Misting System FAQ

Do your misting systems produce a fine mist or a coarse spray?
Our misting systems produce a fairly coarse spray. They are designed to be used outdoors, so the coarse spray is used to help eliminate drifting of the spray to ensure your cuttings get misted.

Can I see how the misting systems are assembled, and how they operate?
Yes. We have videos that show the programming of the controller for misting and irrigation, and a video showing the assembly of our mist kit. We have also provided a video showing how easy it is to expand the kit using our expansion pack.

Do your systems require any pumps?
No. Our systems are designed to be attached to an outside faucet, which utilize your home's water pressure. All fittings in our kits are common hose fittings, which makes assembly and expansion very simple.

What are your misting systems normally used for?
Our systems are mainly used for outside propagation of woody ornamentals and herbaceous perennials. Our six station system can operate six different solenoids, which allows you to mist or irrigate six completely different areas. Our systems have been used for dust suppression and concrete curing, and have also been used by The Ohio Department of Agriculture at the 2008 Ohio State Fair to "cool" visitors who visited their display.

What's the amount of time that the timers can be set to operate for?
We carry only DIG controllers, high quality electronic digital timers that can be programmed to operate in a weekly or cyclical program. A DIG 5006-IP controller with the weekly irrigation chosen, up to four start times per valve per day, can be programmed for irrigation from 1 minute to 12 hours. This allows multiple irrigation cycles per day. For instance, the timer can be programmed to water your plants in the morning before the sun gets too intense for 15 minutes, and in the afternoon when the day begins to cool for 10 minutes, giving your plants a much needed drink. For misting, the timer can be programmed cyclically, to start misting in the AM, and off in the PM every day, with misting durations from 1 second to 12 hours, at intervals of 1-5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and from 1-24 hours.

There are two types of timers you sell, what is the difference?
Both timers are similar, but very different. Both timers can be programmed to irrigate or mist, but that is where the similarities end. The DIG 5006-IP controller can operate up to six solenoid valves, can operate two solenoids simultaneously, and requires electricity to be able to open and close the solenoids. While the DIG 5006-IP does use a battery to retain the program settings in the event of a power failure, it will not operate any solenoids unless it is plugged in to an outlet. The DIG 510.075 operates only one solenoid and uses two 9 volt batteries to operate the solenoid; no need for electricity at all.

Are the nozzles prone to clogging due to heavy mineral loads in the water supply?
No, unlike brass nozzles which are less forgiving to heavy mineral loads that may be present, the ones we sell are constructed from high strength plastic materials that actually repels lime and mineral deposits. Also, each nozzle has an easy "on/off" push pin that can be used to clear away most obstructions. Usually a simple twist of the pin will clear any debris from the orifice, and the nozzle will spray correctly.

How much water does the system use?
The amount of water that the system will use will depend on several factors such as the water pressure, the number of nozzles on the system and frequency and duration of misting or irrigation. For instance, with water pressure of 15 psi, a system with four of the standard green colored Pin Perfect nozzles, set to mist for 15 seconds every 10 minutes, and operating 12 hours a day, will use approximately 49.68 gallons of water. The same system with water pressure of 36 psi, will use approximately 77.76 gallons of water.

The standard green Pin Perfect nozzle is rated as follows: 15psi-.69gpm, 22psi-.82gpm, 29psi-.95gpm, 36psi-1.08gpm. So to get a good idea of how much water your system will use in a 24 hr period, just multiply the nozzle flow rate per minute x the number of nozzles on the system x the number of minutes that your system will operate each day. This will give you a reasonable estimate of how much water you can expect your system to use on a daily basis.
We can special order other Dramm misting nozzles. Contact Us for details.

I am looking for nozzles other than the Green Pin Perfect ones. Are they available, and how do they compare?
Currently, we only stock 36" Dramm Mist Stix with the Green Pin perfect misting nozzles, but the charts on this page show the other types of nozzles that are available if you would like something other than the Green ones. If you would like to order nozzles other than the Green Pin Perfect nozzles that we carry, Contact Us, and we can special order them for you. PLEASE NOTE: All these heads can be used with the Mist Stix bases we sell, or, if desired, can be installed directly into piping using special made inserts and adapters.

How many misting nozzles can I use with my misting system?
That is actually a tougher question that it may seem, so I have written a small tutorial on how to calculate how many nozzles you can use with your system.

Do you recommend using a filter with a mist system?
Yes. So much so, that every complete misting system we sell comes with one. To help eliminate possible clogging issues because of small solid particles in the water, we highly recommend using a filter. If your water is supplied through a public water system from a town or city, you may believe you can eliminate it, but it is very cheap insurance in the event that the city flushes their lines and disturbs the sediment in the lines. The filter ensure no sediments clog your solenoids or misting nozzles. With water supplied by a private well, it is that much more important to have a filter because of the possibility of drawing sand and sediment from the well and into your water supply.

How much of an area can the misting nozzles cover?
The misting nozzles we carry (Dramm Mist Stix with green nozzles) are designed to cover an area approximately 42" in diameter. However, testing has shown that there is some coverage out to 48" in some cases. We recommend that until you are familiar with your own systems coverage, plan on around 42", then adjust accordingly.

What is the recommended water pressure to be used with your mist systems and Mist Stix?
Our misting systems use Dramm Mist Stix with the Pin Perfect misting nozzles. These Stix and nozzles are designed to be used with water pressures between 10 and 50 psi, while the optimum pressure is between 30-50 psi. If your water pressure is above 50 psi, you will need to use a pressure reducer to ensure there is no damage to the Stix or nozzles. Excessive water pressure will blow the Mist Stix tubes from the manifolds or cause the tubes to split.

I need a system that differs from the ones you sell. Can I get a custom made one?
Of course! We will work with you to design and build a system that works for your particular needs. If the system requires more than the typical PVC manifolds we build and sell, we can supply a material list for you to bring to your local plumbing supply so you can purchase it with confidence.

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