Our Drip Irrigation Tutorials provide in-depth installation and design advice for all Drip Irrigation techniques including Emitters, Micro Sprayers, Drip Emitter Tubing (Soaker Hose), and Drip Tape.
Techline and Drip Emitter Tubing Installation Methods
This Tutorial will cover several ways for connecting Drip Emitter Tubing and Solid Drip Tubing to Distribution Lines. We will look at connections with no flow control and with flow control. These are recommendations based on some of the more popular methods of connections, but by no means are these the only methods for connection.
In this installation a 1000 series system is installed on a hose or drip system in front of a multi zone timer and is under pressure at all times (constant pressure – 1000 series only). The system will feed through any sprinklers, sprayers or drip emitters that are connected to the timer, each time a zone is watered. One system can conveniently feed all of the areas automatically. The systems come complete with all the components needed to connect to a garden hose connection.
Air Release Valve Assembly
The Air Release Valve is often overlooked but is a valuable component for maintaining a sub-surface drip irrigation system. The air release valve allows air to escape the system on it’s initial start up until the system is full of water. Once full the valve automatically closes until the cycle is finished and then allows air to flow back into the system. The air release valve helps in avoiding clogging of emitters due to back suction and will extend the long term life of the system. It also helps to avoid water hammer at the start of a watering cycle.
Sub Surface Lawn Irrigation Basics
Drip Irrigation to most people is an efficient and effective method of watering plants and landscapes and Lawn Irrigation is usually applied using Sprinkler Systems. It may come as a surprise that the same principals and benefits of Drip Irrigation can be applied to Lawn (Turf) Irrigation using Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation.
Raised Bed System Layout Using TLEZ or TLCV Dripline.
· This set up allows for easy removal of drip lines and or entire manifold assembly.
· Easy shut-off of individual beds for isolation. This is also beneficial for Winterizing system.
· Long lasting for many years of use.
Irrigation Systems using Gravity Feed as a water source are becoming increasingly popular for their environmental benefits and effectiveness for watering areas which are remote where access to pressurized water isn’t available. Irrigation Direct Canada offers an assortment of Watering Kits For Gravity Feed Systems, and also provides a number of tutorials for installation of Gravity Feed Irrigation Systems below.
Solid Irrigation Tubing Flow Rate and Pressure Loss Chart
| Poly Tubing | Max. Flow GPM (GPH) | PSI Loss/100ft | Sch 40 PVC | Max. Flow GPM (GPH) | PSI Loss/100ft |
| 1/2″ | 4.6 (276) | 8.8 | 1/2″ | 4.6 (276) | 7.7 |
| 3/4″ | 8.2 (492) | 6.3 | 3/4″ | 8.2 (492) | 5.6 |
| 1″ | 13.4 (804) | 4.8 | 1″ | 13.4 (804) | 4.2 |
| 1 1/4″ | 23 (1380) | 3.1 | 1 1/4″ | 23 (1380) | 3.1 |
| 1 1/2″ | 33.8 (2028) | 2.9 | 1 1/2″ | 33.8 (2028) | 2.9 |
| 2″ | 52.3 (3138) | 1.9 | 2″ | 52.3 (3138) | 1.9 |
Use this chart to determine the number of emitters and maximum run rates for our 700 series 1/2″ Drip Irrigation Tubing.
There are many ways to apply water to plants with drip irrigation. The component at the end of the line that actually delivers water to the plant is called an emitter or dripper. Drip emitters may drip very slowly or output a steady flow of water. Some are staked and some stream water in “fingers” or a fine spray. Pressure-compensating drip emitters contain a rubber or silicone diaphragm that allow them to maintain the same output even if the water pressure fluctuates. Non-pressure-compensating drip emitters are less expensive but the flow will very with changes in elevation and pressure.
An important consideration for both Drip Irrigation Systems and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems is pressure loss over distance for distribution, lateral and drip lines. The following chart illustrates basic pressure loss and flow capacity for both Poly Tubing and Schedule 40 PVC pipe.
| Poly Tubing | Max. Flow GPM (GPH) | PSI Loss/100ft | Sch 40 PVC | Max. Flow GPM (GPH) | PSI Loss/100ft |
| 1/2″ | 4.6 (276) | 8.8 | 1/2″ | 4.6 (276) | 7.7 |
| 3/4″ | 8.2 (492) | 6.3 | 3/4″ | 8.2 (492) | 5.6 |
| 1″ | 13.4 (804) | 4.8 | 1″ | 13.4 (804) | 4.2 |
| 1 1/4″ | 23 (1380) | 3.1 | 1 1/4″ | 23 (1380) | 3.1 |
| 1 1/2″ | 33.8 (2028) | 2.9 | 1 1/2″ | 33.8 (2028) | 2.9 |
| 2″ | 52.3 (3138) | 1.9 | 2″ | 52.3 (3138) | 1.9 |