Landscape and Turf Installation

Buried Depth: 4-8 inches

Installation Methods (discussed below): KISSS plow, before topsoil, trenching.

Time: Can be installed at least as fast as most overhead systems

Other Materials:  Other material required to function/operate properly (discussed in chart below).  No requirements exceed needs of a standard subsurface drip irrigation system

KISSS systems are tied together using special labor saving fittings combined with valves, solenoids, pressure reducers, etc.  Header pipes basically supply the water to the system acting as a valve controlled sub-main to the main water line.  The header pipes can be of a variety of materials including PVC, high density polyethylene tubing, or low density polyethylene tubing and run the width of the installation area. 

Below Flow branches off of the header pipes using specialized  labor saving fittings (specially supplied by SES--see KISSS installation manuals for details..

 

Below is three steps you should take in preparation to install Below Flow in your next project.  For detailed information and certification information please refer to the Below Flow Manuals available in the download section of this web site.

STEP 1:  Soil Testing

We offer various flow rates in our Below Flow products (see specification data for more info) due to the variety of soil types which all hold different water absorbing capabilities.  There is a general reference table for capillary ability of each soil type, however, we always recommend a soil test be accomplished before installation of Below Flow as those numbers are just TYPICAL values form our experience.The KISSS capillary soil test does the following:

1. Spacing for Below Flow
2. Depth of Below Flow products
3. Duration and frequency of irrigation cycles
4. Soil amendments you may want to consider for optimum plant health and water holding ability
5. Is KISSS the right product for your application?

The Specialized KISSS Plow Implement:

Below Flow can be "plowed" into the ground using our specialized KISSS plow implement.  The plow was built to install KISSS below flow systems.

This is a big benefit since it allows you to plow the material into a turf area and leave the site with nearly zero evidence an extensive below ground irrigation system was installed.

Our implement for turf usually accommodates up to 2 rows at a time (depending on the power of the machine tasked with pulling it).  When a roll of material runs out--the plow is stopped, the roll is replaced and joined to the previous line with a fitting, then the installation continues.

 

New Installation:

Below Flow is also installed on prepared ground in a new installation.  The material is laid down on the ground between header and footer pipes (or weave throughout an area if doing a serpentine installation) and pinned to the ground using some type of ground staples much like the ones used in a drip irrigation installation.

This is a good way to install as the system can be tested visually to ensure proper installation procedures were followed. Remember, special care must be taken when backfilling these types of installations.

Trenching:

Below Flow can be trenched into the ground in existing applications.  Sometimes this is necessary such as in existing rose gardens or turf areas which aren't accessible with the KISSS plow. 

In any case, however, this is not the preferred method when compared to the plow as it leaves evidence of installation for roughly 1-4 weeks following the installation as well as requiring significantly more labor than with the KISSS plow implement.  However, sometimes this is the only option for installations in narrow or un accessible areas.