Drip irrigation emitters unmasked!

It is recommended to place emitters above ground or covered with light mulch with the outlet pointed towards the air. Emitters with the outlet in the dirt may clog with muddy water being drawn back into it upon shut down.

Dirt, such as sediment, sand, algae, or any number of things can get in your water and plug your emitters. It is always recommended to place a filter on your drip system. If your water is extremely dirty, water pressure can force contamination through the filter screen, so it’s important to give the filter element a timely, regular cleaning.

A pressure compensating emitter has a flow regulator built into it. These emitters deliver the same amount of water regardless of changes in pressure or terrain.

Calcium or hard water and very fine sediments that cake can eventually clog emitters, even if they are otherwise properly filtered. The simplest repair is to leave the old emitter in place and install another emitter near it.

Identify where the water is coming from. It can come from the punched hole or a broken emitter. If the hole is too big or if the emitter is leaking from places it shouldn’t, carefully remove it from the tubing and plug the hole with a goof plug.

Yes, it is common to replace a leaky or clogged emitter. Normally emitters are not repaired. Some are cleanable.

Different types of emitters have varying pressure needs. It is best to check manufacturers’ specifications. Normally, basic emitters work best at 20 PSI or less and pressure compensating emitters work best at 10 PSI or more.

That depends on the capacity of your line and what the flow rate of each emitter is. 1/2″ tubing can carry up to 240 GPH . If you choose to use 2 GPH emitters, divide 240 gph by 2 gph (240/2). The result, 120, is the most number of emitters you can put on a 1/2″ supply line.

Any foreign particles in your water — dirt, mineral sediments, algae — can plug your emitters. As always, we recommend a filter on your drip system. If your water is extremely dirty, high water pressure can force these particles through the filters screen.

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Most emitters work best at 20 PSI or higher. Non-pressure compensating emitters will work at pressures below 10 PSI, though flow rates will be correspondingly lower. Pressure compensating emitters may work below 10 PSI, but their flow rates may be erratic and can vary between emitters.Basic Drip Emitters and Pressure Compensating Emitters

Non-pressure compensating emitters tend to be lower in cost and work at pressures below 10 PSI. However, they are pressure dependent, releasing less water at lower pressures and more at higher pressures. Pressure compensating emitters (PC) maintain a consistent flow rate despite changes in terrain or pressure changes.

A pressure compensating emitter has a built-in flow regulating diaphragm that delivers the same amount of water regardless of changes in pressure or terrain.

Calcium or hard water and very fine sediments that cake can eventually clog emitters, even if they are properly filtered. The simplest repair is to leave the old emitter in place and install another emitter near it. Of course, always use a filter when drip irrigating.