How to Connect Drip Irrigation to a Hose Bibb, Faucet or Spigot - and automate it!

Watch and learn how to connect a drip irrigation system to a hose bibb. In addition to the initial connection at the faucet, I'll show you the step-by-step process to create a simple, automated DIY drip irrigation system to easily water your plants - including how to attach drip emitters and micro-tubing. No plumbing skills required!
**A note about backflow prevention: It's best practice to include a backflow prevention device in any irrigation system to prevent contaminants from entering your water supply. I forgot to mention it in this video because we're working on a dedicated irrigation line (separate from our house water) that already has a backflow device installed upstream. If you do not have a backflow preventer already installed, add one separately or use a 4-in-1 faucet adapter (rather than a 3-in-1 I used in the video) that has a backflow device included - linked below.
The written blog article that accompanies this video (with photos) can be found here:
homesteadandchill.com/connect...
Supplies used in this video:
-1/2" irrigation tubing: www.amazon.com/dp/B000WU5GGQ?...
- 4-in-1 faucet adapter (including backflow preventer): www.amazon.com/dp/B076C7G7NF?...
- 3-in-1 faucet adapter (no backflow preventer): www.amazon.com/dp/B004LP5WRQ?...
- 2 outlet hose timer: www.amazon.com/dp/B008VDULGG?...
- Single outlet hose timer: www.amazon.com/dp/B004INGS8S?...
- Y-Valve or hose splitter: www.amazon.com/dp/B07RF14N5L?...
- Drip emitters: www.amazon.com/dp/B0049C76S4?...
-A punch, used to add holes and attach emitters to the ½” black supply line. We used a simple hand punch in the video, but this option is much easier to use: www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y5MV6CP?...
- Galvanized landscape staples/stakes: www.amazon.com/dp/B01EWH0VWS?...
- 1/4" micro tubing: www.amazon.com/dp/B01J34X08C?...

[@IwillBEme4U]

This is the best and most straight forward drip how to/installation demonstration on youtube. Thanks so much!

[@kevinsharpe9388]

How could you possibly know that? Have you seen them all?

[@deniseholden229]

Oh my gosh, your information on the adapter is so helpful. I have all of the other parts, it was the adapter and additional information you gave is invaluable!!

[@HomesteadandChill]

So great to hear, good luck!

[@TheEmmauswalk]

Agreed. This is the best video. Home Depot and Lowes have no clue. It's installed, and the garden is happy.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thank you so much for the kind words and have fun growing!

[@user-mc3tp5sd2z]

Thanks so much! I was always intimidated by a drip system and you just showed how easy it actually is… What have I been waiting for all these years?! I’m so doing this! Thank you!

[@chowe9]

I've been off Instagram for years now. What a surprise to learn you left your old property! All that work!!!! Glad to see you establishing a new homestead. Be well.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Glad you found us!

[@deniseholden229]

Just right to it, no unkneaded filler! I appreciate that!

[@cherylthrone8775]

I'm planting some hedges for a barrier and wanted a super simple explanation of how to do a basic drip line, and this did not disappoint! Thank you so much for explaining the options so clearly and thoroughly!

[@HomesteadandChill]

We are so glad you found it helpful and it should be just what you need, good luck on your project!

[@elainekinsel1854]

Today I sent back an irrigation system it was a night mare this video seems so simple I'm going to order most of the products you showed in your video because I have about 8 pots as well as 2 raise beds thank you so very much

[@HomesteadandChill]

We also have a video on how to hook up drip line to containers or raised garden beds that may be helpful as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYPcdpqkaqZkn9E

[@selfcarewithashley6801]

This is the best irrigation video I've seen. It was so straight forward. I can't wait for spring to set one up!

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thank you so much and we are looking forward to spring as well, have fun growing!

[@BrandonBeckham]

Thanks for this video 👍We're in the Nevada high desert 🏜 so we need to get a quick system in to water 💧 our new plants and trees.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your new plant and trees!

[@user-xw2ie4ti7t]

Fantastic video. Love how straightforward all your videos are. As a lifelong gardener, I've tried many styles of gardening. I was looking online for larger garden designs to increase our family's produce. I was really not excited about the standard row market garden. Then I found your videos! I'm so excited and inspired to see how you've combined your fruit trees, veggies and FLOWERS! Thank you for sharing all of your beautiful projects.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thank you so much for the kind words and are glad to hear you find the videos so helpful and straightforward. Good luck on growing more food for your family and have fun growing along the way!

[@kr13100]

Omg thank you so much for this video- so much better than buying kits that are so expensive and really missing components that connect to a hose!

[@susan-almosta_farm8823]

YAYA!!! Was so excited when I saw you had vlogs again! This is so awesome!! Thank you for explaining the different ways and especially showing it too to use a drip irrigation.

[@HomesteadandChill]

You're so welcome! I'm glad it's helpful. Thank you for your mutual excitement too!

[@Ujeb08]

by far the best, simplest explanation and demo of an home irrigation system I've seen after days of searching. Thank you

[@AThedbl]

Thanks so much! Looked all over KZbin and couldn’t find something that was clear. Great instruction..thanks so much!

[@HomesteadandChill]

So glad to hear it was so helpful for you, thanks for watching!

[@jimreeves9510]

So glad ur back making vids! Great channel!

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

Wow what an awesome thero demonstration of how to install a drip system. I will be reviewing this video again once I'm ready to install mine. Thank you

[@adrianleo325]

So helpful!!! Thank for the tips, I'm not intimidated anymore

[@HomesteadandChill]

Well great! My work here is done then 😉

[@bellce0]

Fantastic how-to video for those of us new to drip irrigation! The 3 in 1 adapter was a great discovery for me as I was concerned about leakage at the spigot. Look forward to learning more at this channel.

[@KimbesasCloset]

Thanks! Your timing is great because I'm planning for next year. Never done drip before and I think it will help me improve the garden and save me time!

[@HomesteadandChill]

It definitely will! Set it and forget it! (Aside from checking the batteries on occasion of course) :) Thanks for tuning in!

[@ritalr15]

Thanks for showing how to simplify the process

[@barrybird67]

You made that look very easy and enjoyable to watch. Will be using this system on my raised beds and hanging baskets. 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Opal1129]

Thank you for taking the time to explain

[@HomesteadandChill]

You are very welcome!

[@kendrac5191]

This was super helpful! I was very intimidated by setting up a drip system before watching!

[@HomesteadandChill]

So glad to hear it was so helpful to you! It really isn't nearly as difficult as it may seem, good luck!

[@MannyC711]

Wow! The easiest explained drip irrigation install!!! Thank you!! I’m going to shine!!

[@charliecharlie6387]

Very good. Right to the point. Easy to understand.

[@namienamva5706]

Thank you, this was super helpful!

[@suzanherzig327]

One of the best youtube DIY videos I've seen. You are awseome

[@HomesteadandChill]

That's quite the compliment, thank you so much for watching!

[@loreleipepi3389]

This gives a really clear and thorough step-by-step of the irrigation system. Thanks for making and sharing this!

[@HomesteadandChill]

Glad you found it helpful and thanks for watching.

[@captainzeppos]

Thats was very educating, especially the part about the pressure regulator with the filter. Going to see how it scales up to about 1000ft of peripheral irrigation using a 3/4 tube and if a water pump will also be needed.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thank you so much and best of luck to you!

[@profesoramallen]

This looks much easier than I thought! Thanks for the inspiration ❤️

[@jimmyqualls7052]

Are you on public water system? Vacuum break required?

[@robertblesse5108]

Thanks so much, I loved this video. This was a very thorough and well-produced video. It is very helpful to me as I install some drip irrigation in my raised beds. BTW - I'm a CSU, Chico grad and worked at Cal Poly SLO for four years back in the late 1970s. I love the Central Coast! Now I'm mostly living in Plumas County in NE CA. Take care! 🌻

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thanks for watching and looks like we have had the same stomping grounds through life! Plumas county is beautiful, Aaron spent a lot of time at Lake Almanor growing up and we camped there a few times as adults as well. Good luck with your irrigation system and have fun growing!

[@okkop10]

This video is so helpful. Thank you. I would also really like to know how you got such a large area completely weed free. We have on an acreage and fighting weeds especially on untouched forest fields is incredibly hard. Wonder if there is an easier way. Thanks.

[@rebeccacarlin6103]

I've been wanting to learn how to do this! Thank you!

[@HomesteadandChill]

You're welcome! I hope it helps!

[@DanielPMBA]

Thank you so much. It's the best video ever! You deserves one million subs. I learnt it and then clicked your links. I did not find the figure 8 end caps, and I had to find the 2gallon emitters instead of the one gallon on your link.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Hope you were still able to find the figure 8 end cap and 2 gallon emitters work fairly well and are the emitters we use most. Thanks for watching and glad you found the video helpful.

[@dawitamare8728]

Thanks so much, you make my flower and trees beautiful.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Glad to hear that, thank you!

[@GardensInDesert]

I love and enjoy your videos! May I present some insights? I have found the brown 1/4" poly tubing to calcify in the sun, whereas the black is more supple, so if you need to bend it or change out the emiter, the brown won't go on a new barb, it is too dried out (so choose the black if available). Also purchase the connector straight barbs in the pack of 10, instead of using the barbs that come with the emitter on stakes ( that twist off) because trying to insert them into the 1/2" poly tubing, it wants to bend the tubing as they don't go in easily, and bends are not good. So the pack of 10 straight connects go in like a breeze! Also, I always use a connect, and piece of tubbing, because if you ever need to pull out the emiter that was placed directly into the 1/2", it will rip when the barb is pulled out to switch it to something else. Whereas, with a tubing to emitter, you cut the tubing and put on a new piece and again, if that tubing is brown, it won't accept it because it calcifies and gets hard a year down the line. I had to switch out my emitters, and move them around until I got the right combination! Also the best poker to use to make a hole was from a nursery I found, that looks like a mouses ear with a nail point, and it was bright yellow hard plastic. That area behind the nail point was hollow and that is where you slipped in the straight connector to help pop it in. (The mouses ear description, describes how you hold it between thumb and forefinger). Hopefully the description can assist in identifying it at the store, or amazon All the best! I am excited for you!

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thanks for sharing your insight!

[@Will324]

I set a similar system like this up in 2 large greenhouses at a marijuana farm I worked on a few years ago. Great info.

[@arabianknight47]

You made this look so easy, thanks so much for the thorough vid. Going to give it a try!

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thank you so much and good luck with your project!

[@benjamin_herzberger]

This is a fantastic video.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thank you so much!

[@joshs1332]

Thank you for this video!!!!

[@cathybird9763]

You make it so clear and simple!

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thanks for watching!

[@djamrit510]

Love your videos! Thank you!

[@cherylguarino2323]

Thank you so much. This is really going to help me out.

[@HomesteadandChill]

That's great to hear, good luck on your project!

[@greggschroeder]

This is great. Such simple and straightforward presentation. I feel like I can now take this on. Thank you!

[@christinelinguanti5499]

Love your videos. Always clear and precise. would love to see your garden after 6 months or so for growth and to know if you've had any challenges with the irrigation system.

[@teinahenderson4182]

Perfect timing for this video! Thank you for sharing 🤗

[@danmeeks2571]

Very helpful video. Simple, understandable and to the point. Thanks!!

[@90abyss]

very nice video! many thanks!

[@t81629]

This was exactly what I was looking for, thank you.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Glad to hear it was so helpful, good luck!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

So helpful! Thanks

[@mykvass]

So detailed as usual...........love your channel !thanks

[@greenwichtahoe7341]

very helpful video. thank you

[@bettygentry9672]

THANK YOU! Excellent video!

[@rebeccarosas8935]

Could you connect a PVC system with the hose bib? Thank you so much for your videos! I've watched them over and over again.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Hi there! I'm not 100% sure what you mean so please clarify if I'm off track, but do you mean to connect PCV pipes at the end of a hose bibb - then run that to beds and what not? If so, yes there are hose faucet-to-PVC adapters you can buy and screw on. I also just posted a new easy raised bed drip irrigation video yesterday that you may like, which also connects to a faucet. Hope that helps!

[@cgg2571]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@Shin-ei_Official]

Very helpful!!! Thanks for posting!

[@JMV21377]

Such a great and informative video. Thank you!

[@abbytomkiewicz2232]

This was perfect and exactly what I needed. Thanks

[@ruthnoronha8206]

great video. I have been struggling and it just will not flow, I love your video, it was well explained. I am going to keep trying.

[@dayakaryadav1381]

Good demo .

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thank you!

[@eaglehillsgardens1470]

So helpful, thanks.

[@imogenbegns]

Thanks for the links. And great explanation

[@KunaiThunder]

This was super helpful! Thank you 😊

[@HomesteadandChill]

So glad to hear it!

[@runningxcdaily]

Great video!!!

[@marcusjohnson8608]

I needed to see this video 🙏🏾 Thank you

[@HomesteadandChill]

Hope it helped Marcus and thanks for watching!

[@Cowandhenvintage]

Thank you for the info 👍

[@naturegirllover]

Very handy thank you very much

[@HomesteadandChill]

You are very welcome!

[@BMine1111]

This was by far, the best walk through of a drip system I've seen, and I've been researching for awhile. You're explanation from start to finish was spot on! Thank you!

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thank you so much for the kind words, so glad to hear it was helpful to you!

[@jamesdarneal6356]

thank you 🙂

[@edochs4505]

Helpful and hot!

[@hitfoods1726]

Great vid. Thx u

[@phyllisvanest7100]

THANK YOU FOR A STRAIGHT FORWARD NO FLUFF VIDEO. I am new to gardening am and was adamant about having buried drip system.. Can you put soil on top of these.

[@HomesteadandChill]

You are very welcome, you can bury the half in drip line with dirt or bark mulch but you would want the emitters to be above the soil as you ideally don't want a lot of debris getting into the emitters.

[@AC-MAIN]

well done

[@NeksGenLyfe]

Thanks for the vid. Can this work to water foundation?

[@kingdrod6721]

WOW THIS VIDEO IS BY FAR THE BEST AND EASIEST WELL EXPLAINED VIDEO THANK YOU SO MUCH 😅🙏🏽👏🏽

[@HomesteadandChill]

Thanks you so much for the kind words, glad you found it helpful!

[@pamhastings3857]

Great information. Could I hook it to a hose to reach a driveway hedge that does not have a faucet???

[@tinawolf2591]

HI great video- thanks. So I've bought some components for the hose bib drip setup with a timer. I have a "Hose Thread anti-syphon" part- But where does it go? Lots a searching doesn't show me- any thoughts or suggestions greatly appreciated. I think it might be the first thing to go on my Y adapter, before the timer?! Thanks again, Tina

[@brainhunter1000]

For those who are too cheap to buy a hold punch, I just use a hand drill with a small drill bit like those use in woodworking. Screws and screwdriver might work as well.

[@HomesteadandChill]

That could work as long as you use the correct bit size as you want it to be the same size as the emitters, also be sure not to drill all the way through the other side of the drip tubing as well.

[@SublimeTree]

Thanks for the info. Can you run your flex irrigation tubing out to garden to add another spigot on the end?

[@HomesteadandChill]

No, it is best to use PVC or metal irrigation pipe (whatever material your main water lines are going to your spigot) to run additional lines and additional spigots. This faucet actually wasn't even here when we first moved in, we continued a PVC line that was closer to the front of the property to the back fence line. Hope that helps and good luck!

[@cliff9745]

Thank you for a very concise (and comforting) video. I bought a 100ft 1/2 Rain Bird tubing roll that already has holes every 18 inches, do I still need emitters or will the pre-made holes work instead? Thanks again- excellent video!

[@HomesteadandChill]

The holes are likely emitters for water, I would double check your purchase so you know the exact GPH they emit so you can better judge how often or long to run your system. Hope that helps and good luck!

[@cliff9745]

@@HomesteadandChill And, thanks again. You were right, no emitters needed.

[@420memeshere]

Great step by step video.. Hope you can guide me to set mine up, In what order From the Faust , should all these parts go.. the pressure reducer, Y-filter, timer and a RV water filter, ( to get the chlorine out of water) . I am attaching my garden hose from the faust. , run it to the backyard to connect to the 1/2' hose I have all the parts now . I don't know what order all these should go . 🙃🤔 Bit confusing with so many parts 😊 Cheers from Toronto . Our first sunny day in 3 weeks

[@HomesteadandChill]

Hi, the length of the hose must be taken into account in terms of the length of your run. 100-200 feet is the maximum length that you should have before you start seeing noticeable pressure loss. I would attach your RV water filter to the faucet, then you attach the backflow preventer, filter, pressure regulator, garden hose (assuming it screws onto the pressure regulator), then at the end of the hose line, you attach your adapter to 1/2 inch tubing. I would run the system as is to see how much pressure you have at the end of your drip line and you may need to make some adjustments if you aren't seeing enough pressure at the end of the line. Taking out the pressure regulator could be an option to try out if you aren't seeing enough drip at the end of your line. Hope that helps and good luck!

[@lindseypie23]

Great video! Question, when you cover the drip does it clog the little ports at all? What if it’s covered with dirt?

[@HomesteadandChill]

Hi, thanks for watching! Yes we cover the drip tape with mulch and the emitters are designed to keep soil from getting inside while still being able to let water out.

[@shannongood8598]

Do you see any problem with attaching a 5'-8' leader hose to the Y at the hose bib in order to get the irrigation assembly down to ground level and enclose it inside of a valve box? My hose bib is exposed near a public sidewalk so the valve box is protection against damage from someone bumping the assembly. Those plastic parts project out quite a way off the hose bib and are pretty vulnerable. As well, this would discourage theft of the assembly, which isn't cheap.

[@hollisburkes9553]

Well done. Did you add any filtering?

[@HomesteadandChill]

They don't filter for chlorine or hard water but there is a sediment filter that comes on most 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 adapters that we have used.

[@randyman8984]

Excellent video, I'm a drip irrigation newbie ha..The only thing worries me is the 1/2 pipe seems like it wouldn't last too long, maybe I got a cheap version. Just curious what the lifetime on this 1/2 would be? I've been a gardner for a long time and just started drip irrigation and I keep asking myself why didnt iI do this a long time ago. I am definitely hooked. It seems like the plants that seem happier ifor me is the ones that's getting the sprinkler mist at the top.. and I can see why, it seems it distributes the water better imo. With the skow drip emiters I noticed that the top of the pot a small area will be wet but I'll have water running out of the bottom of the pot. If that makes sense. I am going to subscribe, thank you.

[@HomesteadandChill]

The poly tubing can actually last for quite awhile depending on how extreme the climate is where you live. Our previous property already had a drip system set up and we lived there for 8 years and had likely been installed at least 8 years before that. Keeping it covered with mulch and out of direct sunlight will also help it last longer. Best of luck and enjoy your drip system.

[@pamhastings3857]

Could I attach it to a hose instead of directly to faucet?? I have an area across driveway that doesn’t have a faucet.

[@HomesteadandChill]

Absolutely! We have an in depth article on our website if you want to take a look at various alternatives. homesteadandchill.com/connect-drip-irrigation-hose-bibb/

What if we do not have that 3-in-1 adapter? The spigot is about 30 meters away from the field where I want to set up the dripping system, and I do not want to use the dripping tubing from the spigot to the field because I am running low on it. I do have some plastic garden watering hose tho, so can I somehow transport the water from spigot to the field via garden hose and connect it to the dripping tubing?

[@HomesteadandChill]

30 meters is quite a ways for the water to travel so depending on how much water pressure you have at the faucet, it may or may not be enough pressure to fully operate the drip system. You would still need an adapter to connect the garden hose to the drip tubing itself (even if you don't have a 3 in 1 adapter), I would use a 3/4" garden hose and nothing with a smaller diameter that may restrict water flow. Another option would be to extend your waterline by essentially adding another faucet, closer to the field you want to irrigate. If the in ground irrigation line is made out of PVC and not metal, this is a lot easier to do.

[@jenniferwalters579]

My water source is against my house and my garden is UP THERE! Can I connect my irrigation hose to a water hose end?

[@maryannferencak3799]

My spigot comes out of the side of my house on my patio. I want to run a section of leader hose to the adjacent side of my house that is away from the patio to prevent running a bunch of tubing across my patio into my beds. So, my question is: Can I add a pressure regulator, timer, black tubing to the end of the leader hose? I hope this is somewhat clear!!

[@HomesteadandChill]

You can try that as a hose will attach to the hose end timer but you will have to see how much pressure you have at the end of the line once you add your drip components. It's best to go with the shortest path to the area you want to irrigate unless of course you are using PVC piping to bring water to another area. It just depends on the amount of pressure that you have coming out of the hose and how much stuff you want to irrigate with drip irrigation. Let us know how it works out for you.

[@timlist4173]

But if you have to run a line from the house to the garden across the lawn? How do you protect it frin the mower?

[@HomesteadandChill]

It is best to have the main water source as close as possible to the area you want to irrigate as to not lose too much water pressure before you get to the first emitters. In your situation you can either use threaded components that you can connect and disconnect from the main water source to move the drip tubing out of the way so you can mow, run the tubing along a border so it won't be in the direct path of your mower, or you can dig a trench and add a water line onto your main water source with PVC or metal piping (depending on your climate and location) and add a spigot or faucet to the area you want to irrigate. Hope that helps and good luck!

[@simon270490]

Thank you for your guidance. If you are able to list everything with Amazon price, it’ll be perfect!! ^^

[@HomesteadandChill]

We list links to the items in the caption, you just have to click them.

[@austinpepper]

I popped the hole straight through the hose where I was installing an emitter. How do I repair the hole on the other side of the tube?

[@HomesteadandChill]

Oops! Good thing they make "goof plugs" for that 😉 - which you can also use to plug old emitter holes if you want to modify your system. Here they are: www.amazon.com/dp/B01ANTE4BS?tag=a05d7b40-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=B01ANTE4BS&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2ENGROD1VJC1B

[@epacki]

Generally, how long do you water and how often?

[@HomesteadandChill]

It really can depend on the weather in regards to rainfall and also temperatures. If it's really hot with not a lot of rainfall, some people may have to water longer or more often. I think we have these set for a maximum of twice a week and watering for close to an hour.

[@elainekinsel1854]

Where did you get the adapter barb

[@HomesteadandChill]

Which adapter bard are you referring to?

[@regallessons]

Mine keep dripping at the faucet no matter how hard I tighten it. What should I do?

[@HomesteadandChill]

What shape is your hose bib in? If the threading at the spigot looks like it's in good shape, you can always add plumbers tape or teflon tape to the threading on the spigot itself in hopes that it creates a more watertight connection. Our systems will sometimes drip once the system is active and running, but it doesn't continue to drip in between waterings (even though the faucet is turned on). Hope that helps.

[@regallessons]

@@HomesteadandChill Thank you! I actually ordered plumbers tape in between when I posted this and now. I hope it works!

[@davideyt1242]

just a tip: the Pressure reducer should not be installed directly at the Faucet / Spigot.. it should be installed as close as possible to the irrigation line it self

[@saleemsiddiquiuk]

so you don't need filters

[@HomesteadandChill]

Hi Saleem, there is a filter in the adapter that also operates as a pressure reducer before connecting to the 1/2 inch tubing. We linked the 4 in 1 adapter in the caption of the video.

[@mckallcuffel7801]

Thank you for this video!