AWS can it be used on a second story deck?

[kellywdvm@hotmail.com]

I have 4 earth boxes and I am planning on getting a few more.  I was looking to add in the AWS.  Our boxes are on our second story deck.  The hose connection to the house is right below the deck.  Will the AWS work if the boxes are essentially a floor above?

Thanks

[gardendoc]

Sure, as long as the faucet is on and the system is pressurized

[Mary-Alice]

Please do be aware that many rooftop and deck gardens have had problems because of weight and water issues.

You did not mention how big your second story deck was....be aware that decks have limited load capacities and it sounds like you are wanting to keep adding to your container gardening. You might need to make a few modifications regarding decking/flooring, reinforcements, etc....

[lite1]

I would recommend (and in some localities it is code requirement) that you have a back flow preventer to avoid the risk of cross contamination. Household water is potable water (used for drinking; cooking; washing); irrigation water is not potable. For each foot of elevation above the water source (in your case hose bibb) you are creating about 0.4 PSI of pressure so if EBs are 10' vertically above hose bibb the back pressure is 4PSI - that isn't enormous, but certainly increases potential for cross contamination.

An inexpensive back flow preventer that wold be put on on hose bibb first before any other devices might be warranted. People ignore cross contamination "issues/potential" all the time, and probably often get away without problems. However one might also be skating on thin ice.

Here is link to professional irrigation design website from which I have learned a lot; I'd recommend reading about back flow. https://www.irrigationtutorials.com/irrigation-backflow-preventers/