Revealed: Why A Lay Flat Pipe Is Better Than PVC

Lay flat hose practicability, Price, Pros and Cons

Thousands of farmers in Kenya have realized irrigation is the way to go.

They are tired of losing much of their crop due to failed rains.

So they are actively looking for a solution that will enable them irrigate their crops however the hot the sun may be.

They are considering using:

1. The ordinary PVC pipes,
2. Drip Lines,
3. And Of course the Lay Flat Pipes.

If you’ve ever thought of using either of the above for your irrigation, you have come to the right place.

In this post, I will describe everything you need to know about using lay flats PVC pipes for irrigation.

You will learn about:

1. The cost of lay flat pipes vs others like HDPE pipes, Ordinary PVC and Driplines,
2. Advantages of using them,
3. Disadvantages of the lay flats,
4. And the practicability of using them in your irrigation system.

By the time you finish this you’ll be ready to make the right decision.

Ready? Continue reading.  

Why Lay Flat Pipes Beat the Ordinary PVC Pipes or the HDPE Pipes

Let us start with the Issue that thousands of farmers’ care about:

The cost

Lay flat flats are far much cheaper than the ordinary PVC pipes, or the HDPE Pipes.

I am saying this out of experience.

Some time ago, I remember, I wanted to purchase a 21/2 inch PVC pipe.

One piece of 18 feet (approximately 5.5 Meters) cost KES 2,500/=

If I were to buy PVC pipes of 100 meters I would have spent KES approximately KES 45,460/=

This cost does not include transport costs because ordinary PVC pipes are bulky.

The total cost would have been much—more.

Let us now examine the cost of 100 meter 21/2 inch lay flat pipe.

The lay flat hose cost KES 16,500/=

Can you just imagine the bargain of buying a lay flat hose instead of ordinary PVC Pipes?

Easy to transport

When we compare the lay flat pipe to the ordinary PVC, they are far much easy to transport and handle.

A small hatchback vehicle can carry 10 lay flat pipes. But you will need a pickup to transport the same length of ordinary PVC pipes.

The easy of handling and transport makes this irrigation equipment

Easy to install and use

No plumbing necessary to start using the lay flat pipe.

All you need to do is connect it to your water pump and all is set.

Furthermore, you do not need to dig a trench on the ground to lay the pipe.

You just lay it on the ground and then you start using it.

Another advantage is that the pipe can go round corner and adjust itself to the unevenness of the ground making the pipe a real breeze to use.

Flexibility

When pressurized, PVC Lay flat hose can stretch, twist and elongate a bit.

This is particularly true of the first pressurization, though it can happen on subsequent pressurizations as well.

The materials used to construct Lay flat have changed over the years to help with this, but it is still a frequent occurrence. 

Disadvantages of lay flat Pipes

This is the part that most people do don’t want to hear.

However, the fact is everything has an advantage and a disadvantage.

The good news is once you know the pros and cons of something, you can develop a strategy to overcome the cons.

Prone to wear and tear

Lay flats are made from a rubber like material.

This material is unfortunately prone to tearing and being pierced thus creating water leakages.

Most lay flats in the market have manufacturing defects

I once bought a lay flat hose that had multiple needle size holes.

When pressured water was flowing through it, this needle size holes would produce tiny jets of water.

The good news is that the water leaks from these holes was insignificant.

Furthermore, there is no perfect system.

Difficult to clean when the Pipe comes into contact with Mud  

I found this to be a real challenge, but I guess something that’s used in the farm would have some little mud and dust.

A 100 Meter lay flat pipe is quite heavy

 At least 2 people required to lift and lay this pipe.

Once water has flown in the pipe, the pipe can weigh as much as 70 kilos.

If you add the mud that attaches itself on the pipe as you irrigate, the weight may rise to 100 kilos.

Is the Lay flat Pipe Worth Buying and Using?

If you examine the:

1. Costs,
2. Ease of transport,
3. Ease of use,
4. Ability to move the pipe round corners and its adaptability to uneven land.
5. The low labor requirements for installation,
6. And weighing the pros against the cons…

This irrigation equipment is worth using.

It is value for money. I highly encourage you to consider using lay flat pipes.

What are your thoughts on these?

Share them below!

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