How gravity fed Blumat systems work — elevation requirements, reservoir setup, distribution options at low pressure, air purging, and the two-bulkhead loop method.

<h2 id="who-this-is-for">Who This Is For</h2><p>Gravity fed Blumat systems are for anyone who doesn&apos;t have a hose bib nearby &#x2014; or prefers a completely off-grid, no-electricity, no-pressure setup. Water pressure comes entirely from elevation: raise a bucket or reservoir above your plants, and gravity does the rest.</p><p>Common uses: backyard gardens without nearby water access, patios and balconies, rainwater collection systems, small outdoor container gardens, off-grid growing, and growers who want the simplest possible setup.</p><h2 id="how-gravity-creates-pressure">How Gravity Creates Pressure</h2><p>Every <strong>2 feet 4 inches of elevation = approximately 1 PSI</strong>.</p><p>Blumat sensors need at least 1 PSI to function. That means your reservoir water surface needs to be at least <strong>3 feet above</strong> the sensors to operate reliably. For BluSoak 2.0 drip tape, aim for <strong>3.5 feet minimum</strong> (1.5 PSI).</p><p>Even at 12 feet of elevation you stay safely within the Blumat operating range &#x2014; no pressure reducer needed unless you&apos;re above 15 PSI (about 35 feet of head height).</p><h2 id="what-you-need">What You Need</h2><h3 id="1-reservoir">1. Reservoir</h3><p>Any clean container works &#x2014; a 5-gallon bucket is the classic choice. Install a bulkhead fitting through the side or bottom to connect your 8mm supply line. Size the reservoir for your duration between refills: most plants use &#xBC; to 1 liter per week depending on size and conditions.</p><h3 id="2-supply-line">2. Supply Line</h3><p>8mm tubing runs from the bulkhead fitting to your growing area. For more than a few plants or longer runs, use a looping layout (two bulkhead fittings &#x2014; one supply, one return) to increase flow and build redundancy.</p><h3 id="3-sensors">3. Sensors</h3><p>Standard 5&quot; or 9&quot; Tropf sensors. Gravity systems use the same sensors as pressurized &#x2014; just set to the gold mark on preset sensors, or calibrated using the hanging drip method on standard sensors.</p><h3 id="4-distribution">4. Distribution</h3><p>At gravity pressures (1&#x2013;5 PSI), your distribution options are:</p><ul><li><strong>Basic drippers</strong> &#x2014; work at any pressure above 1 PSI</li><li><strong>Drip rings</strong> &#x2014; work at any pressure above 1 PSI</li><li><strong>BluSoak 2.0</strong> &#x2014; designed for gravity, works down to 1.5 PSI. Fold the end over to seal.</li><li><strong>BluSoak 1.0</strong> &#x2014; requires at least 2 PSI, so raise the reservoir to at least 4.5 feet</li><li><strong>BluSoak 3.0</strong> &#x2014; not suitable for gravity systems, requires 12&#x2013;15 PSI</li></ul><h2 id="air-purging--critical-for-gravity-systems">Air Purging &#x2014; Critical for Gravity Systems</h2><p>This is the most common gravity system problem. At low pressures, even a small air bubble in the supply line can completely stop water flow. Install a ball valve or flush valve at the far end of your supply line. If your reservoir runs dry:</p><ol><li>Refill the reservoir</li><li>Open the flush valve at the end of the line</li><li>Wait until water runs steadily with no sputtering</li><li>Close the valve &#x2014; system resumes normally</li></ol><h2 id="looping-layout-for-better-performance">Looping Layout for Better Performance</h2><p>A single-exit bucket limits total flow. For more than ~5 sensors on gravity, use the <strong>two-bulkhead loop method</strong>:</p><ul><li>Install two bulkhead fittings in your reservoir</li><li>Run tubing out of the first, through your growing area, and back into the second</li><li>Water flows in both directions &#x2014; doubles flow capacity and adds redundancy</li><li>If one side clogs, the other side still feeds all sensors</li></ul><h2 id="gravity-vs-pressurized--when-to-switch">Gravity vs Pressurized &#x2014; When to Switch</h2><p>Gravity systems are excellent for small to medium setups. Consider switching to a pressurized system or pump kit if:</p><ul><li>You have more than 15&#x2013;20 sensors and are seeing uneven watering at the far end</li><li>You can&apos;t raise the reservoir high enough for adequate pressure</li><li>You want to use BluSoak 3.0 or need higher-pressure distribution</li><li>You&apos;re tired of refilling the reservoir and want automatic top-off</li></ul><p>&#x1F4D6; <a href="/en-US/pressurized-systems-hose-bib-backyard-grow-tent">Pressurized Systems: Backyard Gardens, Grow Tents &amp; Indoor Grows</a></p>

Gravity Fed Systems: Raised Reservoir & Off-Grid Setups

Learn how Blumat sensors use soil moisture tension to automatically water your plants — no timers, no programming, no power required.

<h2 id="the-science-behind-blumat">The Science Behind Blumat</h2>

<p>Blumat systems are the most sensitive and accurate analog irrigation method available today. At the heart of every system is a ceramic moisture sensor that responds to changes in <strong>soil moisture tension</strong> &#x2014; the same signal that plant roots respond to when deciding whether to take in water.</p>

<p>Soil tension measures how tightly water is held in the soil. The drier the soil, the harder a plant has to work to extract moisture. Rather than measuring how <em>much</em> water is present, Blumat sensors measure this <strong>tension</strong> &#x2014; which is what the plant actually feels. That means the Blumat sees exactly what the plant sees, and responds accordingly.</p>

<p>Unlike timers or digital controllers, a properly set Blumat sensor automatically adjusts to the plant&apos;s changing needs throughout its life cycle. As environmental conditions shift &#x2014; hot days, cloud cover, different growth stages &#x2014; the system tracks with the plant&apos;s water demand in real time, always delivering the right amount of moisture.</p>

<h2 id="how-the-sensor-works">How the Sensor Works</h2>

<p>The Blumat TROPF sensor is an analog, moisture-sensing valve based on tensiometer technology. Here&apos;s what happens inside:</p>

<ol>
  <li><strong>Soil dries out</strong> &#x2192; the ceramic cone draws moisture out of the water column inside the sensor, increasing tension.</li>
  <li><strong>Tension opens a valve</strong> &#x2192; water flows from the supply line through the sensor and out to your plants.</li>
  <li><strong>Soil rehydrates</strong> &#x2192; tension drops, and the valve closes again.</li>
</ol>

<p>This mechanism requires <strong>no power, no programming, and no timers</strong>. It responds to the same soil tension that plant roots do &#x2014; making Blumat the most plant-aligned irrigation technology available.</p>

<h2 id="the-four-parts-of-every-blumat-system">The Four Parts of Every Blumat System</h2>

<p>Every Blumat setup &#x2014; from a single houseplant to a large commercial grow &#x2014; is made up of four key components:</p>

<h3 id="1-water-source">1. Water Source</h3>
<p>Gravity-fed reservoir, pump kit, or pressurized supply line. Blumat systems require a constant pressure between <strong>1 and 15 PSI</strong> to operate. Below 1 PSI the system won&apos;t function; above 15 PSI fittings can fail.</p>

<h3 id="2-supply-line">2. Supply Line</h3>
<p>The tubing and fittings that carry water from the source to the growing area. Blumat systems use <strong>&#xBD;-inch trunk line tubing</strong> for main runs and <strong>8mm tubing</strong> for zone lines that feed directly to sensors and emitters.</p>

<h3 id="3-sensor">3. Sensor</h3>
<p>The ceramic moisture-sensing valve that controls water flow. Sensors come in <strong>5-inch</strong> and <strong>9-inch</strong> lengths, and in <strong>standard</strong> (manually calibrated) and <strong>preset</strong> (color-coded for gravity or pressure) versions.</p>

<h3 id="4-distribution">4. Distribution</h3>
<p>How water is delivered to the root zone. Options include Blumat drippers, drip rings, BluSoak drip tape (three versions), and AquaMat capillary mats. The right choice depends on your container size, layout, and water pressure.</p>

<h2 id="why-its-different-from-other-irrigation">Why It&apos;s Different From Other Irrigation</h2>

<p>Most irrigation systems water on a schedule &#x2014; a timer opens a valve for a set amount of time, regardless of what the plant actually needs. This leads to overwatering when conditions are cool or cloudy, and underwatering during heat spikes.</p>

<p>Blumat is <strong>demand-driven</strong>. The sensor only opens when the soil reaches a certain dryness threshold, and closes again once moisture is restored. The result is a system that naturally adapts to the plant&apos;s real-time water demand &#x2014; day after day, without adjustment.</p>

<h2 id="what-this-means-for-you">What This Means for You</h2>

<ul>
  <li>No timers to program or update</li>
  <li>No power required at the sensor level</li>
  <li>Automatically adjusts for weather, plant growth stage, and environment</li>
  <li>Works for everything from houseplants to commercial cultivation</li>
  <li>Once dialed in, the system runs itself</li>
</ul>

<p>The tradeoff: Blumat systems require a proper initial setup and calibration. The sensor must be filled with water, installed in pre-moistened soil, and set to the right moisture threshold for your crop. Done correctly, the system is remarkably reliable and low-maintenance.</p>

<p>For setup instructions, see <strong>Setting Up Your Sensors</strong> in this Help Center.</p>

How Blumat Watering Systems Work

How to fill, install, and calibrate your Blumat sensors — including the difference between 5" and 9" sensors, standard vs. preset, and the full moisture range.

<h2 id="before-you-install">Before You Install</h2>

<p>Every Blumat sensor must be <strong>filled with water and soaked for 15 minutes</strong> before installation. The ceramic cone needs to be fully saturated to work correctly &#x2014; a dry cone will not respond to soil moisture properly.</p>

<p>Your soil also needs to be <strong>pre-moistened</strong> before the sensor goes in. Installing into dry soil means the sensor has nothing to read and will open immediately, potentially overwatering.</p>

<h2 id="sensor-lengths-5-inch-vs-9-inch">Sensor Lengths: 5-Inch vs. 9-Inch</h2>

<p>Blumat TROPF sensors come in two lengths, and the choice affects how your system behaves:</p>

<h3 id="5-inch-sensor">5-Inch Sensor</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Best for <strong>small pots</strong> or when monitoring surface moisture</li>
  <li>Responds quickly &#x2014; short, frequent watering cycles</li>
  <li>Tight moisture control with minimal dryback</li>
</ul>

<h3 id="9-inch-sensor">9-Inch Sensor</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Ideal for <strong>raised beds and large containers</strong></li>
  <li>Can be installed at any depth between 5 and 9 inches</li>
  <li>Delivers broader moisture swings &#x2014; larger drybacks between watering events</li>
  <li>The deeper the sensor, the more soil must dry before triggering a watering cycle</li>
</ul>

<p>Use deeper sensors when longer watering intervals or deeper hydration is preferred. Use shallower sensors for fast, responsive cycling in upper soil zones.</p>

<h2 id="sensor-types-standard-vs-preset">Sensor Types: Standard vs. Preset</h2>

<h3 id="standard-sensors">Standard Sensors</h3>

<p>Standard sensors are manually calibrated using the <strong>hanging drip method</strong>. The goal is always to first find the hanging drip &#x2014; the point where water just begins to drip from the 3mm line &#x2014; and then adjust from there.</p>

<p><strong>Method 1: Cap Dialing Before Installation</strong></p>
<ol>
  <li>Connect the top of the sensor to a water supply</li>
  <li>Find the hanging drip point on the dial</li>
  <li>From the hanging drip, tighten clockwise ~&#xBC; turn to close the sensor and set a drier set point</li>
  <li>Soak the ceramic cone underwater</li>
  <li>Assemble the sensor while submerged, then install into pre-moistened soil</li>
</ol>

<p><strong>Method 2: In-Soil Adjustment After Installation</strong></p>
<ol>
  <li>Install and soak the sensor as normal</li>
  <li>Find the hanging drip point while the sensor is in the container</li>
  <li>Adjust based on current soil moisture: leave at hanging drip if moisture is right, loosen counterclockwise if too dry, tighten clockwise if too wet</li>
</ol>

<p><strong>Adjustment guide:</strong> Each 1/16 inch of turn = approximately 10 mbar. A full &#xBC; turn &#x2248; 60 mbar.</p>

<h3 id="preset-sensors">Preset Sensors</h3>

<p>Preset sensors are color-coded and pre-adjusted for common pressure ranges &#x2014; a fast, accurate starting point without manual calibration.</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>Gold mark</strong> &#x2192; calibrated for gravity systems (low pressure)</li>
  <li><strong>Silver mark</strong> &#x2192; calibrated for pressurized systems (higher pressure)</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>To set a preset sensor:</strong></p>
<ol>
  <li>Do <strong>not</strong> remove the protective cap &#x2014; it protects the setting from accidental changes</li>
  <li>Use the adjustment key (included with your system) through the hole in the top of the cap</li>
  <li>Align the sensor to the correct color mark for your system type</li>
  <li>Install into pre-moistened soil</li>
  <li>Allow 24&#x2013;48 hours to stabilize and begin watering</li>
</ol>

<p>After the sensor is active, you can fine-tune using the same principles as standard sensors: 1/16 inch counterclockwise = ~10 mbar wetter, 1/16 inch clockwise = ~10 mbar drier.</p>

<h2 id="understanding-the-moisture-range">Understanding the Moisture Range</h2>

<p>Blumat sensors are fully adjustable from very wet to very dry. Here&apos;s how to think about the range:</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>Below 20 mbar</strong>: Exceeds field capacity &#x2014; water may run out the bottom of containers. Not recommended for most potted plants.</li>
  <li><strong>40&#x2013;60 mbar</strong>: Ideal for vegetative growth &#x2014; consistently moist root zone for fast growth and nutrient uptake.</li>
  <li><strong>60&#x2013;100 mbar</strong>: Better for flowering stages or crops that benefit from slightly drier conditions.</li>
  <li><strong>Above 150 mbar</strong>: Soil can become hydrophobic, especially in peat-heavy mixes &#x2014; water resistance increases and moisture no longer wicks evenly. Not recommended.</li>
  <li><strong>300 mbar</strong>: Permanent wilting point &#x2014; most plants cannot recover from this level of dryness.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>For most growers, 50&#x2013;100 mbar is the sweet spot.</strong></p>

<h2 id="sensor-placement">Sensor Placement</h2>

<ul>
  <li>Place the sensor <strong>3&#x2013;4 inches from the first distribution point</strong> (dripper, drip ring, or BluSoak tape)</li>
  <li>The drip point should be toward the center of the pot, not at the edge</li>
  <li>Too far from the distribution: sensor may not detect moisture &#x2192; risk of overwatering</li>
  <li>Too close: sensor may respond too quickly &#x2192; risk of underwatering</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="after-installation">After Installation</h2>

<p>Allow <strong>24&#x2013;48 hours</strong> for a newly installed sensor to stabilize before making adjustments. Newly transplanted plants may not immediately activate the sensor &#x2014; especially if the root ball is small relative to the container. Spot-water the root ball with 200&#x2013;500 mL of water if needed in the first few days until roots grow into the surrounding medium.</p>

Setting Up Your Blumat Sensors

Compare Blumat drippers, drip rings, BluSoak 1.0/2.0/3.0, and AquaMat capillary mats — and how to choose the right distribution for your setup.

<h2 id="choosing-the-right-distribution-method">Choosing the Right Distribution Method</h2>

<p>Once your sensor is installed and calibrated, you need a way to deliver water to the root zone. Blumat sensors can be paired with several distribution methods &#x2014; each suited to different container sizes, layouts, and pressure levels.</p>

<h2 id="basic-drip-tube-no-distribution">Basic Drip Tube (No Distribution)</h2>

<p>The simplest option: water drips directly from the 3mm line attached to the sensor, with no additional distribution hardware.</p>

<ul>
  <li>Works well for <strong>small pots up to 5 gallons</strong></li>
  <li>Add a stake or elbow to secure the drip point in place</li>
  <li>Drip point should be <strong>3&#x2013;4 inches from the sensor</strong> and positioned toward the center of the pot (not at the edge)</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="blumat-drippers">Blumat Drippers</h2>

<p>The original Blumat distribution system. Small drippers connect via 3mm tubing and deliver water at multiple points around the container.</p>

<ul>
  <li>Two types: <strong>T Drippers</strong> (inlet/outlet, water passes through) and <strong>End Drippers</strong> (terminates the line)</li>
  <li>Use <strong>2 to 5 drippers per sensor</strong></li>
  <li>Place the first dripper <strong>3 inches from the sensor</strong>, loop around the container, and place the last dripper 3&#x2013;4 inches from the sensor on the opposite side</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Important note on the dripper screw cap:</strong> Each dripper has a small screw cap that can be removed for cleaning. This screw is <em>not</em> a flow adjustment &#x2014; loosening it will not increase output and tightening it will not restrict flow. Always screw it fully closed after cleaning. This is a common misconception.</p>

<h2 id="blumat-drip-rings">Blumat Drip Rings</h2>

<p>Pre-assembled rings with built-in drip points &#x2014; a clean, easy solution for round containers.</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>5-inch ring</strong> &#x2014; 4 drip points, for 2&#x2013;7 gallon pots. Place sensor just outside the ring, within 3 inches.</li>
  <li><strong>10-inch ring</strong> &#x2014; 8 drip points, for 10&#x2013;20 gallon pots. Sensor can go inside or outside the ring using the gap, always within 3 inches.</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="blusoak-drip-tape">BluSoak Drip Tape</h2>

<p>BluSoak is a low-flow, pressure-sensitive drip tape designed for containers and raised beds. Three versions are available, each suited to different pressure ranges and applications.</p>

<h3 id="blusoak-10-original">BluSoak 1.0 (Original)</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Tyvek material with a plastic rib down the center (prevents kinks)</li>
  <li>Great for spirals and loops</li>
  <li>Requires <strong>at least 2 PSI</strong> &#x2014; not ideal for gravity-fed systems</li>
</ul>

<h3 id="blusoak-20">BluSoak 2.0</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Tyvek material with no plastic spine</li>
  <li>Must be <strong>folded over at the end</strong> to seal</li>
  <li>Works down to <strong>1.5 PSI</strong> &#x2014; compatible with gravity systems</li>
  <li>Provides uniform watering at ultra-low pressure</li>
</ul>

<h3 id="blusoak-30">BluSoak 3.0</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Emitter-style black drip tape with emitters every 6 inches</li>
  <li>Requires <strong>12&#x2013;15 PSI</strong> &#x2014; for pressurized systems only</li>
  <li>Cut only at the emitter (the visible slit) &#x2014; cutting between emitters disables that emitter</li>
  <li>Use pliers or channel locks to tighten fittings beyond hand-tight</li>
</ul>

<h3 id="blusoak-layout-options">BluSoak Layout Options</h3>

<p><strong>Loops</strong> (all versions): Use a BluSoak T to loop around large containers (30&#x2013;100 gallons). Place sensor 3&#x2013;4 inches inside the tape path.</p>

<p><strong>Spirals</strong> (1.0 and 2.0): Start in the center of the container and spiral outward. Place sensor near the center of the spiral, ideally between two coils.</p>

<p><strong>Manifold</strong> (2.0 and 3.0): Ideal for raised beds or straight rows. A common layout uses four parallel lines across a 4x10 bed. Sensor should be at least 12 inches into the bed, positioned between two lines and skewed 3&#x2013;4 inches toward one for responsiveness.</p>

<p><strong>Critical installation tip:</strong> The most common issue with BluSoak is leaking at the fittings. Always tighten all BluSoak fittings with pliers or channel locks &#x2014; hand-tight is not enough. After hand-tightening, add an extra quarter turn with pliers. This small step makes a significant difference in system performance.</p>

<h2 id="aquamat-capillary-mats">AquaMat Capillary Mats</h2>

<p>AquaMats are bottom-watering mats designed for small containers, typically 1-gallon pots. Water is distributed through an internal BluSoak manifold and wicked upward through the mat into the pot.</p>

<ul>
  <li>Two sensor options: a 5-inch sensor in a dedicated pilot pot on the mat, or a Surface Blumat sensor (bell-shaped ceramic) placed directly on the mat</li>
  <li>The mat <strong>must be perfectly level</strong> &#x2014; within &#xBD; inch over 10 feet. Use a level to verify.</li>
  <li>Pots must have permeable bottoms or open drainage holes at least &#x215C; inch in diameter</li>
  <li>Target moisture setting: <strong>20&#x2013;30 mbar</strong> (very wet &#x2014; close to hanging drip)</li>
  <li>If there&apos;s standing water under a pot, tighten the sensor. If it&apos;s dry under a pot, loosen the sensor.</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="general-placement-rule">General Placement Rule</h2>

<p>Regardless of distribution method, always place the sensor within <strong>3&#x2013;4 inches of the distribution point</strong>. Too far and the sensor may not detect moisture &#x2014; leading to overwatering. Too close and it responds too quickly &#x2014; leading to underwatering.</p>

Blumat Distribution Methods: Drippers, Rings, BluSoak & AquaMats

How to design your Blumat supply line network — trunk lines, 8mm zone lines, gravity layout options, and why air purge valves are critical.

<h2 id="tubing-overview">Tubing Overview</h2>

<p>Blumat systems use two primary tubing sizes to move water efficiently from your source to your plants:</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>&#xBD;-inch tubing</strong> &#x2014; trunk lines that carry high volumes of water over longer distances</li>
  <li><strong>8mm tubing</strong> &#x2014; zone lines that directly feed sensors, BluSoak tape, drippers, or capillary mats</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="trunk-lines">Trunk Lines</h2>

<p>The trunk line begins at your water source &#x2014; just downstream of a pressure reducer or reservoir &#x2014; and runs toward your zones or rows.</p>

<ul>
  <li>Made from &#xBD;-inch polyethylene tubing</li>
  <li>Uses Permalock fittings and valves for secure, reusable connections</li>
  <li>Can also be built using Schedule 40 or 80 PVC with reducer bushings to convert to 8mm tubing</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Why trunk lines matter:</strong> Every time you reduce to 8mm tubing, you limit flow to about 1 gallon per minute. This is fine for a single zone, but when paired with a higher-capacity pressure reducer, trunk lines let you split total output across multiple 8mm zones.</p>

<p><strong>Flow matching guide:</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li>&#xBD;-Bar Reducer (~0.75 GPM): 1 zone</li>
  <li>Full-Bar Reducer (~1 GPM): 1 zone</li>
  <li>System-Wide Reducer (~7 GPM): up to 7 zones when properly split using a trunk line</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="zone-lines-8mm-tubing">Zone Lines (8mm Tubing)</h2>

<p>Once water is split off the trunk line, it flows through 8mm tubing to reach sensors and emitters. Two types are available:</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>Black Poly Tubing</strong> &#x2014; slightly rigid, great for straight lines or clean layouts</li>
  <li><strong>Super Flex Tubing</strong> &#x2014; soft and kink-resistant, ideal for weaving through containers or beds</li>
</ul>

<p>Both types are fully compatible with Blumat fittings. Use Super Flex where routing is tight or tricky, and Black Poly when long, clean straight lines are preferred.</p>

<h2 id="tips-for-consistent-flow">Tips for Consistent Flow</h2>

<ul>
  <li>Keep trunk lines straight and elevated when possible</li>
  <li>Use tee fittings and reducers to cleanly split water to each zone</li>
  <li>Reduce at the point of need &#x2014; not back at the reservoir &#x2014; to keep high flow where it&apos;s needed</li>
  <li>Avoid long single-direction 8mm runs</li>
  <li>Purge air during startup and after any reservoir emptying</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="air-purge-valves--critical-for-gravity-systems">Air Purge Valves &#x2014; Critical for Gravity Systems</h2>

<p>When water flow is disrupted &#x2014; especially in gravity systems &#x2014; air can become trapped in the tubing. Even a small air bubble in a low-pressure system (1&#x2013;5 PSI) can stop flow entirely.</p>

<p>Install ball valves or flush valves at the far end of every trunk line or loop. If your reservoir runs dry and air enters the system:</p>
<ol>
  <li>Refill the reservoir</li>
  <li>Open the flush valves to let trapped air escape</li>
  <li>Once water runs steadily, close the valves and resume normal operation</li>
</ol>

<h2 id="gravity-system-layout-options">Gravity System Layout Options</h2>

<p>Gravity-fed systems require special design considerations due to their low operating pressure. Two common layouts work well:</p>

<h3 id="a-looping-from-the-reservoir-2-bulkhead-method">A. Looping from the Reservoir (2 Bulkhead Method)</h3>

<p>Best for compact container gardens or smaller raised bed systems.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Install two bulkhead fittings: one for supply, one for return</li>
  <li>Run tubing out of the first bulkhead, through your growing area, and back into the second</li>
  <li>Water flows in both directions around the loop</li>
  <li>If one side clogs, the other still feeds the system</li>
  <li>Two outlets also increases total flow, allowing more sensors on gravity than a single line would support</li>
</ul>

<h3 id="b-trunk-line-with-multiple-u-loops">B. Trunk Line with Multiple U-Loops</h3>

<p>Best for larger gardens or grow rooms on gravity.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Use a &#xBE;-inch bulkhead and connect a &#xBD;-inch trunk line to the bottom of the reservoir</li>
  <li>Run the trunk line along the head of each row</li>
  <li>At each row, install a reducing tee to split into 8mm tubing</li>
  <li>From each tee, run Super Flex tubing in a U-shape: out to the end of the row and back to the next tee</li>
  <li>Repeat for each row</li>
</ul>

<p>This approach keeps all 8mm runs short for better pressure, builds redundancy into each row, and allows expansion even in low-pressure environments. Always install flush valves at the end of each trunk loop.</p>

Gravity Fed Systems

Gravity Fed Systems: Raised Reservoir & Off-Grid Setups

How Blumat Watering Systems Work

Setting Up Your Blumat Sensors

Blumat Distribution Methods: Drippers, Rings, BluSoak & AquaMats

Supply Lines & System Layout

Blumat Distribution Methods: Drippers, Rings, BluSoak & AquaMats copy