Things to keep in mind

• Drip tubing comes in different sizes:
  Unfortunately, drip tubing (also referred to as "poly tubing" because it is made from polyethylene) comes in different sizes and the different sizes are not compatible unless you use adapters. Poly tubing is measured in Inside Diameter (ID) and Outside Diameter (OD). If you have an existing drip system and you want to add to it, you'll need to ensure that you get the proper size tubing and parts or get the correct reducing coupling to mate the systems. Drip Depot carries 1/2" poly tubing with an inside diameter of .600 and an outside diameter of .700. 1/4" tubing (vinyl and poly) also comes in different sizes however, even different sizes of 1/4" tubing will usually work together.
• Threaded parts can be either Hose thread or Pipe thread:
  Some drip irrigation parts such as pressure regulator, backflow preventer and filter have threads. Most have the option of either pipe thread of hose thread and within the thread family you will have the option of Female or Male.
  • FPT = Female Pipe Thread
  • MPT = Male Pipe Thread
  • FHT = Female Hose Thread
  • MHT = Male Hose Thread
  You cannot mix threads unless you use an adapter first. If you mix threads, your system will leak, guaranteed.
• You must use a filter with the proper size screen:
  To protect the small orifices of the drippers and microsprinklers you must install a filter at the beginning of the system. For most installations a screen mesh of 150 or above is recommended to keep your drippers from clogging .
• You should use a pressure regulator:
  A drip system may leak unless you use a pressure regulator to ensure that your drip line maintains a constant pressure.

Helpful Hints

If this is the first time you are installing a drip or micro sprinkler system, we recommend trying one of our starter kits. Each contains everything you will need to install a basic system, with the exception of a pressure regulator which may be required if your pressure is over 30 psi. All of the parts are available separately to add on later.

• The ideal working pressure for your drip or micro sprinkler system is 25 psi, but most systems will operate fine between 15 and 30 psi. Use a pressure regulator to reduce high pressure. Install pressure regulator after your filter.
• Allowing the 1/2" poly tube to sit in the sun will make it easier to lay out.
• If you are having difficulty inserting your 1/4" barbs into 1/4" micro tube, dipping the micro tube into warm water will make it more pliable.

Common mistakes to avoid

The following list is designed to help you familiarize yourself with some of the most common mistakes made during design and/or installation of a drip irrigation system.

• Not enough emitters:
  One of the most common mistakes made is not using enough drip emitters. You need to ensure that the plant you are watering will have its entire root system watered. Large trees can require 12-36 or more emitters to properly water the root system under the canopy. Small shrubs may only need 2-3 emitters. Never use only 1 emitter no matter how small the plant. At a minimum two emitters per plant are needed as a backup in case one emitter clogs.
• Bad placement:
  Another mistake is to place the drip emitters too close together or too far apart. Drip emitters should be spaced evenly around the plant and kept at least six (6) inches from the base of the plant. This will help to avoid any fungal infections on the main plant stem. If your plant is on a hill, place the majority of emitters above the plant.
• Poor filtration:
  Use the correct filter for your drip system. Select the proper screen mesh for the water quality and type of emitters used. We recommend using a filter with a screen mesh of at least 155. Never operate a drip system without proper filtration, doing so is just asking for problems.
• Incorrect pressure:
  For a drip irrigation system to function properly it must be operated at the correct pressure. (PSI) If you try to put too many emitters on a line your pressure will fall below the operating minimum pressure and your system will fail. If you use an incorrect pressure regulator or none at all, your system will have too much pressure and not operate correctly.
• Improper zoning:
  "Zoning" refers to grouping large drip systems into "zones" of commonality. Usually, zones are grouped by plant type. Trees are separated from shrubs. Dry climate plants are separated from humid climate plants etc. If you have various soil types you can separate them into zones also. The main thing to remember is, after you get your system running, will you be able to water each plant according to its needs? If you put a large tree on the same line as a small shrub, one of them is probably going to be to dry or to wet.
• Wrong watering schedule:
  The key to this is, "trial-and-error". Don't just install your new drip system and walk away, trusting that your plants will make it. A drip system is not a "hands off" method of watering. A drip system is a "less hands on than if you had to stand there all summer with a hose" method of watering. You still need to check on the system periodically to ensure that it is working. Adjust the run times for the season. I you have a few days coming up that are 105 degrees, you may want to run the system a little longer. Likewise, if it is unusually cold for the season you may want to shorten the run times to keep from drowning your plants. The key is to watch your plants and pay attention to their needs.