How to Save Money When Buying Flat Emitter Drip Tape

Buying Guide: Driptape, Dripline, or Poly Tubing W/ Emitters 

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     Selecting the proper drip device for your use depends on a couple of variables, each equally important. The three types of products we sell for drip systems are driptape, dripline and blank poly tubing with emitters added as needed. Each is capable of different flow rates and emitter spacings, so it can be adapted to fit many configurations. Preinstalled emitters can be 4”, 6”, 8”, or 12” apart on driptape and 12”, 24”, 36”, or 48” apart on dripline. We do not install emitters on poly tubing, but we do sell them for customers to install. 

Flow rate needed for plants

      The first factor that will decide which product to use is the flow rate needed. Knowing how much water your plants need is crucial. This will depend on the overall water needs of your crop or plants, as well as the type of soil they are in. Clay is slow to absorb water and would require a lower flow drip tape, while sand absorbs water quickly, so a higher flow rate is possible. Drip tape will be the lowest flow choice, ranging from a .09GPH emitter to a .27GPH emitter. Dripline is capable of a higher flow rate of .5GPH to 1GPH. Poly tubing can be customized with any compatible emitter. This allows you to tailor the flow and the emitter layout for more custom applications. Self-installed emitter flows can be anywhere from .5GPH to 18GPH. The flow needed will dictate the entire system. Lines and connections need to be sized to accommodate that flow. 

Life span versus Price

      The second factor is life span needed. Drip tape has different thicknesses measured in thousandths of an inch or “mil”. The higher the number the thicker the wall of the tape. A thicker tape will last longer than a thinner one. Driptape is best suited to crops that are more seasonal as it is cheaper per foot and most users will discard after one use. The most common thickness is 8mil tape, that is a great starting point for new users. If you get unexpected leaks caused by animals or workers, then trying a thicker tape next year is recommended. If you have success with 8mil then using a thinner tape next season may be possible to save money. If you need a longer lifespan for a crop that grows over multiple years like orchards or vineyards, dripline would be a great alternative to driptape. Dripline is like blank poly tubing, but with pre-installed emitters. Like poly tubing, it can last on average about ten years before any noticeable degradation. For seasonal crops use driptape, for year-round or perennial crops dripline or poly tubing is best. 

Diameter of tubing

      The third factor is the diameter of tubing. The most common size is 5/8”. It will be easiest to find fittings in this size, whether it is for driptape, dripline, or poly tubing. The reason to go to a larger diameter driptape would be if there is too much pressure loss from row length using 5/8”. A lot of times you can use a lower flow on 5/8” and still have acceptable pressure loss, granted you will need to run the system slightly longer. If you are unable to reduce the flow, then going larger is needed. The next size for driptape is 7/8”. It can have maximum row of ft at .22gpm, whereas the same flow in 5/8” will max out at 835ft. For rows longer than that you may need to use blank poly tubing like ¾" or 1” and install emitters as needed. Use our pressure loss calculator to decide line size needed, based on flow rate and length of run. 

Pressure Compensating or not

Buy components from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility, or buy an entire drip irrigation kit and work your way up to a customized system.

Soaker hoses are the simplest way to create drip irrigation. These garden hoses have tiny holes along their length to allow water to drip out. While it's an initially cost-effective option, it uses more water than a drip system in the long run.

Kits combine the components you need for specific applications. You can find kits to create systems for vegetable gardens, flower beds, container plants and landscape plants like trees and shrubs. Some kits allow you to expand the system as your irrigation needs grow. Other kits provide repair parts or let you convert pop-up sprinklers for drip irrigation.

Backflow preventers or anti-siphon devices prevent the irrigation system's water from re-entering your water supply and contaminating your drinking water when the system is turned off, which is a requirement in most areas.

Pressure regulators or reducers make your home water pressure compatible with the drip line irrigation system. Without these devices, the typical home water supply has too much pressure for a drip irrigation system.

Filters prevent debris from clogging the tubing and emitters. Some pressure regulators have built-in filters.

Flexible tubing transports the water. Black or brown coloring allows the tubing to blend in with soil and mulch. Ultraviolet (UV) resistance protects the tubing from deterioration caused by the sun.

Fittings connect system components.

Stakes secure tubing and support emitters to prevent them from being clogged by soil, debris or bugs. Some stakes have built-in emitters.

Risers elevate emitters above the tops of the plants.

Timers turn the water on and off at times you set. Timers can prevent overwatering, minimize wasted water and allow your system to function as an automatic watering system. Some can connect to home automation systems to control from a computer or smart device. Certain smart devices can even regulate watering schedules based on weather activity and provide reports on water usage, making them ideal smart home solutions.

Hole punches create insertion points in the tubing to connect emitters or smaller-diameter tubing.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Lfsprrain sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Cutters make clean cuts in different sized tubing. Some cutters can also function as hole punches.

Plugs securely stop up any holes you punched by mistake. Plugs also allow you to move emitters without replacing the tubing.

Emitters insert into the tubing and discharge the water into the soil or onto plants. A gallons-per-hour (GPH) rating indicates the flow rate. The flow rate you need will vary depending on the type of plants you're watering and your soil type. Emitters have a rating for the maximum water pressure they can accept, noted in pounds per square inch (PSI). Pressure-compensating emitters deliver a constant flow rate even if the water pressure varies. Turbulent flow emitters feature a design that helps prevent clogging. Drip irrigation systems can include drippers, bubblers and misters.

You may want to have a professional install a drip irrigation system if you don't have the time to do it yourself. The information above gives you a good background for discussing the project, but what questions should you ask to make sure you get a system that's right for your landscape?

This isn't an exhaustive list and you may not need to ask all of the questions, but they'll give you a head start in coming up with a list that fits your project.

1: Can you tell me about your business?
Depending on the work they'll be doing, you'll want to know if the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. It’s also a good idea to know how long the company has been in business and any certifications they have.

2: Can I get references from other clients?
References from previous installations can give you a comfort level that the contractor will do the job right and support you after installation.

3: What are the requirements for installing an irrigation system in this area?
Ensuring that the contractor is aware of local codes or requirements can indicate a level of professionalism and experience. It can also save you money for future work, since retrofitting a system to meet local codes may be costly.

4: Is drip irrigation right for me?
Be sure you've explained your irrigation needs in as much detail as possible. While drip irrigation offers a lot of benefits, there are some applications where a professional might recommend an alternative, such as an underground system.

5: What size system do I need?
If you have a clear plan of where you need irrigation, the plants you'll be watering, etc., your contractor can design a system that's sized perfectly and doesn't waste materials, labor or water.

If you think you'll want to expand the irrigation area in the future, let your contractor know so they can build expandability into their design.

6: What type of emitters are best for my soil?
How quickly water flows through the soil is a factor on the speed and volume of irrigation. Make sure the contractor has checked your soil type to plan accordingly.

7: What's your plan for the system?
It's good to know exactly how the contractor will design the system. Understanding the components of the system helps you ensure your plants get the water they need and can help you plan for repairs or upgrades in the future. It's a good idea to have a final plan of the system as it was installed, in case the contractor had to make changes to the original plan.

8: How much water can I expect the system to use each month?
You should understand the impact the system will have on your water bill so you can plan for the changes. Depending on your current method of watering your plants, you may even reduce water usage.

9: What's included in installation?
In addition to installation of the system, you'll need to know if the contractor has a plan to check for underground utilities. You'll want all the manufacturer's information (manuals, warranty information, part numbers, etc.), instructions for use and maintenance and a demonstration of how to use the system. You'll also want a list of everything purchased and installed.

Depending on the system, the irrigation area may need to be seeded or mulch may need to be reapplied. Find out if this work is included.

10: How do I winterize the drip irrigation system?
If winterization isn't covered in the instructions or demonstration, make sure you know the steps you'll need to take so you can plan ahead.

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