Choosing the Right Drip Emitter

There are Four things to consider...

1. Pressure-Compensating vs. Non-Pressure-Compensating Emitters

First determine whether or not you need pressure-compensating emitters. These drip irrigation emitters cost a little more but are the best choice formany drip irrigation applications. If your landscape has elevation changes (hills, dips, etc.) go with pressure-compensating emitters. These drip irrigation emitters have a diaphragm inside designed for maintaining the same water flow through the drip emitter even if the elevation (and pressure) changes.

The PCE Series is our best quality pressure compensating emitter.

1/2 gph (gallon per hour) best for Clay Soils (hard)
1 gph best for Loam Soils (normal)
2 gph best for Sandy Soils (loose)
Self-flushing
Inlet pressure can vary from 14.58 - 58 psi

Rigid Riser Extensions can be used to increase the height of Micro Stake Assemblies. They are available in lengths of 8", 12", and 18".

8" Rigid Riser Extension
12" Rigid Riser Extension
18" Rigid Riser Extension
Riser threads into the top of stake

Micro Sprayers come in many configurations. The flow rates for micro sprays can add up fast. See the chart at the end of this section for micro jet flow rates.

Variable Adjust Micro Spray 1/2 Circle:	Variable Adjust Micro Spray 1/4 Circle:

Variable Adjust Micro Spray Full Circle:	Adjustable Rotary Spray Full Circle:

Adjustable Stream Bubbler Full Circle:	Adjustable Stream Bubbler Half Circle:

Adjustable Spectrum Spray Full Circle:

1-Piece Micro Sprays areavailable in Full (360), Half (180), & Quarter (90) Circle patterns. We offer two color-coded outputs (red & blue). The blue orifice is smaller (0.040") and distributes less water than the red orifice (0.060").

3. Retrofitting an Existing Sprinkler System

Home sprinkler systems can be converted to a drip irrigation system in a number of ways. Pressure compensating drip bubblers and emitters can be attached directly to 1/2" threaded risers. Simply unscrew the existing sprinkler or shrub head and replace it with the drip emitter or bubbler. Our 6-outlet drip bubblersallow you to run 1/4" drip tubing to up to six plants. The drip bubblers come with one outlet open. You can cut the tip off of closed outlets with a utility knife. Drip irrigation bubblers deliver a lot ofwater and are a good choice for deep-watering trees.

The single-outlet drip emitters are best designed for watering individual plants. Both drip emitters and bubblers can be installed at 90 angles by using a Marlex elbow, as shown in the photos.

4. Drip Emitter Tubing vs. In-Line Emitters

Drip Emitter Tubing aka: Soaker Hose Dripline, has drip irrigation emitters extruded into the tubing itself. It comes in rolls of 100 feet or more. Drip emitter tubing is used in row plantings,vegetable gardens, and anytime that a long, even-spaced run is required. Drip emitter tubing can be purchased with 1/2 gph or 1gph emitters at a variety of spacings and comes in 1/4" &1/2" (700) drip tubing sizes. The drip emitters in the 1/2" tubing are pressure compensating. Pressure compensating drip emitters will maintain the same water flow regardless of fluctuations in pressure. The 1/4" drip emitters are non-pressure compensating. The water flow will vary with fluctuations in pressure. This makes it a good choice for low pressure and gravity fed drip irrigation systems. Drip irrigation emitter tubing is easily wrapped around trees, shrubs, borders, & flower beds. Install in rows for small vegetable gardens, raised planter boxes, and window boxes.

Use scissors to cut 1/4" tubing and clippers to cut 1/2" tubing.

1/4" Drip Emitter Tubing (Soaker Line) is available in the following configurations:

100' roll, 1/2 gph emitters, 6" spacing

100' roll, 1/2 gph emitters, 12" spacing

Install with 1/4" barbed fittings. Since the emitters in 1/4" drip emitter tubing are non-pressure-compensatings, the output of each emitter with vary with changes in pressure. We recommend installing a 25 psi regulator.

1/4" Drip Emitter Tubing - Operating Specifications

Pressure Flow Rate Per Emitter

1/2" Drip Emitter Tubing (.700" O.D x .600" I.D.) is available in the following configurations:

1/2 gph emitters, 12" spacing - 100' roll

1/2 gph emitters, 12" spacing - 400' roll

1/2 gph emitters, 18" spacing - 100' roll

1/2" gph emitters, 18" spacing - 400' roll

1 gph emitters, 18" spacing - 400' roll

1 gph emitters, 18" spacing - 400' roll

Install with 1/2" compression fittings. Since the emitters in 1/2" drip emitter tubing are pressure-compensating, the output of each emitter stays the same, even with changes in pressure. These drip irrigation emitters are self-flushing and clog resistant. Irrigation Direct recommends installing a 25 psi regulator and a filter with 120 - 150 mesh screen.

Pressure Compensating Emitters

• Deliver the stated gph (gallons per hour) even if pressures range is 10-50 psi
• Works well with elevation changes
• Self-flushing to reduce clogging

Non-Pressure-Compensating Emitters

• Output will vary with changes in pressure & elevation
• Works best with flat landscapes
• Excellent for gravity-fed drip systems

1/2" Compression Fittings

• Recommended pressure: 10-30 psi
• Max pressure: 60 psi

In-Line Emitters

If you don't have a long run or you have uneven plant spacings, you can make your own custom drip emitter tubing with in-line emitters. Simply cut 1/4" micro irrigation tubing to the desired lengths and install it to the barbs on either side of the in-line drip emitter.

Compare All Our Drip Emitters

Still not sure which type of emitter to buy? This handy chart should help: Compare all drip emitters

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