The drip irrigation system is a set of precise irrigation machinery, with many components being plastic products. Therefore, it is essential to handle it with care during operation, avoiding forceful twisting of knobs and switches. When opening various containers, pay attention to the positions of small parts to prevent loss, ensuring they can be reassembled correctly.

       I. Maintenance Before the Start of the Irrigation Season

1. Filter Section: Before the first irrigation of the season with a media filter, fill the tank with water and add one packet of chlorine balls. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then backflush each unit once according to normal procedures. This pre-backflushing helps stir the media, loosening the particles and expanding the contact surface. Afterwards, thoroughly clean all parts of the filter and tighten all screws.

2. Check the components of the fertilizer tank or injection pump and their connections to the system for correctness. Remove any accumulated debris from the tank to prevent it from entering the pipeline system.

3. Inspect all end risers for damage or missing end caps. Repair or replace them promptly if found.

4. Check all valves, pressure regulators, and their connecting microtubing. Repair any defects immediately.

5. Close the drain valves at the bottom of the main and lateral pipes.

II. Maintenance at the End of Each Irrigation Season

1. High-Pressure Flushing of the Entire System: Open the end caps of each lateral and main pipe in sequence according to the irrigation groups. Start the pump and flush each section with high pressure, striving to clean out all debris from the pipes. Then reinstall the end caps.

2. Filter System: After completing the high-pressure pipe flushing, thoroughly clean the filter(s) and drain all water.

a. If the filter is a disc filter with a sand separator, first clean each disc stack thoroughly. Then, dry the sealing ring inside the plastic housing with a dry cloth and replace it. Next, open the threaded plug at the end of the sand collection chamber to discharge accumulated material and drain the water. Finally, set the selector knob below the filter pressure gauge to the vent position.

b. If the filter is a media filter, first open the tank's lid. Check the quantity of sand/gravel filter media and compare it with the markings on the tank. Replenish any shortage promptly to avoid affecting filtration quality. Remove any floating matter from the filter media. Simultaneously, add one packet of chlorine balls to each tank. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then start the system and backflush each tank twice for 120 seconds each. Afterwards, open the filter lid and the drain valve at the bottom of the tank to completely drain all water. Then set the selector knob below the filter pressure gauge to the vent position. If the tank surface or the metal plating on the metal inlet pipes is damaged, remove rust immediately and repaint.

c. If the filter is a media filter with a secondary disc filter, in addition to repeating steps in 2.2.2, clean the discs thoroughly and dry the sealing ring inside the housing.

III. Maintenance of the Fertilization System

Before performing maintenance, turn off the water pump. Open the fertilizer injection port connected to the main pipe and the water inlet driving the injection system to release pressure.

1. If the fertilizer applicator is an injection pump with a plastic fertilizer tank, first rinse the tank clean with water and open the lid to air dry. Then rinse the injection pump clean with water, disassemble it, remove the drive piston, and apply the provided lubricant to the components for normal lubrication maintenance. Wipe all parts dry and reassemble.

2. If using a fertilizer tank, carefully clean out any residual liquid inside and let it air dry. Then, remove the hoses from the tank, rinse them clean with water, and store them inside the tank.

IV. Maintenance of Other Field Equipment

Before winter arrives, to prevent pipes from freezing and cracking due to severe cold, three points should be noted in northern regions.

1. Open the drain valves located at the bottom of the main and lateral pipes in the field to drain as much water as possible. These valves do not need to be closed during winter.

2. Set the manual switches of all field valves to the open position.

3. Straighten all drip irrigation lines in the field, avoiding twists or kinks. If lines are retrieved for winter storage, also ensure they are not stored in a twisted state.