The drip system is just that. It is a low water volume system that is conducive to watering specific plant locations without spraying the entire area. The drip system also minimizes evaporation.

Normally the system uses ½  flexible PVC black pipe for the main feeder line. From that line emitters can be attached via ¼  vinyl tubing or emitters can be inserted directly into the feeder line. There are a number of different emitters ranging from ½ gallon per hour to 25 gallons per hour. Some can be adjusted from 0 to 25 gallons per hour; others are fixed.

The drip system should be on its own zone and not mixed with a high volume spray system that operates at the same pressure as your home. Drip systems operate best at 25 to 30 pounds of pressure. Pressure higher that this will tend to damage the emitters or blow ¼  vinyl hose apart or both.

The ideal drip system should have an anti-syphon valve, a filter and a pre-set pressure regulator. The anti-syphon valve prevents water from backing into your water line, the filter will filter out the smallest of particles to keep your system from clogging and the regulator will maintain the proper water pressure with the system.

My next article will explain how to design and proper drip system and suggest the proper emitters for the application.

If you have a specific question, please email me at lenoch14@aol.com

Dave Lenoch, owner