Hose Connection Points
Hose connection points document the locations of surface tap outlets that provide water for hand-watering — they are separate from automated irrigation zones but connect to the same pipe network.
Hose Connection PointsA hose connection marks a permanent outdoor outlet where a garden hose can be attached — useful for areas watered manually rather than by an automated zone. You place it from the Water tab's Manual Access section (labeled Hose Bib), connect it to the pipe network with a Pipe, and choose a fixture style (Inline Valve, Anti-Siphon, or Ball Valve) that controls how the outlet appears in the 3D view. Hose connections are always-on outlets operated at the tap, not tied to a controller or zone schedule.
Place the outlet on the plan
Click on the canvas at the intended location of the tap outlet — for example, at the edge of a patio, adjacent to a raised bed area, or at a key point in a large garden where hose reach is needed. Place outlets so that a standard 15–20 m hose can reach all intended hand-watered areas from the outlet location.
Connect to the pipe network
Use the Draw Pipe tool to draw a lateral pipe from the nearest irrigation pipe or manifold to the hose connection point. This documents the underground supply pipe that feeds the outlet. Set the pipe diameter in the Inspector to match the supply pipe specification — typically 20 mm or 25 mm for a hose outlet branch.
Select the outlet to open the Inspector
Click the hose connection with the Select tool. The Inspector shows the object's editable properties, including its name and fixture style.
Choose a fixture style
In the Fixture Style section, choose the type that matches the physical fitting from the icon grid: Inline Valve, Anti-Siphon, or Ball Valve. The chosen style updates the 3D representation of the outlet.
Connect the outlet to the pipe network
Place a Pipe from the Distribution section, click the water source or an existing pipe as the start point, then click near the hose connection to route the pipe to it. The outlet now draws from the same supply as the automated zones on the plan.
Rename the outlet (optional)
With the outlet selected, type a descriptive label in the Name field such as 'Veg garden tap' or 'Driveway washdown'. Clear names make the plan easier to read and help identify outlets in cost estimates and reports.
Hose connections are always-on outlets controlled manually at the tap — they are not assigned to a zone or controller. Place them where a hose can realistically reach the spots watered by hand, such as a vegetable garden, a potted-plant area, or a paved surface needing occasional washdown.
For a clean plan, place the hose connection close to where the pipe will emerge — typically at a building wall or raised planter edge. This minimises the length of exposed pipe shown on the plan and matches the likely installation route.
The Water tab is a schematic documentation tool and does not simulate real-world water pressure or flow. Always consult a qualified irrigation professional before finalising any installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a hose connection different from a water source?
A water source is where supply enters the entire irrigation system — the mains tap or pump feeding all pipes. A hose connection is a downstream outlet for attaching a garden hose at a specific location. You connect hose outlets to the pipe network like other components, but they have no coverage zone and are not assigned to a controller.
What do the fixture styles change?
The fixture style controls the 3D visual representation of the outlet — Inline Valve, Anti-Siphon, or Ball Valve. The choice affects the 3D view and rendered output, not the 2D plan symbol.
Do I need to connect the hose connection to a pipe?
Not immediately — you can place it first and pipe it later. Connecting it to the network with a Pipe ensures it appears correctly in the system overview and is included in pipe-length calculations.
Can a hose connection be part of an automated zone?
No. Hose connections are always-on manual outlets. For an automatically controlled zone, use a Valve to create a zone and connect sprinklers or driplines to it instead.
How do I move or delete a hose connection after placing it?
Select the outlet and drag it to a new position. To delete it, select it and press Delete or Backspace. Any connected pipe remains on the plan and may need to be redrawn or removed separately.