Watering & Irrigation

About Watering & Irrigation

Maintaining a healthy garden, lawn or outdoor space requires consistent and efficient watering, whether you're a professional groundskeeper, landscape gardener or passionate home grower. Modern watering and irrigation systems have evolved far beyond the traditional watering can, offering automated solutions that save time, conserve water and ensure plants receive optimal hydration even during dry spells or when you're away from home.

Tooled-Up.com stocks a comprehensive selection of watering and irrigation equipment designed to meet the needs of both trade professionals and domestic gardeners. The range encompasses everything from basic manual watering tools like watering cans and hose pipes through to sophisticated automated irrigation systems with programmable water timers. Whether you're maintaining a small patio garden, managing extensive commercial grounds, or running a professional landscaping business, finding the right watering solution can dramatically reduce labour time whilst improving plant health and water efficiency.

From garden sprinklers that provide even coverage across large lawn areas to precision drip irrigation kits that deliver water directly to plant roots, modern watering equipment offers flexibility and control. The selection at Tooled-Up includes pressure sprayers for applying liquid feeds and treatments, hose reels and storage solutions to keep equipment organised between uses, plus a wide array of connectors, adaptors and spray nozzles to customise any watering setup. Leading brands such as Gardena, Hozelock, Matabi, Solo and Draper provide reliable, durable solutions backed by manufacturer warranties.

Jargon Buster

• Drip Irrigation: A low-pressure watering system that delivers water slowly and directly to plant root zones through a network of tubes, emitters and drippers, minimising water waste through evaporation and runoff.
• Solenoid Valve: An electrically operated valve used in automated irrigation systems, controlled by a water timer to open and close water flow at programmed intervals.
• Pressure Sprayer: A manually pressurised container with trigger lance used for applying water, liquid fertilisers, or pesticides. Available in handheld models (typically 1-2 litres) or backpack versions (up to 20 litres) for larger areas.
• Hose Bore Diameter: The internal diameter of a garden hose, typically 12.5mm (½ inch) for standard domestic use or 19mm (¾ inch) for professional applications requiring higher water flow rates.
• Quick Connector System: Push-fit hose connectors that allow tool-free attachment and detachment of hoses, spray guns, sprinklers and other watering accessories without threaded fittings.
• Water Timer: A battery-operated or mechanical device fitted between tap and hose that automatically controls watering duration and frequency, essential for automated irrigation systems.

Who Uses Watering & Irrigation?

• Landscape Gardeners: Professional landscapers installing and maintaining gardens, commercial grounds and public spaces
• Groundskeepers: Maintenance staff responsible for sports fields, golf courses, parks and recreational areas
• Market Gardeners & Growers: Commercial vegetable and plant producers requiring efficient irrigation for crops and polytunnels
• Garden Maintenance Contractors: Trade professionals providing regular garden care services to multiple properties
• Allotment Holders: Keen vegetable growers managing plots that require consistent watering regimes
• Nursery Operators: Plant nurseries and garden centres maintaining stock plants and retail displays
• Property Maintenance Teams: Facilities management staff caring for commercial and residential outdoor spaces
• Homeowners & DIY Gardeners: Domestic users maintaining lawns, borders, patios and greenhouse plants
• Agricultural Workers: Small-scale farmers irrigating livestock areas, vegetable patches and orchards

How to Choose the Right Watering & Irrigation

Garden Size & Layout: Small patios and courtyards may only require a watering can and handheld spray gun, whilst larger gardens benefit from hose systems with sprinklers or automated irrigation. Measure your garden area and consider whether you need portable equipment or fixed installation systems.

Water Source & Pressure: Check your available tap locations and water pressure. Low-pressure systems suit drip irrigation, whilst oscillating sprinklers and pressure washers require adequate flow rates. Outside taps should ideally have isolation valves for winter protection against frost damage.

Plant Types & Watering Needs: Different plants require varying moisture levels. Established lawns suit sprinkler systems, whilst vegetable beds and containers benefit from targeted drip irrigation or hand watering. Greenhouse plants often need daily attention, making automated systems particularly valuable.

Automation Requirements: Professional users and frequent travellers benefit enormously from water timers and automated irrigation systems that maintain watering schedules without manual intervention. Battery-operated timers offer flexibility without requiring 240v mains power in outdoor locations.

Hose Length & Storage: Calculate the distance from tap to furthest watering point, adding extra length to avoid tension. Consider how you'll store hoses between uses – wall-mounted reels save space whilst wheeled hose carts suit larger gardens with multiple watering zones.

Build Quality & Durability: Trade professionals require robust equipment that withstands daily use and harsh weather. Look for UV-resistant materials, brass or stainless steel fittings rather than plastic threads, and reinforced hoses with burst-resistant construction rated to at least 20 bar pressure.

Compatibility & Expandability: Choose systems with standardised quick connectors that allow you to add accessories as needs change. Major brands like Gardena and Hozelock offer comprehensive ecosystems of compatible components for future expansion.

Popular Accessories

• Hose Connectors & Quick-Fit Adaptors: Essential components for creating leak-free connections between taps, hoses and watering tools
• Spray Nozzles & Trigger Guns: Adjustable spray patterns from fine mist to powerful jet for different watering tasks
• Water Flow Controllers: Inline regulators to adjust pressure and flow rate for delicate plants
• Tap Timers & Controllers: Battery-operated devices for automating watering schedules
• Hose Repair Kits: Replacement connectors and mending sleeves to extend hose life
• Garden Tap Attachments: Splitters, double adaptors and manifolds to run multiple hoses from one tap
• Fertiliser Injectors: Devices that automatically mix liquid feed into irrigation water
• Filter Systems: Inline filters protecting drip irrigation emitters from blockages
• Ground Spikes & Stakes: Securing sprinklers and drip lines in position
• Hose Hangers & Hooks: Wall-mounted storage solutions for compact hose storage

Safety Information

Electrical Safety: When using 240v powered pumps or irrigation controllers outdoors, ensure all electrical connections are protected by RCD devices rated at 30mA or less. Use only outdoor-rated extension cables with weatherproof connections, and never handle electrical equipment with wet hands.

Chemical Handling: When using pressure sprayers for pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers, always wear appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection as specified on product labels. Follow COSHH regulations for mixing, applying and disposing of garden chemicals. Dedicate separate sprayers for herbicides to prevent cross-contamination with food crops.

Water Regulations: Garden watering systems must comply with Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations to prevent backflow contamination of mains water. Use approved double-check valves or air gaps where hoses remain connected to taps. During hosepipe bans, observe local water authority restrictions.

Slip Hazards: Trailing hoses create trip hazards on paths and work areas. Route hoses carefully, use warning markers on busy sites, and store equipment properly after use. Wet paving becomes extremely slippery – consider this when positioning sprinklers near footpaths.

Pressure Equipment: Never exceed the maximum working pressure marked on hoses and fittings. Inspect equipment regularly for wear, perishing or damage, replacing worn components before failure. When pressurising manual sprayers, follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid over-pressurisation which can cause rupture or injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bore size garden hose do I need for general garden watering?
A: For most domestic gardens, a 12.5mm (½ inch) bore hose provides adequate flow for watering cans, spray guns and small sprinklers. Professional landscapers and those with large gardens or low water pressure benefit from 19mm (¾ inch) bore hoses which deliver significantly greater flow rates, filling containers faster and supporting multiple sprinklers simultaneously.

Q: Can I leave my irrigation system connected over winter?
A: It's essential to drain and disconnect irrigation systems, hoses and external tap fittings before winter to prevent frost damage. Water expands when frozen, causing pipes to burst and plastic fittings to crack. Drain all water from systems, disconnect hoses, and store them indoors. Consider installing insulated tap covers for outside taps that cannot be isolated internally.

Q: How do I prevent my drip irrigation emitters from blocking?
A: Install an inline filter between your tap and irrigation system to remove sediment and debris. Choose filters with at least 120-mesh rating for drip systems. Flush the system regularly by removing end caps and running water through lines. In hard water areas, occasional treatment with descaling solution prevents mineral buildup in emitters.

Q: What's the difference between oscillating and rotary sprinklers?
A: Oscillating sprinklers use a tube with multiple jets that sweeps back and forth, ideal for rectangular lawns and borders, providing even coverage across square or oblong areas. Rotary sprinklers spin in circles, efficiently covering large circular areas with adjustable radius, making them better suited to open lawns and less effective for narrow borders or irregular shapes.

Q: Do pressure sprayers need special maintenance?
A: Yes – always rinse pressure sprayers thoroughly after each use, especially when used with fertilisers or chemicals. Periodically lubricate pump seals with silicone grease, check pressure relief valves function correctly, and inspect seals for deterioration. Store with caps loose to prevent seal damage from trapped pressure, and never leave chemicals stored in sprayers between uses as this degrades seals and internal components.