AWS- My hands are killing me!

[writeone]

Why do you need the hose?  I have tubing that runs all down one side of my house to boxes I have on the porch and have a splitter on the faucet.

How far does your tubing run? And what size. That makes a difference.

But the hose should also be more durable than the tubing. That's my thinking, but I'm open to learning.

[potatohead]

I've not set mine up either. I've been waiting to see how the plants do wiht my new placement.

I did check with Lowes home store. they have the same tubing for much less and an irrigation guy whoes great at answering questions. For example, he warned me that I need a large hose to go from my outside water source thats about 35 feet from my garden. The small hose will not keep the pressure needed. I found a high quality 120' hose that is the perfect length to run by the house and along the fence so it's off the beaten path. I'm also planning to putting insulation around the hose where it's in direct sun. That is to keep the water temp cooler and to protect the hose from sun damage.

Do you know what brand of tubing that is, or do you have a SKU number? It was my understanding that the AWS supplied tubing sizes are not readily available in the big box stores. The AWS kit comes with 1/8 inch tubing and what they call 1/4 inch tubing BUT it is not really 1/4 inch tubing and is not like the 1/4  inch tubing at Lowe’s and is really more like 3/8 inch. So unfortunately none of the standard tubes, barbs or fittings that are found at Lowe’s can be used (at least at my Lowe’s). The Drip Store carries 1/8 inch tubing and some 1/8  to 1/4 inch reducers but I am trying to find reducers that connect the 3/8 AWS tubing to the more readily available 1/2 tubing, so that I can hook it up to a brass pressure regulator that will not break due to our extreme heat. I was not able to find such a thing at Lowe’s or Home Depot. I was going to see if a plumber’s supply place would have it or try to find it online. But if your Lowe’s has 3/8 inch tubing and fittings that go with it, I would like to talk to them.

[mjb8743]

Do you know what brand of tubing that is, or do you have a SKU number? It was my understanding that the AWS supplied tubing sizes are not readily available in the big box stores. The AWS kit comes with 1/8 inch tubing and what they call 1/4 inch tubing BUT it is not really 1/4 inch tubing and is not like the 1/4  inch tubing at Lowe’s and is really more like 3/8 inch. So unfortunately none of the standard tubes, barbs or fittings that are found at Lowe’s can be used (at least at my Lowe’s). The Drip Store carries 1/8 inch tubing and some 1/8  to 1/4 inch reducers but I am trying to find reducers that connect the 3/8 AWS tubing to the more readily available 1/2 tubing, so that I can hook it up to a brass pressure regulator that will not break due to our extreme heat. I was not able to find such a thing at Lowe’s or Home Depot. I was going to see if a plumber’s supply place would have it or try to find it online. But if your Lowe’s has 3/8 inch tubing and fittings that go with it, I would like to talk to them.

Save yourself some trouble... 3/8 tubing and fittings are not available. The most practical solution is to scrap the 3/8 tubing and just go with 1/2".

Additionally, it's advisable to have on/off valves on each Earthbox. These won't fit the micro tubing supplied with the AWS. They are made for 1/4" tubing, NOT supplied with AWS. To the uninitiated, it's extremely confusing.

Not all tubing is created equal... Case in point:

1/4" micro tubing, poly...... Drip Store.... .170 ID x .250 OD
1/4" micro tubing, vinyl..... Dripworks..... .160 ID x .220 OD
1/4" micro tubing, vinyl..... Lowes......... .160 ID x .220 OD (Mister Landscaper brand)
1/4" tubing poly............... Earthbox..... .250 ID x .350 OD

This link is to a post by Ratedpg who has constructed a 1/2" system with the optional components, and provides a terrific photo, with labels, showing how it all goes together.

http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=2051.msg15489#msg15489

Mickie

[potatohead]

Do you know what brand of tubing that is, or do you have a SKU number? It was my understanding that the AWS supplied tubing sizes are not readily available in the big box stores. The AWS kit comes with 1/8 inch tubing and what they call 1/4 inch tubing BUT it is not really 1/4 inch tubing and is not like the 1/4  inch tubing at Lowe’s and is really more like 3/8 inch. So unfortunately none of the standard tubes, barbs or fittings that are found at Lowe’s can be used (at least at my Lowe’s). The Drip Store carries 1/8 inch tubing and some 1/8  to 1/4 inch reducers but I am trying to find reducers that connect the 3/8 AWS tubing to the more readily available 1/2 tubing, so that I can hook it up to a brass pressure regulator that will not break due to our extreme heat. I was not able to find such a thing at Lowe’s or Home Depot. I was going to see if a plumber’s supply place would have it or try to find it online. But if your Lowe’s has 3/8 inch tubing and fittings that go with it, I would like to talk to them.

Save yourself some trouble... 3/8 tubing and fittings are not available. The most practical solution is to scrap the 3/8 tubing and just go with 1/2".

Additionally, it's advisable to have on/off valves on each Earthbox. These won't fit the micro tubing supplied with the AWS. They are made for 1/4" tubing, NOT supplied with AWS. To the uninitiated, it's extremely confusing.

Not all tubing is created equal... Case in point:

1/4" micro tubing, poly...... Drip Store.... .170 ID x .250 OD
1/4" micro tubing, vinyl..... Dripworks..... .160 ID x .220 OD
1/4" micro tubing, vinyl..... Lowes......... .160 ID x .220 OD (Mister Landscaper brand)
1/4" tubing poly............... Earthbox..... .250 ID x .350 OD

This link is to a post by Ratedpg who has constructed a 1/2" system with the optional components, and provides a terrific photo, with labels, showing how it all goes together.

http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=2051.msg15489#msg15489

Mickie

Thanks, Mickie, wow!

I was going to go with the RatedPG setup. I had it half set up already due to my regulator breaking just prior to going on a vacation which made me rig up a system using standard tubing from Home Depot (DIG). I have ¼ inch tubing stuck into ½ tubing with the standard barb connectors and just regular drippers into the boxes and I had it on a timer which got me by for a week while I went away. I was going to switch it to AWS sensors by connecting the ¼ tubing to the 1/8 inch tubing with connectors from the Drip Store. But now I am hesitating because I see lots of leaks at the junctions of the ¼ inch tube to the ½ tube due to the design of punching a hole into the ½ tubing and then sticking the ¼ inch barb into it. That seems to be a weakness in the design. I feel uneasy leaving that under pressure all of the time with the potential for leaks. I like the EB AWS connectors much better, the tee reducers that connect the 1/8 inch tube to the 3/8 inch tube. I never saw a leak with that since as you know once it is on, it is on. I think I would rather use the EB AWS supplied tubing, 1/8 inch and 3/8 inch (what they call ¼ inch), with their tee reducers (much more secure and leak proof), and then somehow connect the 3/8 inch tube to a ½ inch tube with a straight reducing connector (which I can’t find at a local store so far), and then hook it all up to the new Watts brass regulator I bought. I found a website called Value Plastics that might have what I need but I need to figure out what series to get and what material would be best (nylon vs. polypropylene vs. polycarbonate, etc.). That is the plan so far. If you have any other suggestions I would welcome them.

[ErnieHodge]

Is it really worth all the hassle to save a dime here and there? Then when you get done you've used a lot more of your time that could have been used to do other things not to mention having a leak here and there.

I've seen people in our town do this and it makes no sense. They will drive 20 miles in there car to save $.25 on an 'all you can eat' fish dinner and then drive 20 miles back to the Moose Lodge where they could have already had their dinner and be having fun. How much gas did they use and how much time did they waste to save that $.25?

I must really be missing something that's really obvious that would have saved me 100's of dollars when I purchased my AWS system from Earthbox. Could someone please show me where it's really cheaper to get the parts from somewhere else instead of Earthbox.

The only thing 'non-standard' on my setup are the shut off valves that come from Drip Works and they cost $.62 each and a few elbows for turning corners that Earthbox doesn't sell.

OK, I'll quit now but I really want someone to prove to me how much money you can save buy getting your tubing and fittings somewhere else.

[potatohead]

Is it really worth all the hassle to save a dime here and there? Then when you get done you've used a lot more of your time that could have been used to do other things not to mention having a leak here and there.

I've seen people in our town do this and it makes no sense. They will drive 20 miles in there car to save $.25 on an 'all you can eat' fish dinner and then drive 20 miles back to the Moose Lodge where they could have already had their dinner and be having fun. How much gas did they use and how much time did they waste to save that $.25?

I must really be missing something that's really obvious that would have saved me 100's of dollars when I purchased my AWS system from Earthbox. Could someone please show me where it's really cheaper to get the parts from somewhere else instead of Earthbox.

The only thing 'non-standard' on my setup are the shut off valves that come from Drip Works and they cost $.62 each and a few elbows for turning corners that Earthbox doesn't sell.

OK, I'll quit now but I really want someone to prove to me how much money you can save buy getting your tubing and fittings somewhere else.

Hi, I am not trying to save money. I am trying to avoid disaster. My AWS-supplied plastic pressure regulator broke after only 7 months of use and would have caused a flood if I had not been around to disconnect it. I was very careful to not let it freeze. However, it was probably cooked in the sun and 105+ temperatures all summer and broke for that reason. EB told me that I did nothing wrong and that it just happens. I am leery of that part now given our hot climate and bought a brass one for more money than buying a new plastic one from EB (replacement is only 15 bucks so no money savings at all getting the brass one which was much more), but the problem for me is figuring out a way to hook the brass one up to the AWS system. The brass one fits onto my standard 3/4 inch hose thread bib. Then I can hook a 1/2 inch DIG hose to that with the DIG compression connector thing. I am now trying to find a 1/2 to 3/8 inch connector so I can connect the 1/2 inch hose to the 3/8 inch AWS hose. I may have found a source with the Value Plastics company but I don't know yet for sure.

[writeone]

Gee, I'm more confused than ever. I just took the AWS tubing info listed on the EB web site and did a search at Lowes web site. When I called the local lowes on the phone, I happened to get the irrigation specialist on the phone. He said they would have everything I need. He suggested I bring in the EB instructions and information so he can be sure it matches.

I never dreamed earthbox.com would say one thing about a product but <really> sell another product than described. I don't know much about any kind of irrigation, I'm a new homeowner as well as a new gardener.

As such, Lowes is practically my second home. So if I can pick up tubing there with other home care purchases, it saves me time and money.

I'm feeling very discouraged with all this. Between the inconsistent info and the fact that my garden is under attack from killer fungus, though I've tried to treat it ASAP. Now it's rained yesterday and is predicted to rain today thus I can't treat it other than cut off the infected leaves. There is practically noting left of my pole beans. They were the first to show signs of fungus, but I didn't recognize it until it was too late. Though I'm being proactive with the other plants, some are going down fast.

Anyway, I'll get back to this post when I can devote more time and concentration to understanding what's up with the AWS. I've not purchased anything but the 12 box AWS via an EB web order. But, I'm so upset that the product description is not accurate, I may ditch the whole EB AWS and find a product that is described accurately.

[seansmum]

But, I'm so upset that the product description is not accurate, I may ditch the whole EB AWS and find a product that is described accurately.

Carole
Cheer up! I'm not sure what you think is inaccurate about the description of the AWS. I have 2 systems and they are as described on th EB website. They were worth every penny.
Sue

[butterflygirl67]

Why do you need the hose?  I have tubing that runs all down one side of my house to boxes I have on the porch and have a splitter on the faucet.

How far does your tubing run? And what size. That makes a difference.

But the hose should also be more durable than the tubing. That's my thinking, but I'm open to learning.

I haven't measured the distance, but it runs across the length of 3 rooms in my house, so I would say it has to be between 25-35 feet.  I am just using the AWS tubing.  The only things not with the AWS kit are an extra filter, a hose splitter and two drippers that I installed for some global buckets (but those are off right now).

My only concern about using a hose as the starting point for your AWS is that I thought the regulator had to be above the level of the sensors (but I can't remember right now and am too lazy to search the forum)

[butterflygirl67]

But, I'm so upset that the product description is not accurate, I may ditch the whole EB AWS and find a product that is described accurately.

Carole
Cheer up! I'm not sure what you think is inaccurate about the description of the AWS. I have 2 systems and they are as described on th EB website. They were worth every penny.
Sue

I agree.  The AWS is fabulous.  I know absolutely nothing about any of this stuff and was able to set it up and have had it running for the last 3 years. 

[writeone]

The AWS kit comes with 1/8 inch tubing and what they call 1/4 inch tubing BUT it is not really 1/4 inch tubing and is not like the 1/4  inch tubing at Lowe’s and is really more like 3/8 inch. So unfortunately none of the standard tubes, barbs or fittings that are found at Lowe’s can be used (at least at my Lowe’s).

I appreciate the encouragement.

Maybe I'm reading this wrong or maybe it's an error, but this is what made me think the AWS description is incorrect.

I need something with accurate descriptions and that is compatible with other tubing.

[ErnieHodge]

Hi, I am not trying to save money. I am trying to avoid disaster. My AWS-supplied plastic pressure regulator broke after only 7 months of use and would have caused a flood if I had not been around to disconnect it. I was very careful to not let it freeze. However, it was probably cooked in the sun and 105+ temperatures all summer and broke for that reason. EB told me that I did nothing wrong and that it just happens. I am leery of that part now given our hot climate and bought a brass one for more money than buying a new plastic one from EB (replacement is only 15 bucks so no money savings at all getting the brass one which was much more), but the problem for me is figuring out a way to hook the brass one up to the AWS system. The brass one fits onto my standard 3/4 inch hose thread bib. Then I can hook a 1/2 inch DIG hose to that with the DIG compression connector thing. I am now trying to find a 1/2 to 3/8 inch connector so I can connect the 1/2 inch hose to the 3/8 inch AWS hose. I may have found a source with the Value Plastics company but I don't know yet for sure.

I wasn't talking about something like you had happen with your regulator. I will probably upgrade mine when they quit working. My AWS works great as it came from EB. I've changed my layout once and with the extra parts I ordered plus a couple of elbows it wasn't a big deal. This is what my post was about, everyone not wanting to set up their systems because they were afraid they would have to change it later on.

When you take a system that works and then try and save a couple of dollars on tubing it just seems silly and a waste of time. I think this is where the AWS doesn't work like it's 'designed'. If you change the design it becomes a slightly different system. That's just my opinion.

[potatohead]

Hi, I am not trying to save money. I am trying to avoid disaster. My AWS-supplied plastic pressure regulator broke after only 7 months of use and would have caused a flood if I had not been around to disconnect it. I was very careful to not let it freeze. However, it was probably cooked in the sun and 105+ temperatures all summer and broke for that reason. EB told me that I did nothing wrong and that it just happens. I am leery of that part now given our hot climate and bought a brass one for more money than buying a new plastic one from EB (replacement is only 15 bucks so no money savings at all getting the brass one which was much more), but the problem for me is figuring out a way to hook the brass one up to the AWS system. The brass one fits onto my standard 3/4 inch hose thread bib. Then I can hook a 1/2 inch DIG hose to that with the DIG compression connector thing. I am now trying to find a 1/2 to 3/8 inch connector so I can connect the 1/2 inch hose to the 3/8 inch AWS hose. I may have found a source with the Value Plastics company but I don't know yet for sure.

I wasn't talking about something like you had happen with your regulator. I will probably upgrade mine when they quit working. My AWS works great as it came from EB. I've changed my layout once and with the extra parts I ordered plus a couple of elbows it wasn't a big deal. This is what my post was about, everyone not wanting to set up their systems because they were afraid they would have to change it later on.

When you take a system that works and then try and save a couple of dollars on tubing it just seems silly and a waste of time. I think this is where the AWS doesn't work like it's 'designed'. If you change the design it becomes a slightly different system. That's just my opinion.

Hi Ernie, I thought some of it was directed at me since you mentioned leaks and I had mentioned leaks...sooo.....it's all ok.  

Carole, sorry for all the doom and gloom. If you set up the AWS the way it comes right out of the box you will be thrilled. I was, until my regulator broke. But my climate is very extreme (I live in the desert LOL). That was the reason for me looking for an alternative pressure regulator and a way to hook it up to the AWS. This is where people seem to run into problems, when they go astray and try to retrofit the system to something else. By itself, with no parts from Lowe's, it will work fine (except you should add a filter-see other discussions about that). So don't hesitate to set it up, but if I were you I would look here for help during set up and not ask anyone at Lowe's because they are not familiar with this (unless they happen to be an avid EB'er like you are).

Don't worry about why EB calls the tube 1/4 inch when it is not 1/4 inch. We don't know why they do that and we just accept it. But you can buy longer rolls of it from the EB store and have plenty on hand. The Lowe's person you are referring to probably thinks you are talking about regular 1/4 inch like you can buy there. It is not the same. You should bring to the store the tubing itself (not just the instructions) and compare it to what they sell there and you will see it is not the same size.

Don't get scared or frustrated and I am sure it will work great for you once you get over your fungus issues.

[ErnieHodge]

I want to add something about tubing size just so it may clear up some of the confusion.

When you use metal tubing the size is measured by O.D. (outside diameter). Pipe on the other hand is measured by I.D. (Inside diameter)

When you start looking at plastic tubing all bets are off. Some is measured O.D. and some is measured I.D..

I think this is what confuses people when they go to Lowe's or Home Depot to get their tubing. You really need to know what you have so you can get what you want or need to match up with your system.

That's why I just use the EB supplies and I don't have to worry about sizes. 

[movrshakr]

Here is a thread discussing the weird EB nomenclature on tubes and fittings...

http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=6253.0