Though a hydroponic garden handles water more efficiently than soil-based gardening methods, it requires pressure, hardware, and tubing to do so. Many problems could arise with the system that could result in water and nutrients leaking out if not dealt with immediately. Quickly identifying the reasons your hydroponics system may be leaking will help you fix the problems rather than patching them up. These common causes of hydroponic leaks can impact any grower—not just novices.
Clogs
When one nutrient tube backs up due to undissolved powder fertilizer or plant debris, the pressure begins to build. Whether it’s a main tube or a branching tube, any fluid that can’t reach its destination will result in thirsty plants and excess liquid in the reservoir. The added pressure to the system may cause the clog to damage the tube and create a leak.
Prevent clogs by actively looking for plant debris, dead pests, and solid fertilizer in the basin and in your tubing. If you find a clog, work it out immediately and test the tubing for leaks immediately after.
Broken Connections
All hardware that connects your system together or disperses nutrients to your garden may break after enough constant pressure and usage. When this happens, you may find yourself with a serious loss of liquid in your hydroponic system and a huge puddle to deal with.
Residue that leaves behind nutrients or salt works similarly to how minerals in hard water clog plumbing hardware. Residue can build up in tubing, on the reservoir walls, and—most notably—your hose fittings. To prevent breakage and major leaks, you must keep all tubing hardware and drippers clean of salt residue.
Reservoir Problems
If you notice water and nutrients pooling around your reservoir, it may contain the answer to the reasons your hydroponic system may be leaking. The most obvious answer could be a crack in the wall or bottom of the reservoir, but this may not always be the case.
When the reservoir itself is undamaged, consider how full it gets after you refill it. If it’s essential that you fill it all the way for the size of your garden, you may just need a bigger reservoir to handle the demands of your crops. Remember, if your power ever goes out or the pressure pump stops working, all the water in your system will travel back to your basin, which can lead to potential spilling.
With the proper maintenance and a perceptive eye, you’ll maintain a hydroponic drip system that’s free of leaks and spills. Like any of the hardware involving water around your house, it’s important for you to keep spare parts at hand to immediately remedy any major leak in the system.
The reliable selection of hydroponic hardware and hydroponic drip irrigation kits at FloraFlex will keep your garden functioning after you recover from a leak. Choose us for your hydroponic needs either online or at one of our wholesale retailers.
