A Beginner’s Guide To Drip Irrigation Tubing

What Is Drip Tubing?

This article discusses the basics of drip irrigation tubing. We will start by explaining what drip tubing does and when it should be used. We will also tell you how to determine what type of drip tubing should be used.

Drip tubing is used in the delivery of water directly to the roots of plants. Specifically, drip tubing is made from polyethylene and has emitters that are placed at intervals along the tube that correspond with the placement of each plant. This ensures that water is delivered directly to each plant’s root zone. Irrigating in this manner is not only very precise and efficient, but it also conserves water because of the low flow rate that is required.

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In arid locations, drip irrigation is an essential method of maximizing water usage and has been a standard for centuries. There is even evidence that ancient civilizations used clay pots that were buried in the ground as a primitive method of drip irrigation. The pots would be buried near plants and filled with water. Over time, water would slowly seep from the pots and into the soil. In this manner, each plant received a constant and direct source of water.

What Does Drip Tubing Do?

Drip irrigation, via the use of quality polyethylene drip tubing, is both an economical and efficient way to irrigate most forms of plant life. Due to the fact that this method of irrigation has an efficiency rate of over 90%, this is especially true in areas where water is scarce. Because of the low flow rate and direct application to the roots of the plant, using drip tubing for irrigation also reduces evaporation and runoff.

Drip irrigation is scalable and can be used for both commercial and residential applications. Drip irrigation also limits disease because the tubing is delivering water directly to the root zone of a plant. By minimizing water contact on the stems, leaves, and fruit of a plant, waterborne disease is virtually eliminated. Using drip tubing for irrigation also keeps the rows between plants dry. This allows for easier access to the plant and reduces weed growth. Other benefits include less leaching of nutrients and water under the root zone and increased success over rough terrain.

When Should I Use Drip Tubing?

Drip tubing for irrigation purposes can provide benefits to nearly any type of agricultural endeavor. If you are a homeowner, drip irrigation provides an efficient way to water a multitude of different plant life from perennials in a landscaped flower garden to a backyard garden filled with fruits and vegetables. Drip irrigation is especially useful in situations where water usage may be limited or in locations where water is scarce.

Because of its flexibility, drip tubing can also be used for irrigating irregularly shaped or narrow areas. Drip tubing can be shaped to the contours of the rows of plants or landscaped areas.

Drip irrigation is also very useful during times of drought. In many cases, because of its efficiency, it may not be subject to water restrictions that are imposed during these times. Using drip tubing for irrigation is also considered a very “green” irrigation solution and as such, it is an excellent way to conserve and even recycle water.

Applying Drip Tubing To A Sprinkler System

Now that you’ve decided to embark on a journey that involves drip irrigation, it’s a good idea to take some time to learn a bit about what you’ll need in order to develop your drip irrigation system.

What Sizes Of Polyethylene Drip Tubing Are Available?

If you are a homeowner who is developing your own drip irrigation system, it is important to understand the differences in the sizes of drip tubing. It’s especially easy to become confused about the differences in 1/2-inch drip tubing, and this can lead to problems with buying the correct size of fittings.

Drip tubing and polyethylene tubing both come in various styles and sizes ranging from 1/8-inch to 1.5-inches or even larger. There are differences between the OD (Outside Diameter) and ID (Inside Diameter). These differences are shown in this list of the most common sizes of drip tubing.

Polyethylene Tubing:

• 1/8-inch – .125″ ID x .187″ OD
• 1/4-inch – .170″ ID x .250″ OD
• 3/8-inch – .375″ ID x .500″ OD

1/2-inch polyethylene tubing is available in three different configurations:

• 1/2-inch – .520″ ID x .620″ OD
• 1/2-inch – .600″ ID x .700″ OD
• 1/2-inch – .615″ ID x .710″ OD
• 3/4-inch – .820″ ID x .940″ OD
• 1-inch – 1.060″ ID x 1.200″ OD

Drip Tubing:

• 1/4-inch – (5mm) with .170″ ID x .240″ OD
• 1/2-inch drip tubing is available in two different configurations:
  • 1/2″ – .550″ ID x .640″ OD
  • 1/2″ – .570″ ID x .670″ OD
    

Remember, with 1/2″-inch tubing, you need to have the ID and OD that corresponds correctly with the size of fittings that you will use. If these sizes do not match precisely, there can be a wide variety of problems. Some of which include leaks, blow-outs, or stripped threads on fittings.

Drip tubing is normally sold in lengths of 100, 500, or 1,000 feet. It is black in color and has a high resistance to sunlight. In normal sunlight situations, drip tubing will last for about 30-years.

What Types Of Drip Tubing Are Available? There are several different types of drip tubing that are available for a drip irrigation system.

Emitter Tubing

For most drip irrigation systems, emitter tubing is the standard. This tubing allows for spot placement of water. In the case of factory-made emitter tubing, emitters are placed at even distances along the length of the tube. This type of tubing is a perfect choice for rows of evenly spaced plants. In custom systems designed for a landscaped area, emitters are manually placed along the tube. This is so that they will correspond with the placement of various plants.

1/2-Inch Distribution Tubing

This tubing is generally connected to the main water supply. It brings the water to the 1/4-inch distribution tubing, soaker tubing, or emitter tubing.

1/4-Inch Distribution Tubing

This tubing connects the 1/2-inch tubing to various types of emitters such as misters, emitters, and sprinklers.

Soaker Hoses Or Tubing

These types of emitters are porous hoses that can be connected directly to an outside faucet, rain barrel, or garden hose. This hose can be laid around different plants. This allows the water to seep from the walls of the hose and into the ground around it. The difference between the soaker hose and a drip line irrigation is that the delivery of water is much less accurate. You could compare a soaker hose to sweating because the water comes out along the entire length of the hose.

Soaker Tape Or Drip Tape

This emitter is similar to a soaker hose. It is made of either porous material or has hundreds of tiny holes along its entire length. The main difference is that drip tape is much thinner and in many cases will only last for one season. This tape can be used above or below ground and is very good for delivering water to wider areas that might need it. One example is within an area that has dense foliage.

Micro tubing is another useful component for irrigation systems. This type of tubing generally comes in 1/8″ and 1/4″ sizes and it can be used as the main and sub-lateral tubing for a drip irrigation system. It is also used to connect emitters. Micro tubing can generally handle up to 15gph.

What Type Of Drip Tubing Should I Use?

A simple answer to this question is that it will vary depending on what your needs are. If the intended use of the drip irrigation system is for rows of crops in a garden or trees in an orchard, factory-made tubing with its evenly spaced emitters is a perfect choice. However, if you are designing a system for a landscaped yard that has plants at various intervals throughout the entire yard, emitter tubing that requires manual placement of emitters is the correct choice.

In the case that you decide to landscape your yard in a different manner each year, soaker tubing may be a good choice since it is something that requires annual replacement. The size of your irrigation zones will also factor into this equation. One of the most important things you should do is draw out a plan and then use string to determine the proper lengths of the tubing you’ll need.

In a nutshell, there are several essential components in a drip irrigation system. Each system will require the main waterline, control valves, pressure reducer, backflow prevention, pressure regulator, filter, various tubing adapters and fittings, air vents, drip tubing, emitters, filters, and an end cap or flush valve.

Drip Irrigation Tubing

Drip irrigation is a tried and true method for maximizing the efficiency of delivering water to your plants. Once you’ve planned, installed, and used your drip irrigation system, you’ll be on your way to more effective and cost-saving irrigation. For further questions regarding drip tubing information and/or products, feel free to contact our more-than-willing customer service team or stop by our immersive showroom for a more hands-on shopping experience! At Sprinkler Warehouse, it’s all systems grow.

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