How a drip irrigation system works
Water passes through a filter and pressure regulator, then travels along a supply line to the tape or dripline in each bed. Start by matching the filter, regulator and fittings to the line you plan to use.
Three checks before the first watering
- At the water source
- Check the filter rating against the emitter specification and follow the backflow requirements for the supply.
- At the tape inlet
- Measure pressure with all the rows in that zone running.
- At the end of the longest row
- Check for leaks and confirm that water reaches the last plants.
Follow the water from source to row
The water source feeds a head assembly. Use appropriate backflow protection for the supply, then a filter sized for both water quality and the emitter specification. A pressure regulator downstream sets the operating range for the irrigation zone.
A solid header or supply line carries water across the heads of the beds. Row-start fittings connect the drip tape or dripline to the header. A closure at the end of each lateral allows you to open it for flushing.
Check pressure while the zone is running
Measure pressure at the tape inlet with the planned rows open. The regulator marking gives its set point under rated conditions. Elevation, the flow through the filter and losses in the supply line affect the pressure available at the rows.
Use the manufacturer’s chart for your longest row, with the correct diameter, flow and slope. Open a smaller zone if the water source cannot maintain the required flow and pressure.
Flush before putting the rows into service
Follow the manufacturer’s installation and flushing instructions. Check the row starts and end closures for leaks while the system runs, and verify that water is reaching the ends of the beds.
Look up the specifications for your drip tape or calculate flow for your rows.
Calculate how long to run your drip irrigation once you know your zone flow.
Sources
- Oklahoma State University Extension, Drip Irrigation SystemsSystem components and drip tape · BAE-1511 · checked
- University of Maryland Extension, Drip IrrigationComponents and garden starter kits · Web edition · checked