Frequently asked questions

In time-controlled systems, a computer controls the water discharge and a preset amount of water is always dispensed at a certain time. Neither the special features of the plant’s location (exposure to sunlight, current level of soil moisture) nor how much water each individual plant needs are taken into account. Tropf-Blumat only reacts to the soil’s moisture level.

No, always leave the water supply on. If the rain supplies your plant with sufficient water, then Tropf-Blumat will not dispense any water.

To start with, nothing will happen. However, if the water supply is cut off for any length of time, the roots could draw all the water out of the sensor. Then air would enter the system and the valve would no longer open. In this case, refill the Tropf-Blumat.

No, Tropf-Blumat is only designed for localised drip irrigation. You need a watering system designed to cover a large area for your lawn (sprinkler, rain guns etc.).

Yes, the Tropf-Blumat system can be used to water fruit and vegetables without any worries. All parts carrying water have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. All Tropf-Blumat products are free from BPA and phthalates.

Tropf-Blumat products have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. However, the products are designed for watering plants and not for carrying drinking water. They are not certified for this purpose.

Yes, the Tropf-Blumat sensors control their watering independently of each other, individually for every plant.

The Tropf-Blumat system is designed for a water pressure of 1.3 bars at the most. If the pressure is higher, there is a risk the tubes may come adrift from the connectors.

Screw the pressure reducer on well by hand. Do not use a plumber’s wrench or another tool under any circumstances as this might damage the thread.

This usually means the rubber seal of the dirt filter has become brittle. Replace the sealing filter with a new one, it is available as an original accessory. However, any suitable sealing filter from a bathroom retailer can be used. Do not use force or a tool to unscrew the Pressure Reducer further under any circumstances otherwise you will damage the plastic thread. Also check whether the contact area for the sealing filter on your tap is corroding, covered in limescale or scratched.

No, the Pressure Reducer can be connected in any position, the 8 mm outflow can also either be directed upwards or sideways.

That depends on the number of plants and their water needs and how long you do not wish to top up the tank.

It doesn’t matter what it is made of. It is best to use an opaque tank to prevent the growth of algae. Place a lid on the tank to prevent leaves or insects from getting into the water.

It is best to attach the Tank Connector a few cm above the base of the tank. Then suspended particles can settle without getting into the tubes. If you have a large tank, it is best to set up a larger and sealable outlet at the lowest point so that you can easily flush out the tank when required.

The Blumat system is designed for a water pressure of 1.3 bars at the most. If the pressure is higher, there is a risk the tubes may come adrift from the connectors. For every metre of height, the pressure rises by 0.1 bar. If your tank is 12 metres above the plants and if the water in the tank is 1 metre high, the pressure for your plants will be 1.3 bars.

No, that won’t work unfortunately. The tank connector needs 2 side pegs to hold the filter securely.

Yes, of course the tank can be used with rain water. Make sure that no leaves get into the tank with the rain water and block up the connector. It’s best to use the water filter additionally. 

Lay the tubes so that they do not constitute an obstacle. Make sure that the tubes are not kinked. Don’t pull them too taut as they will contract somewhat in winter.

These substances corrode the tube and make it brittle. To make assembly easier, you can wet the tube or warm it slightly with a hairdryer.

The length of the drip tube between the T-piece/end-piece and the Tropf-Blumat may be up to 2 metres. This allows a very flexible and inconspicuous laying of the feeding tube to the Tropf-Blumat. Make sure that the tube is not kinked and that no objects are standing on it as this could cut off the water supply.

The black screw should not be adjusted. This ensures all Distribution Drippers react the same way. If a Distribution Dripper is visibly dispensing less water, you should clean it.

Unscrew the screw completely and lay both parts in lukewarm water, add some vinegar or descaling agent. Also remove incrustations on the screw with an old toothbrush.

If you have hard water, a build-up of limescale cannot be prevented. You will simply need to clean the Distribution Drippers more frequently.

The moisture can be regulated by the length of the drip tube protruding after the Tropf-Blumat. The standard setting is 8 cm. The shorter the tube protrudes, the drier it will be in the pot because the water returns to the clay cone faster. The longer the tube protrudes, the wetter it will be in the pot because the water returns to the clay cone more slowly. A maximum length of 12 cm may not be exceeded, and the length should not drop below a minimum of 5 cm.

Yes, that works. Follow the dosing instructions of the fertiliser (over-fertilisation will harm the plants). Experience has shown that liquid fertiliser crystallise in the pipes and block these in time. They must be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Annual cleaning with chemicals is possible; the legal environment regulations must be observed here.

Yes, that works but only with very high-quality fertiliser admix devices (e.g. Dosatron). Experience has shown that liquid fertiliser crystallise in the pipes and block these in time. They must be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Annual cleaning with chemicals is possible; the legal environment regulations must be observed here.

Yes, the Pressure Reducer needs to be unscrewed before the first frost.

No, the tubes can be left outside in winter.

The Tropf-Blumat sensors can remain in the soil in winter. When you switch off the water supply, they will run empty and are therefore frost-proof. However, we recommend taking the sensors out of the soil, cleaning them and storing them in a dark, dry place in the winter to extend their service lives.

The Tropf-Blumat Maxi is sometimes so thickly enclosed by the roots that it is difficult to remove. It is therefore built so robustly that it does not need to be removed in winter. Switch off the water supply and remove the watering head long enough for only a little water or no water at all to be visible in the casing. Then screw the watering head back on so that no dirt can get in. However, if it is easy to remove the Maxi, we recommend thorough cleaning in the same way as the normal Tropf-Blumat and then storage in a dry place over winter protected from the light.

The Tropf-Blumat is delivered closed. If it has been kept on the shelf for a long time, the drip tube may have stick together near the adjustment screw. Pull the tube out and massage the gummed up section for a while.

When temperatures drop by 5 degrees, the membrane of the Tropf-Blumat becomes harder and consequently does not shut off as quickly. Close the adjustment screw down by 2-3 marking arrows.