control: The included 1/4" barbed ball valves allow for individual flow adjustment to specific containers or sections of pots. This is useful for optimizing water delivery based on plant type, size, and specific water requirements, especially when different-sized pots are grouped together.
• Automation Compatibility: The system can be automated by integrating a battery- or solar-powered timer (e.g., DIG BO9D or EVO100, not included) for scheduled watering.
• Secure Placement: 1/4" Tubing C-Clamps are provided to secure the micro tubing to patios, containers, or planters, ensuring a neat and stable setup. Tubing holder stakes are used to secure drippers within pots.
• Versatility: The kit supports different watering strategies for various pot sizes. For baskets up to 10", one dripper per pot is recommended. For larger baskets (12"-18"), two drippers per pot are suggested, with instructions on how to split the micro tubing into two feederlines using an additional 1/4" tee.

Maintenance Features:

• Flushing Capability: Before installing drip emitters, the system should be flushed for 10-20 seconds to clear any debris from the micro tubing, preventing clogs.
• Regular Monitoring: After initial setup, users are advised to monitor the system to determine the optimal run time for sufficient irrigation without excess runoff. This involves checking how long it takes for all pots to drain and then setting the irrigation schedule 1-2 minutes less than that time.
• Post-Installation Checks: After a week of operation, users should check the soil moisture and plant health, adjusting watering times as needed to ensure proper hydration and prevent overwatering.
• Warranty: DIG Corporation provides a three-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase. This warranty covers repair or replacement of defective products, provided they are returned to the factory with proof of purchase. It does not cover damage from accident, misuse, neglect, modification, or improper installation. The warranty is limited to the original purchaser and user.

DIG FM01AS Specifications