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Why Your Irrigation System Keeps Failing (And How to Fix It)

Why Your Irrigation System Keeps Failing (And How to Fix It)

Irrigation systems are supposed to make farming easier, more profitable, and more reliable especially in most parts of Kenya where rainfall is unpredictable. So why does your irrigation system keep breaking down, blocking, leaking, or failing to deliver uniform water? If your crops are underperforming despite investing in irrigation, the problem may not be the weather it may be your system.

Let’s break down the real reasons irrigation systems fail and how you can fix them permanently.

1. Poor System Design

One of the biggest causes of irrigation failure in Kenya is improper design. Many farmers:

  • Use wrong pipe sizes
  • Install systems without pressure calculations
  • Mix incompatible fittings
  • Ignore slope and elevation differences
The Problem:

When pressure is not balanced:

  • Some crops receive too much water
  • Others receive too little
  • Pipes burst
  • Drippers fail
The Solution:

Before installation:

  • Conduct a site assessment
  • Calculate water pressure and flow rate
  • Design zones properly
  • Use correct HDPE and PVC pipe sizes

A professional irrigation design saves you money long-term.

2. Low-Quality Pipes and Fittings

Cheap irrigation materials are expensive in the long run.

Low-grade PVC and poor-quality HDPE pipes:

  • Crack under pressure
  • Leak at joints
  • Degrade under UV exposure
  • Fail within months

Many systems fail simply because substandard fittings were used.

The Solution:

Always use:

Quality materials mean fewer repairs and longer lifespan.

3. Poor Filtration (Clogged Drippers)

In drip irrigation systems, filtration is everything.

If your system keeps blocking, the issue is likely:

  • Dirty water source
  • No proper filter installed
  • Filter not cleaned regularly

Clogged drippers cause:

  • Uneven watering
  • Stressed crops
  • Reduced yields
  • Complete system shutdown
The Solution:

Install:

  • Screen filters
  • Disc filters
  • Sand filters (for borehole or dam water)

And clean them regularly.

4. Incorrect Water Pressure

Too much pressure:

  • Bursts pipes
  • Blows off fittings
  • Damages drippers

Too little pressure:

  • Drippers don’t emit water
  • Uneven irrigation
  • Poor crop performance

Many farms in Kenya experience pressure problems because:

  • Pumps are mismatched
  • No pressure regulators are installed
  • System zones are too large

The Fix:

  • Install pressure regulators
  • Use proper pump sizing
  • Divide farm into irrigation zones

Pressure management is critical for system longevity. 

5. Poor Installation Workmanship

Even the best materials will fail if poorly installed.

Common installation mistakes:

  • Loose joints
  • Poor gluing of PVC
  • Wrong pipe alignment
  • No air release valves
  • Lack of Expertise 

These small mistakes cause repeated breakdowns.

The Solution:

Work with experienced irrigation installers who understand:

  • Flow dynamics
  • Pipe alignment
  • Proper sealing
  • System flushing
Professional installation prevents 70% of failures.

6. Lack of Maintenance

An irrigation system is not a “install and forget” investment.

Without maintenance:

  • Filters clog
  • Pipes accumulate sediment
  • Drippers block
  • Leaks go unnoticed
Maintenance Checklist:
  • Clean filters weekly
  • Flush mainlines monthly
  • Check for leaks
  • Inspect pressure levels
  • Replace worn-out fittings

Preventive maintenance is cheaper than emergency repairs.

7. Using the Wrong Irrigation System for Your Crop

Not all crops need the same irrigation system.

For example:

  • Drip irrigation works best for Onions, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Vegetables and greenhouses
  • Sprinklers may suit pasture, Maize , Leafy Vegetables
  • Flood irrigation wastes water and causes disease

If the system does not match your crop type, failure is inevitable.

The Real Cost of Irrigation Failure

When your irrigation system fails, you lose:

  • Crop yield
  • Water
  • Electricity/diesel costs
  • Labor time
  • Market opportunity

In Kenya’s competitive agribusiness market, irrigation reliability determines profitability.

 

How to Stop Irrigation Failure Permanently

To build a reliable irrigation system:

1.    Start with professional design

2.    Use quality HDPE and PVC fittings

3.    Install proper filtration

4.    Manage pressure correctly

5.    Work with experienced installers

6.    Maintain the system regularly

A properly designed irrigation system can last 10+ years with minimal issues.

Final Thoughts

If your irrigation system keeps failing, it is not bad luck.

It is usually:

  • Poor design
  • Low-quality materials
  • Wrong installation
  • Lack of maintenance
The good news? All of these problems are fixable.

At Benssy Limited, we supply high-quality HDPE, PVC, and drip irrigation fittings and offer professional irrigation solutions tailored for Kenyan farms.

If you are tired of repeated breakdowns, water wastage, and poor yields, it is time to upgrade your irrigation system the right way.

📞 Contact Benssy Limited today for a professional assessment and reliable irrigation solutions built to last.

 

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