Drip Irrigation General System Checklist


Head Assembly:

  • Timer (optional)

  • Backflow Preventer

  • Filter

  • Pressure Regulator

  • Tubing Adapter 


Pro Tips

  • The list is in the optimal order of installation

  • Check your local codes for Backflow Preventer requirements

  • Minimum filtration recommended for drip irrigation is 155 Mesh

  • 25 PSI for drip systems unless drip tape is used, then 10  - 15 PSI max

  • Match Tubing Swivel Adapter to mainline tubing size used

Mainline Tubing 

  • ¼”

  • ½”

  • ¾”

  • 1” 


Remember the Rules

  • ¼” Tubing no more than 30 ft and 30 GPH

  • ½” Tubing no more than 200 ft and 200 GPH

  • ¾” Tubing no more than 480 ft and 480 GPH

  • 1”  Tubing no more than 960 ft and 960 GPH

  • Most systems use ½” or larger tubing as the mainline water source

  • and ¼” tubing is then used to run from mainline to plants (known as spaghetti or micro tubing)

  • Increase mainline tubing size if more GPH or distance is needed

Fittings:

  • Couplers

  • Elbows

  • Tees

  • End Caps


Pro Tips

  • Sketch your installation area - make special note of areas that require turns, tubing to run in 2 different directions or where the tubing runs end

  • By doing so you will ensure you get the right number and the right fittings

  • Always order 1 or 2 extra couplers.  They come in handy for future repairs

  • Goof Plugs are used to cap off ¼” tubing and for repairing unused holes in mainline

  • If using different sizes of tubing in your system don’t forget fittings for both sizes

  • During installation using hot (not boiling) water can soften the tubing and make fitting insertion easier

Emitters:

  • Drippers - single plant

  • Drip Tape - Straight rows 

  • Drip Line (flexible)

  • Adjustable Drippers

  • Micro-Sprinklers

Pro Tips

  • If you’re using drippers, count the number of plants and decide if 1 or more is needed per plant. This will give you a total number of drippers needed

  • Measure run lengths for Dripline & Drip Tape to calculate amount needed

  • Adjustable drippers are great for water hungry plants. Use caution when installing them as they use a lot of water and it doesn't take many to over tax a system

  • Micro-Sprinklers are often used to water ground cover.  Use same caution as above as they use a lot of water 

Hole Punch

  • ¼”

  • 7.0 mm


Pro Tips

  • A must if connecting ¼” tubing to mainline tubing, button drippers to mainline tubing or tape takeoff fittings to mainline tubing

  • It is important to match the right size punch with the corresponding fitting to get the right size hole so a tight secure fit is achieved to eliminate leaking

Stakes

  • ¼”

  • ½”

  • ¾”

Pro Tips

  • Stakes help give your installation a professional look by anchoring down drippers, runs of mainline tubing, drip tape and dripline 

  • Vibrations during startup occur in the system due to pressurizing, which can cause the tubing to move if not anchored down. Wildlife often can catch their hooves or feet on the mainline when walking through an area causing the lines to move if not anchored down. If properly staked down you reduce the risk of the drippers being moved away from the plant.

Hooks & Clamps:

  • C- Clamps - Wood

  • Hooks - Wire

  • C-Clamps are used if you need to run tubing over a wood surface (raised beds, fences…) c-clamps are designed to hold the tubing neatly in place

  • Hooks are used to suspend tubing from wire - commonly used in Vineyards

Optional Items:

  • Fertilizer Injector

  • Timer

  • Tubing Cutters

  • Adding a Fertilizer Injector is easy and saves you more time by fertilizing automatically while your system automatically water

  • Fertilizer Injector Buying Guide

  • Pairing a timer to your system automates it and save you even more time

  • Do You Need a Water Timer?

  • While tubing can be cut with standard household scissors, several of our punches also come equipped with a cutter and some will even help insert drippers as well

  • Punches & Cutters

printable sheet of graph paper to help in sketching out your irrigation system: