FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) Can it be put under an existing lawn?

A1) Yes. Its cut into the lawn using a narrow trencher that minimises disturbance.

Q2) How is it put under my lawn and garden?

A2) In gardens it is laid about 5-10cm under the soil and mulch. In the lawn its trenched about 15-20cm under the turf.

Q3) How does it water the soil?

A3) KISSS® is set on a timer to deliver the required amount of water at prescribed intervals. Water flows through the geotextile spreading into the soil at the soil's natural absorption rate.

Q4) How much water will it use per week?

A4) Around 7-10 litres per sqm per week and less in winter.

Q5) What do you have to do to maintain it?

A5) Just clean the filter, flush the lines and change the timer battery. We can arrange a maintenance contract do this for you at 6-12 month intervals, or with correct instructions, you could do it yourself.

Q6) What about roots getting into it?

A6) The wetting pattern is large so the roots are not attracted to the emitters.

Q7) How long will it last?

A7) The key materials are polyester and polyethylene and with prescribed maintenance will last for many years.

Q8) Can it be repaired?

A8) Yes. The damaged materials can be replaced and joiners put in.

Q9) What does it do that is different to Drip?

A9) It waters the soil from the geotextile covering instead of the dripper.

Q10) Why KISSS exempt from most water restrictions?*

A10) KISSS is generally exempt from most water restrictions due to one simple fact; KISSS is the most efficient method of irrigation currently available on the market. This is achieved through the efficient application of water and through the installation under soil where evaporation, run off and misting are eliminated.

*You should check with your local water authority if sub surface drip irrigation is exempt in your area as water restrictions vary in different regions.

Q11) Where can I purchase it from?

A11) KISSS is only available from professional Irrigation installer/distributors/retailers. Ring IWT to locate your nearest installer/dealer/retailer.

Q12) How do I know its working?

A12) You will know that your KISSS product is working as at start up you will hear air being expelled out of the outlets and almost immediately you will notice water migrating into the geofabric. You can also dig around the garden area to ensure that water is being distributed evenly around the garden. Alternatively you can install a Netafim Indicator Flag. The Indicator flag will signal when the system is pressurized and operating correctly.

Q13) Should the KISSS product be installed with the colour tape facing up, down or to the side?

A13) The KISSS products can generally be installed in any position without compromising the integrity of the system, however it is recommended that the "Wrap" KISSS product be installed with the colour tape positioned either facing down or to the side. The Flat KISSS product be installed with the colour tape facing up.

Q14) Can I run KISSS together with sprays?

A14) KISSS will discharge water at a much lower rate and therefore should not operate together with sprayers. All KISSS products should operate from a separate control valve for greater watering flexibility.

Q15) Do I need a Filter?

A15) Filters are recommended as they remove any water borne debris that can potentially block the KISSS emitters. The filter used for KISSS systems should have a screen size of 120mesh(130um). Any debris small enough to pass through this filter size will simply flush through the KISSS emitter.

Q16) Do I need a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)?

A16) PRV's are used to reduce the operating pressure of your KISSS system, thus ensuring the uniform discharge and operation. Excessive pressure can cause irregular discharge rates, leaking around fittings and in severe cases can cause pipe distortion and damage. If your water pressure exceeds the recommended operating pressure of your selected KISSS product then you will require the installation of a PRV.

Q17) Won't the KISSS system block up?

A17) If you use a filter on your system you will prevent the inlet of the KISSS emitter devices form blocking. The use of an "Air/Vacuum Release Valve" will ensure that the internal emitter outlets don't block up through suck back. This can occur when water in the KISSS system drains out through the low points on your KISSS system. The draining of this water can create a vacuum. The "Air/Vacuum Release Valve" will ensure that air drawn into the system is clean and enters through a controlled point. The "Air/Vacuum Release Valve" will also discharge air out of the system upon system start up. This will remove air from the system quickly and ensure even watering and prevent air locks in the KISSS system.

Q18) How do I clean the filter on the KISSS product emitter?

A18) The KISSS emitters will usually self clean through normal operation or when the system is flushed out. During flushing water passes directly past the emitter, sucking any debris or dirt out of the inlet screen on the emitter. It is recommended that you use an inline filter on your KISSS system which will prevent emitter blockage and also serves as a convenient point for dirt and debris removal. All KISSS systems should use a filter with a 120mesh (130um) rating.

Q19) Can I run my KISSS system off a rain water tank?

A19) Refer to your KISSS selection guide to determine the minimum operating pressure for your chosen KISSS product. 10KPA of pressure equals 1m of tank elevation. In most cases you will require a minimum operating pressure of 50KPA or 5m of elevation.

Q20) How long do I need to run my system?

A20) Run times are based upon the peak water requirement of the garden and the application rate of your KISSS system. I.e. If the peak water requirement of your garden is 10mm/day and your KISSS system application rate is 10mm (achieved with KISSS spacing of 0.7m with 7.00L/H output) the run time is therefore 1 hour. Ask your KISSS installer/dealer to help determine the correct run time requirement for your KISSS system.

Q21) How often should I flush out my system?

A21) Flushing frequency is determined by the quality of the water used. Off mains water your system should be flushed at the start, midway and the end of the season. If your water quality is poor then you should flush your system more frequently. If you have damaged your KISSS-line, upon repair you should also flush the system prior to re-operating the system.

Q22) What KISSS Product Flow Rate should I use?

A22) Sandy soils - High 700
Loamy soils - Medium 383/460
Clay soils - Low 266
For more details refer to your KISSS Selection Guide.

Q23) Are you sure that my plants will get enough water?

A23) KISSS irrigation has been proven in commercial and agriculture for many years. Its relatively low application rate will allow water to penetrate down into the soil. Remember that low application rates require a longer watering run time.

Q24) What water pressure is required?

A24) Refer to your KISSS selection guide for the specific pressure requirements of your KISSS products. Generally a KISSS system will operate from 50KPA to 300KPA without any problems. If your water pressure is too high it can cause operation problems and should be reduced with a pressure reducing valve.

Q25) How far can I run my KISSS line?

A25) Your KISSS Selection Guide has a performance table which highlights the maximum run length for the various KISSS products. These figures have been calculated to ensure that a maximum uniformity discharge rate of +/- 10% is achieved over the entire run length. The figures are also based on maintaining a minimum end line pressure of 10m (100KPA) which will ensure sufficient flushing pressure.

Q26) How much KISSS line can I run off one tap?

A26)

Q27) What is PC and where do I use it?

A27) PC stands for Pressure Compensated emitters. PC emitters have an internal diaphragm which ensures uniform discharge over a large pressure range which makes them ideally suited to very long run lengths and for undulating or sloping gardens.

Q28) What does CNL mean and where would I use it?

A28) CNL stands for Compensating Non Leakage emitters. CNL emitters have an internal diaphragm which ensures uniform discharge over a large pressure range and also closes the emitter once the emitters operating pressure drops below a certain rate. This is particularly beneficial for subsurface drip irrigation systems on sloping and undulating surfaces which would otherwise have problems with water draining out at the lowest point on the system. CNL ensures that water remains in the KISSS system.

Q29) Why are KISSS-lines available in different colours?

A29) KISSS product lines are available in two basic colours:

Q30) Will the emitters blow out under pressures?

A30) KISSS products use emitters that are welded to the internal wall of the irrigation tube. Subjecting your KISSS system to excessive water pressure may cause damage to the tube but would be highly unlikely to remove the emitter from the internal wall of the tube.

Q31) What happens if I damage the KISSS - line?

A31) As KISSS-lines are manufactured from high grade LD Polyethylene they are quite resilient and will absorb low, moderate impact from the dreaded garden spade. If hit by an over zealous spade wielding gardener, KISSS-lines can be easily repaired by simply cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with a new section fitted to the original pipe work with joiners and clamps. Remember to always flush out your KISSS system after making any repairs.

Q32) How deep will I need to install KISSS?

A32) KISSS should be installed at least 125mm to 150mm below the lawn surface. This will be dependent on the soil type and lawn establishment.

Q33) What is the best method to install KISSS?

A33) Installation of KISSS products is best achieved through the use of a plough (depositing style not mole/bullet style) or very narrow trenching machine (such as a Trenchmaster "Bed-Edger"). If you are installing a new lawn it is best to prepare the site by removing the top 125mm - 150mm of the lawn surface and lay the KISSS product out over the entire site, finally top dressing the area with top soil to the final grade.

Q34) Will roots grow into the KISSS outlets?

A34) Roots when stressed will seek out water and could grow into the KISSS outlet. Regular watering should prevent this from occurring, however we recommend the use of a root inhibiting treatment to ensure no root intrusion.

Q35) What is a root inhibiting treatment?

A35) Root inhibiting treatments are used only in subsurface KISSS irrigation systems which have the potential to block up through root intrusion into the KISSS outlet. Root inhibiting treatments release small amounts of chemicals which locks up in the soil immediately around the KISSS outlet creating a no grow zone for roots. The use of a root inhibiting treatment will necessitate the installation of an RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) back flow device if connected to a potable water supply source.

Q36) Where do I use a RPZ?

A36) A RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) back flow device is an approved back flow device that prevents the back flow of any potentially contaminated water into your potable water supply. An RPZ should be used where chemicals that may be injected into the irrigation water supply through fertilizer injection could potentially backflow into the potable water supply in a Reduced Pressure Event. (eg, burst mains, Fire engine hookup to mains etc.) If using water from an alternative water supply, the backflow requirement may change. It is suggested that you check with your local water authority for the suitable back flow device.

Q37) Can I establish new lawn with a sub surface drip irrigation system?

A37) It may take a couple of weeks before instant turf develops a sufficient root structure to enable it to draw water from a sub surface drip irrigation system. It is therefore suggested that in the establishment period supplementary overhead irrigation takes place until sufficient root development occurs.