This guide provides an overview of the HDPE water pipe supply installation process for rotational grazing. It outlines the steps necessary to ensure a successful installation, including the selection of the right equipment, the proper installation of the water supply system, and the maintenance of the system. It also provides tips and advice on how to maximize the efficiency of the system and ensure that it is properly maintained. This guide is intended to help farmers and ranchers who are considering installing a water supply system for rotational grazing. Installing HDPE water pipe for rotational grazing is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps.

With that said, the amount of options can be overwhelming. A variety of hdpe water pipe fittings are available, as well as a variety of hdpe water pipe diameters like ¼ water line, ½ water line, ¾ water line, 1 inch water line, 1-¼ water line, and more. When it comes to finding poly pipe for sale, you need to consider a few factors. The diameter of your hdpe water pipe will impact how much water pressure is needed from your pump to pump water to your animals, and the direction of your water line, how many turns it takes, how many taps it has to water tanks, among other factors will determine what types of fittings and how many fittings you need. 

While it can be overwhelming at first, once you start getting the pieces of your direct burial water line in place, you will find that it is much like putting together a puzzle or legos, and the setup is very intuitive. Our staff can always help you determine what diameters are fittings are needed, and once you receive them, the setup can actually be pretty fun! 
 

2. Dig the trench. The trench should be at least 18 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the hdpe water pipe.

Typically direct burial water lines are buried at least 18 inches. Ranchers in warmer climates may choose not to bury their hdpe water pipe line at all, but they will need to be careful not to cut their line when operating machinery (like bush hogs) in their pasture. If you have a small pasture, hand digging a trench can be sufficient. If you have a larger pasture, machinery will be required if you wish to lower your work load. Gas powered trenchers such as a petrol trencher are often used , and PTO-driven trenchers that hook to your tractor are also commonly used. The benefit of trenching for a direct burial water line is that you can ensure that the line will not be broken by heavy machinery, and will be more resistant to cracking/deterioration in extreme temperatures. 

Example of a trench being dug for direct burial water line using hdpe water pipe: 

3. Place the hdpe water pipe in the trench. Apply the water supply line cap

Some choose to hand roll their hdpe water pipe into the trench, but this can be tedious. Many use a umbilical system, or roller-upper that attaches to a tractor or ATV in order to unroll their pipe. Essentially, this is a wheel that can attach to the back of your machinery with the piping attached, and as you drive, the piping unrolls. You can see the video below to see how this works with a installation of Powerflex hdpe water pipe.

Mark the locations you are going to add taps for water tanks by placing stakes or step ins, it may be wise for you to mark these locations with fiberglass fence posts or other durable fence posts, or flags, so that you do not accidentally run over your taps with a tractor or other machinery.

At the end of your line you will want to install a water supply line cap for your hdpe water pipe. This water supply line cap, also known as a end cap, will be used to prevent the water from spilling our of your direct burial water line. 

4. Connect the hdpe water pipe to the water source. This can be done with a hose or other connection.

When creating a tap for a watering tank, you need to consider a few parts of your system that are required: 

1) Quick Coupler Valve
2) Riser for Quick Coupler Valve
3) Standard Tees 
4) Hose 

You will cut your hdpe water pipe, and then the standard tee will connect to your hdpe water pipe at each cut end. This will leave a open part of the tee, where you will then connect your quick coupler valve. The riser for quick coupler valve is what can quickly plug in and out of the valve. The riser connects directly to a hose (which then connects to your water tank), and is used to quickly connect and disconnect the tank from your hdpe water pipe. 

5. Backfill the trench. Make sure the hdpe water pipe is completely covered with soil.

This part is pretty self explanatory, but once your hdpe water pipe is fully buried and your direct burial water line is fully in place, you will need to back fill the trench. This can once again be done with machinery, or you can fill the trench back in by hand. Just make sure the ground is adequately compact so that rain does not erode the trench. A common strategy is to seed the location where the trench was dug using a cover crop, and then cover the seed with a layer of straw or leaf litter in order to protect it from the elements and aid in new growth. 

6. Install the water troughs. Place the troughs in the desired locations and connect them to the pipe.

1. A water trough, or water tank, can be created using a wide variety of methods. Some farmers purchase conventional tanks, others create their own tanks through creative methods. But the important parts of a water tank include:
   
   1) The hose that connects to the tank
   2) The float valve or trough valve that cuts off the flow of water when the water level rises 
   3) A “tank fitting” or “bulk head fitting” used to connect the pipe to the tank without leakage 

7. Test the system. Turn on the water and check for leaks.

You should test your float valve and tank to make sure it is water tight, and make sure the flow of water fills the tank without overflow.

You should also walk the length of your direct burial water line to ensure that there are no locations where your hdpe water pipe is leaking. While hdpe water pipe is very durable, it still needs to be checked periodically.

Once the hdpe water pipe is installed, it is ready to be used for rotational grazing. The pipe will provide a reliable source of water for the animals, allowing them to move freely between pastures.

Other factors Consider When Directly Burying Water Lines for Rotational Grazing:

1. The type of direct burial water line used is important. Polyethylene pipe (also known as hdpe water pipe) is the most common type of pipe used for this purpose, as it is durable and resistant to corrosion. It is also flexible, making it easier to install. Powerflex carries many options for this pipe, and our hdpe water pipe is used by many due to its durability, UV resistance, and quality. you will need to decide on a diameter of your pipe. Keep in mind that water pressure may be a factor if you are pushing water up hill. You will need to consider whether your water pump that pushes water through the system is adequate. Some ranchers choose a hdpe water pipe with a wider diameter so that less pressure is required to push water up hill. If you are moving water up hill often, 1 and ¼ inch water line or 1 inch water line is often considered. If you have more downhill or flat area to cover, ¾ water line or ½ water line is often considered.
2. The depth of the hdpe water pipe should be considered. The pipe should be buried at least 18 inches below the surface to protect it from freezing temperatures and other environmental factors. As mentioned before, it is ok not to bury your line if you are in a warmer climate, but you need to be careful not to run it over with machinery. An additional factor to consider is that even though your hdpe water pipe is very durable and will last many years, above ground systems will deteriorate faster than direct burial water lines.
3. The location of the HDPE water pipe should be carefully chosen. The pipe should be placed in an area that is not prone to flooding or other water damage and is easily accessible for maintenance and repairs.
4. The hdpe water pipe should be properly secured. The pipe should be securely attached to the ground with stakes or other anchors to prevent it from shifting or becoming dislodged if it is not buried.
5. Lastly, the HDPE water pipe should be regularly inspected and maintained. This includes checking for leaks, cracks, and other signs of damage. Any repairs should be made promptly to ensure the pipe remains in good condition.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that your water lines for rotational grazing are properly installed and maintained. This will help ensure that your livestock can access clean, fresh water at all times.

Benefits of Using Roll Pipe for Water Supply in Rotational Grazing

Roll pipe is a popular choice for water supply in rotational grazing systems. This type of pipe is lightweight, flexible, and easy to install, making it an ideal solution for farmers and ranchers who need to move water quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the benefits of using roll pipe for water supply in rotational grazing:

1. Cost-Effective: Roll pipe is a cost-effective solution for water supply in rotational grazing systems. It is lightweight and easy to install, which means that it can be installed quickly and with minimal labor. This makes it a great choice for farmers and ranchers who are looking to save money on their water supply.
2. Durable: Roll pipe is made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the elements. This makes it a great choice for farmers and ranchers who need a reliable water supply that will last for years.
3. Flexible: Roll pipe is flexible, which makes it easy to install in a variety of locations. This makes it a great choice for farmers and ranchers who need to move water quickly and efficiently.
4. Easy to Maintain: Roll pipe is easy to maintain and repair. This makes it a great choice for farmers and ranchers who need a reliable water supply that is easy to maintain.
    

Overall, roll pipe is an ideal solution for water supply in rotational grazing systems. It is cost-effective, durable, flexible, and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for farmers and ranchers who need a reliable water supply.

Related Resources

Conclusion

In ground water supply using hdpe water pipe seems overwhelming at first, but you will find that once you start to connect the pieces of your hdpe water pipe system together, such as the water supply line cap, coupler valves, tees, elbows, couplers, and other pieces, the setup is much like a game of legos. 

We understand that the setup of a hdpe water pipe system can be daunting at first, so we are happy to provide guidance or consultation if you give us a call. We also offer the very best poly pipe for sale! Hopefully this article can give you a frame of reference that will provide a template of guidance for you during your direct burial water line setup.