Installing drip irrigation involves using specialized equipment. Become familiar with the following essential basic components:
Filters/Pressure Regulators
Changing from sprinkler to drip irrigation requires the addition of a filter to prevent emitter clogging and a pressure regulator to achieve 20-30 PSI.
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| filter casing containing a screen filter | pressure regulator | combination filter and pressure regulator (not for use with wells) |
Key Points for Conversion of Sprinkler to Drip Irrigation
Sprinkler to Drip Irrigation Conversion
1/2'’ Inline drip and distribution tubing
½ inch tubing is the most common way to move water to the plants.
Emitters are small plastic parts that ‘emit’ controlled amounts of water. Pressure-compensating emitters are preferred as they provide the same flow over a wide pressure range. These emitters are also less prone to clogging.
½” inline drip tubing has embedded emitters regularly spaced at 12, 18 or 24 inches.
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| ½” inline drip tubing | ½” inline drip tubing emitter |
| ½” distribution tubing with added point source emitters can also be used. | |
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| 1/2" distribution tubing | ½” distribution tubing + point source emitter |
Fittings for ½” inline drip and ½” distribution tubing
These are the basic fittings to connect elements of drip system equipment.
Note that these are all “locking” fittings.
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| 1/2" locking fittings connector. | 1/2” tee connector | ½” elbow connector |
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| hose-end | line-end with cap | coupler with ball valve (shut-off) |
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| goof plugs | goof plug in ½” distribution tubing | irrigation line staple |
1/4'’ Inline drip and distribution tubing
Some applications (such as a veggie garden or in a pot) will use ¼” inline drip and ¼” distribution tubing.
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| ¼” inline drip tubing | ¼” distribution tubing |
Fittings for ¼” tubing
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| connectors | some applications (such as a veggie garden or in a pot) will use ¼” inline drip and ¼” distribution tubing. | 1/4” inline drip tubing with goof plug |
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| micro-flow valve | irrigation line staples | emitter |
Stores that specialize in irrigation are the best sources of irrigation equipment and supplies. They generally have a good selection of parts and knowledgeable staff.
The topics outlined below will help you install a drip system.
- Drip Irrigation Intro; Drip vs other watering methods, and how to get started
- Drip irrigation management
- Key considerations when implementing a drip system
- Drip irrigation basics
- Drip irrigation in different landscape situations
- Determining how much water to apply and how often
- Maintaining an irrigation system
- How to get help