Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQ

K-Line Product FAQs

What is the minimum amount of pressure required to operate sprinklers?

The last sprinkler in the pod line will need to be supplied with at least 35 PSI (although some systems can work with slightly less pressure). The amount of pressure required at the supply pump(s) depends upon the size, type, and length of both underground and aboveground pipe, possibly including the rise in terrain that must be overcome. A local NRCS agent, pump supplier, or pipe trencher will be able to help you size a pump for your system.

How much water supply is necessary to operate a K-Line system?

In an ideal situation, the application rate, which is dependent upon crop type, soil moisture-holding capacity, shift frequency, and evapotranspiration rate, determines the supply rate. We have various sprinklers and nozzles available that can apply anywhere from 2 - 5+ GPM. Multiplying the number of sprinklers by the desired application rate determines the total water supply requirements for a piece of property.

 A general rule of thumb to follow is that you need 3 GPM, per inch, per week, per irrigated acre.

Example: If you want to apply 1.5" per week to a three-acre parcel...

3 GPM x 1.5" x 1 week x 3 acres = 13.5 GPM

Can K-Line irrigate any piece of property?

K-Line was designed to be the most flexible, cost-effective, efficient irrigation system on the market. If the piece of property in question can be accessed by an ATV, it can be irrigated with K-Line. Additionally, K-Line’s unique combination of flexibility and durability allows it to be towed across rough terrain, manipulated without having to remove or augment existing objects (trees, fences, waterways, etc.), and designed for use in odd-shaped areas.

How long will K-Line Systems Last?

Considering normal use, K-Line tubing and pods are expected to last at least ten years. However, there are many systems in the United States and abroad that we are aware of that are 20+ years old and have required little to no maintenance requirements outside of occasionally splicing a pipe crack after multiple kinks have occurred in the same spot. 

What are the maintenance requirements of K-Line?

"Simplicity" was the word in mind while going through the design process of inventing K-Line. Not only is it easy to operate, nearly anyone can repair it (which is rarely even necessary). The only regular maintenance requirements are draining at the season's end, unplugging the occasionally clogged sprinkler nozzle, and splicing the rare break in lines if/when kinked multiple times over. 

I have multiple areas needing supplemental irrigation. Can I transport K-Line between these areas?

This can usually be done. It works best when pieces of property needing irrigation are of similar shape and/or size.

I'm looking for an irrigation solution for rented property. Is K-Line a good option?

Absolutely! K-Line’s transportability means that it can easily be picked up and moved or stored. It’s always yours and can be moved onto a new piece of property in the future if need be. Furthermore, if underground supply lines are not dug in such a way to get a riser to the center of each zone, additional K-Line or flexible lay-flat water hose (fire hose) can be extended from the water source to the center of each zone, creating a temporary riser.

I want to irrigate an area that may have livestock in it at the same time. Will this be an issue with K-Line?

No. We have stock guards available to place over the top of pods which ensures that livestock hoof action will not break sprinklers or fittings and does not hinder water application.

If the K-Line pipe becomes kinked, will it ruin the tubing?

No. K-Pipe must become kinked in the same place multiple times before it creates a leak or splits open. If this happens, our fittings can be used to splice the two sections back together.

Can I fertigate with a K-Line system?

Yes. You can run fertilizers and other crop chemicals through K-Line just as you would with any other form of irrigation. Furthermore, the true value of fertigating with K-Line is that areas of a field can be micromanaged. With other forms of mainstream irrigation, the only option is to blanket a field with an average amount of chemical needed. With K-Line, select areas can be pre-wetted with water before or after chemical application and the operator can choose to add more, less, or no chemical to certain areas of a field vs. others. This is just one example of the management flexibility and environmental stewardship benefits that K-Line offers that other irrigation options can’t.

Can I "test" K-Line on a small portion of a larger field before designing the entire field with it?

Absolutely! However, you will want to consider sizing the underground supply pipe (and possibly the pump) to be of adequate size if/when the entire area is irrigated.

What is the difference between the “bulk” K-Line product and prepackaged Farm Packs?

Farm Packs are complete prepackaged K-Line irrigation systems that include pods, K-Pipe, sprinklers, fittings, some helpful installation tools, and an instructional manual. These are tailored toward acreages of 11 or fewer acres (but can certainly be used on larger-scale operations, too). For operations of greater than 11 acres, it’s often best to work with a localized K-Line dealer and design specialist who will create a custom design for your property from “bulk” materials. This is helpful in ensuring a customer doesn’t purchase more inventory or spare parts than is necessary for their project and permits the inclusion of “non-standard” components if/when necessary.

How much area I can irrigate with a K-Line Farm Pack?

This is highly variable and dependent upon multiple factors. However, a general rule-of-thumb is less than one acre, up to eleven acres. You can utilize this chart and/or this chart to help identify which size system is right for you and if it’s necessary to combine two Farm Packs to adequately serve your irrigated area.

How often are K-Line systems moved?

Typically, systems are relocated to a new “set” once every 24 hours. However, it is possible to relocate a pod line every 12 hours if sufficient labor is available. Increasing the relocation rate to 12 hours saves on upfront product investment but increases labor demands and requires a higher application rate (which increases operating water volume requirements). The 12-hour method is often preferred, or even necessary, for areas where productive forage growth is desired but soil moisture holding capacity is low (sandy soils). 

How do I determine my irrigation rate requirements and return time? How do I know which nozzle color to use in my sprinklers?

Irrigation rates are determined mostly by evaluating soil moisture holding capacity and evapotranspiration rate. These rates vary highly by region within North America and even from field to field (and within sections of fields). A local expert such as an NRCS specialist or agronomist can help you identify what the optimal application rate for your field will be, ensuring you’re providing adequate water for optimal forage growth but not overwatering and wasting resources. Each Farm Pack is supplied with our three most popular nozzle options which can be swapped out to adjust application rates. Three additional nozzles (purple, blue and green) can be purchased separately if they are needed for your situation.  

In more arid and sandy regions where water is scarce and/or soil moisture holding capacity is low, red and orange nozzles which can apply 2.3” - 2.7” per 24-hour set period will be the more appropriate nozzle selection. In areas of the continent where soil water holding capacity is higher and/or water is more abundant, higher application rates closer to 4” - 5” per 24-hour set period can be achieved with a black nozzle. 

This chart will assist you in identifying the application rate of each nozzle in inches/hour (@ 43.5 PSI). Multiply the number under the nozzle by either 12 or 24 hours, depending upon your intended set duration. Note that application rates will vary depending upon supplied PSI being more or less than 43.5 PSI.

What sort of equipment is needed to move K-Line?

Most K-Line owners use an ATV or UTV to relocate K-Line pod lines. However, small lawn tractors and lawnmowers are also sufficient. We’re even aware of some producers who use a horse to move their systems! It is always advisable to move K-Line systems when they are turned on so the K-Pipe remains filled with water. This provides rigidity to the K-Pipe which permits the system to be moved and manipulated in a more natural manner and prevents kinking of the K-Pipe. Be aware, because of this, systems over 4 or 5 pods long may be too heavy for some lawnmowers and horses to tow. 

Ordering

What size should I buy?

If you’re not quite sure which size is right for you, refer to our size guides with each product. They are located in the product photographs and/or product details for each relevant product. If you're still not sure, please reach out to us, directly.

Can I cancel my order?

We completely get it, we change our minds too! Once an order is placed you will have an approximately 12-24 hour window available to cancel your order before it ships. Please reach out to us by phone ASAP if this happens.

Shipping, Returns & Exchanges

Given the diversity of size of our products, we ship a variety of ways depending on each order. Large items such as Farm Packs and watering troughs ship LTL freight. Most small parts ship via UPS and very small parts such as o-rings and sprinkler nozzles ship via USPS (when ordered alone).

What is the shipping policy?

Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that our fulfillment team has received your order. Once your order is fulfilled, you will receive an email notification with your tracking information. Shipping fees are non-refundable in the case of returns.

You can review our full Shipping Policy, here.

Do you ship overseas?

Currently, our online store is only set up to ship within the continental United States. If you are from Canada or Mexico, we can ship to you but you will need to reach out to us directly, prior to placing your order, so we can properly arrange and charge for shipping.

Get in touch

Have questions about your order, or a general inquiry?