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How to clean the irrigation pipe?

Good water quality is extremely important for a grower. Polluted water has an adverse effect on the growth of the crop. Therefore, it is important to monitor and check the water quality as best as possible. One of the aspects here is the cleaning of the irrigation pipe. After a while, biofilm is created inside, which may lead to blockings. Also it causes the water to contain less oxygen. In this article our specialist explains how to easily clean the irrigation pipe.
How to clean the irrigation pipe
Jasper Verhoeven
Specialist Hygiene & Disinfection | January 2, 2021 | 4 min. reading time

Cleaning of irrigation pipe

The most effective way to clean the irrigation pipe is by use of the disinfectant Huwa-San. When cleaning the irrigation pipe, observe the following steps:
  1. Establish the degree of pollution. In case of light pollution, use a dosing of 0.2% Huwa-San. In case of moderate pollution, use 0.5% and in case of severe pollution, use 0.7%. When in doubt about the right dosing, consult a specialist.
  2. See photos above: for example making a connection at the end of the irrigation pipe by means of a piece PVC (both at the beginning and at the end of the pipe); this to be able to work safely and near the substrate. 
  3. Connect a storage vessel (for example an Empas spraying trolley) with the right concentration on the one side of the irrigation pipe and connect a hose to the other side of the irrigation pipe, so you can capture the water.
  4. Turn the irrigation pipe, so the sprayers are pointing upwards. 
  5. Now turn on the dosing pump of the storage vessel, so that the irrigation pipe is filled from one side. On the other side, using a hydrogen peroxide strip, when the solution Huwa-San reaches this point. Please note: apply low pressure, because otherwise the sprayers may start to rotate and high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are sprayed around!
  6. As soon as the solution has reached the other side of the irrigation pipe, you close the tap on both sides. 
  7. Leave it for at least 12 hours, allowing the agent enough time to become effective. 
  8. After 12 hours you can thoroughly rinse the irrigation pipe. Use hydrogen peroxide strips to check if all active substance is removed from the irrigation pipe. 
  9. Then turn the irrigation pipe so that the sprayers point down again and thoroughly rinse again. 
  10. Use the hydrogen peroxide strips to check once again if no Huwa-San is left in the irrigation pipe.
Irrigation pipe
Irrigation pipe

Personal protective equipment

When cleaning the irrigation pipe, consider your own safety and ensure to wear the right personal protective equipment. When using Huwa-San, it should be gloves, a face shield and protective clothing.
Lugt lisianthus
- Lisianthus grower Wesley van der Lugt – Lugt Lisianthus, Monster -

"The entire watering system is still spotless"

HortiHygienz

The total solution for hygiene issues in horticulture

We believe that growers worldwide can maximize the yield of their crops with optimum hygiene. HortiHygienz can be used worldwide as a total solution for operational hygiene. Whatever the question or challenge in the area of operational hygiene, HortiHygienz has the solution for you!
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Jasper Verhoeven will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Also interesting for you

How to clean the irrigation pipe?

Good water quality is extremely important for a grower. Polluted water has an adverse effect on the growth of the crop. Therefore, it is important to monitor and check the water quality as best as possible. One of the aspects here is the cleaning of the irrigation pipe. After a while, biofilm is created inside, which may lead to blockings. Also it causes the water to contain less oxygen. In this article our specialist explains how to easily clean the irrigation pipe.
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Jasper Verhoeven, product specialist hygiene
Jasper Verhoeven
Specialist Hygiene & Disinfection | January 2, 2021 | 2 min. reading time
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How to clean the irrigation pipe

Cleaning of irrigation pipe

The most effective way to clean the irrigation pipe is by use of the disinfectant Huwa-San. When cleaning the irrigation pipe, observe the following steps:
  1. Establish the degree of pollution. In case of light pollution, use a dosing of 0.2% Huwa-San. In case of moderate pollution, use 0.5% and in case of severe pollution, use 0.7%. When in doubt about the right dosing, consult a specialist.
  2. See photos above: for example making a connection at the end of the irrigation pipe by means of a piece PVC (both at the beginning and at the end of the pipe); this to be able to work safely and near the substrate. 
  3. Connect a storage vessel (for example an Empas spraying trolley) with the right concentration on the one side of the irrigation pipe and connect a hose to the other side of the irrigation pipe, so you can capture the water.
  4. Turn the irrigation pipe, so the sprayers are pointing upwards. 
  5. Now turn on the dosing pump of the storage vessel, so that the irrigation pipe is filled from one side. On the other side, using a hydrogen peroxide strip, when the solution Huwa-San reaches this point. Please note: apply low pressure, because otherwise the sprayers may start to rotate and high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are sprayed around!
  6. As soon as the solution has reached the other side of the irrigation pipe, you close the tap on both sides. 
  7. Leave it for at least 12 hours, allowing the agent enough time to become effective. 
  8. After 12 hours you can thoroughly rinse the irrigation pipe. Use hydrogen peroxide strips to check if all active substance is removed from the irrigation pipe. 
  9. Then turn the irrigation pipe so that the sprayers point down again and thoroughly rinse again. 
  10. Use the hydrogen peroxide strips to check once again if no Huwa-San is left in the irrigation pipe.
Irrigation pipe
Irrigation pipe

Personal protective equipment

When cleaning the irrigation pipe, consider your own safety and ensure to wear the right personal protective equipment. When using Huwa-San, it should be gloves, a face shield and protective clothing.

Lugt lisianthus
- Lisianthus grower Wesley van der Lugt – Lugt Lisianthus, Monster -

"The entire watering system is still spotless"

HortiHygienz

The total solution for hygiene issues in horticulture

We believe that growers worldwide can maximize the yield of their crops with optimum hygiene. HortiHygienz can be used worldwide as a total solution for operational hygiene. Whatever the question or challenge in the area of operational hygiene, HortiHygienz has the solution for you!
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Jasper Verhoeven will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Jasper Verhoeven, product specialist hygiene
Also interesting for you
How do I set up a hygiene plan?
To handle a working method that is as hygienic as possible, drawing up a hygiene plan is adviced. This will help your business to be able to control and guarantee business hygiene as best as possible. Our specialist explains.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfection?
Cleaning and disinfection are of great importance for hygienic cultivation. It’s the only way to prevent diseases, bacteria and pests, and to prevent infection of crops. But they are not the same; there is an important difference.
What are the advantages of disinfection with foam?
When using liquid cleaning or disinfection methods, the efficacy of the product always depends on the interaction between the application time and concentration. Even though a grower can influence the concentration, this is not always the case with the application time.