What is a rain hose?
Rain hose irrigation is a new method overhead irrigation system that uses laser punched holes to spray water onto plants. Rain hose irrigation in Kenya is an advanced sprinkler system that uses nano technology to deliver water straight to the plant moderately under intense pressure. The system consists of long pipes of various sizes (32mm, 40mm and 50mm) with a series of holes spaced at intervals which sprays water by gravity or a water pump. It is considered one of the most advanced irrigation innovations of the 21st century. Farmers who use rain hose pipes for irrigation have increased their yields by 10%.
Pioneer in rain hose piping systems in Kenya
Grekkon Limited is the pioneer of rain hose irrigation pipes and is currently the leading supplier and installer of rain hose pipes in Kenya and the entire East Africa. We are one of the largest rain hose manufacturers and importers in Kenya. We have various rain hose kits, including rain hose for 1 acre.
Advantages of Grekkon rain hose pipes
- They are easy to install and maintain, economical than sprinklers
- The spray holes are made with laser punched technology to ensure uniform flow of water
- Irrigates both under gravity flow, and high water pump pressure
- Short irrigation periods. Irrigates an area in just 10 minutes
- Highly portable. You only need to have a main line system with valves on every line.
- A variety of diameters to select from.
- It is much cheaper compared to other irrigation methods.
Types of rain hose irrigation pipes
Gravity driven rain hose pipes.
They are rain hose pipes that work on gravity water. For this to work well, the tank stand needs to be raised at least 4m high and the pipe to have a maximum length of not more than 25m. Pipes drawing water from the tank should either be 11/2’’ or 2’’. For best results, use 2’’. The size of the rain hose pipe must not be more than 32mm.
Pump driven rain hose pipes
These are the most common rain hose pipes in Kenya. All the rain hose pipe sizes work well on pumps. Pumping is done directly from a dam reservoir or a river. With pump driven rain hose, their lengths can go a maximum of 50m.
Ideal crops/plants for rain pipes
Rain hose is best for:
- Vegetables main ones being: Cabbages, Sukuma wiki, spinach, onions, garlic
- Potatoes.
- Fruit orchards: Avocado, pixie orange, macadamia, coffee
- Agro forestry
- Lawns, gardens and football pitches
- vegetable nursery irrigation
Components of Rain pipe Irrigation Kit
Rain hose irrigation system is composed of.
- Rain hose pipe of various sizes and lengths (32mm, 40mm or 50mm)
- Starter connectors of various sizes
- Endcaps of various sizes
- Mid connectors of various sizes
How to install rain hose irrigation pipe
Connecting rain hose pipes is quite simple. All that is needed is one main pipe and fittings. Materials required for installation are: HDPE pipes or PVC Pipes, Saddle clamps, rain hose off-take (or Ball valves), end caps and connectors and the laser punched pipes
Step 1: Laying of main pipes.
Lay your main line pipe in the farm from your water source (Water pan, tank or river). The ideal main pipes size are 2’’ and 1.5’’.
Step 2: Installation of Saddle Clamps and Starter connectors
Attach saddle clamp on the pipe and a ball valve or a direct start connector with a mini valve. The starter connector with a mini valve has a rubber which reduces your connection cost.
Step 3. Rain hose pipe installation
Install your rain hose on the starter connector or saddle clamp with valves. Note that for optimum results, the length of the pipe should not exceed 25m for gravity and 40-50m for pump driven. The best result for pump driven is achieved when they installed at an average length of 30m
Step 4. Valve opening and testing
Open your valve once installation is complete. Due to anticipated pressure problems from your pump, one valve at a time.
Pump Selection for rain pipe
The best pumps for rain hose pipes are the high volume diesel pumps or petrol pumps. Low volume pumps are ideal for farms with small pipe sizes to create enough pressure.
Number of rain pipes required for your farm
The table below shows the number rain pipes required for different sizes.
Farm Size | 25mm | 32mm | Comment |
1 acre | 12 | 10 rolls | In stock |
1/2 acre | 6 | 5 rolls | In stock |
1/4 acre | 4 | 3 rolls | In stock |
1/8 acre | 3 | 2 roll | In stock |
Note that this is just a guide line. Actual requirement will be determined with your farm size and technician or engineers’ recommendations.
Rain hose pipe prices in Kenya
The price of rain hose irrigation pipe ranges between 2,300 to Kes. 4,500
Rain hose Size | Price per 100m roll (KES) |
25mm (3/4”) | 2,300 |
32mm (1”) | 2,600 |
Rain hose pipe specifications (Technical Data)
25mm | 32mm | |
Width | N40mm | N50mm |
Spray radius | 1.5-2.0m | 1.5m-2.5m |
Spray Width | 3-4m | 3-5m |
10m Flow rate | 0.8 m³/h | 0.8 m³/h |
Wall Thickness | 0.3mm | 0.4mm |
Hole Spacing | 20cm | 20cm |
Hole quantity | 5 | 7 |
Working Pressure | 0.8-1.5 kg / cm² (0.8-1.5 bar) | 0.8-1.5 kg / cm² (0.8-1.5 bar) |
Spray Height | 1.5-2m | 1.5-2m |
Laying Length | ≤50m | ≤50m |
Roll length | 100m | 100m |
Quantity per acre | 1,000m-1,200m | 80mm-1,000m |
Rain hose Frequently asked Questions
All the irrigation system are the best for various crop sizes.
25mm rain hose is Kes 2,300 per roll and 2,600 for 32mm roll. Each roll is 100m
From Kes 25,000 per kit
The price of 1 acre rain hose kit starts from Kes. 25,000
Christopher Makina Were
Please have 1acre in Lugari sub county Kakamega county ND to inquire if 100 m roll pipes,rain horse 100m the cost and if you offer installation services and wish to pump water direct from river about 200m through there’s steep but sharp is possible
Admin
Dear Makina,
Thank you for contacting us. We will be glad to set up for you the rain hose pipes.
The cost of rain hose per roll ranges between Kes. 2,500 to 3,000 depending on the size. Could you please share your number through 0711895635 for follow up.
Regards,
Grekkon Limited
Kinyanjui
Hallo,I want to irrigate beans with rain hose system,how much water do I need for 1 acre in ltrs, bcoz am using Tractor boozer (tank)?
Admin
Dear Kinyanjui,
Thanks for the inquiry. On average, a 1 inch rain hose has a flow rate of 8 to 10,000L per hour.
Regards,
Grekkon Limited
Muna Mohamed Ahmed
Hello, I bought 23 acre in marafa malindi, kindly request if you will be able to tell how many metre in marafa to get water. Thank you
Admin
Hello Muhammed, thanks for reaching out. To know the depth, you need to conduct a hydro survey. We will be glad to help you conduct the survey.
Regards,
Grekkon Limited
njogu kinyanjui
would like to buy 32mm rain hose pipe. how will i get it at limuru.
Admin
Hello Njogu and thanks for contacting us. Our Nairobi office will be glad to send you the rain hose through courier services. Please reach us on +254715157132
Regards,
Grekkon Limited.