The Drip Store has been around since 1996. In that time, we’ve helped a lot of people with their drip irrigation. From homeowners to farmers, commercial landscapers to total beginners, and everyone in between. The one thing we’ve noticed above all else is that drip irrigation is confusing. Dozens of different manufacturers, hundreds of types of drippers, nominal tubing sizes, obscure abbreviations, mismatched color schemes… it’s a lot to keep straight, even for a company that specializes in it. That is the genesis of the blog series we’ll be publishing throughout 2026. 

Drip Irrigation – Demystified! will take drip irrigation topics that seem mystically convoluted from the outside and break them down into easily understandable terms that are relevant to the way real people use drip irrigation. While this series will skew towards information most useful to homeowners and beginners, there will be plenty to learn for seasoned users as well. 

Each blog will cover a specific topic. Sometimes that topic will be a product – like a pressure regulator, filter, dripper, or tool – and sometimes it’ll be something more conceptual – like calculating your flow rate, why water loses pressure over distance, or irrigation system design as a whole. We’ll discuss the history of the topic, dive deep into the details, cover common misconceptions and pitfalls, and relate it directly to the practical uses of drip irrigation in your life. You’ll not only get insights from The Drip Store, but also quotes and wisdom from equipment manufacturers, installers, designers, and engineers in the field of drip irrigation. 

Here’s an overview of some of the topics we’ll be covering in this series: 

Pump and Pipe Sizing
Ever wondered how the pros choose the right pipe for a job? Curious how to make sure your pump is big enough for your system? Confused on when to use PVC vs drip tubing? Believe it or not, you can determine all of these things – and more – using some simple calculations and a bit of common sense. 

How Do Pressure Regulators Work?
No part of a drip system is more misunderstood than the pressure regulator. Learn what they are, how they work, and what they do and don’t do for your drip irrigation system. 

Pressure: What is it and What Does it Mean?
Most people think “pressure” is a catch-all way to describe how “good” your water source is, and most people are wrong! Discover the difference between pressure and flow rate, the molecular reason why water under pressure acts the way it does, and how to manipulate water pressure like a professional. 

Filters, Explained
Everyone has a basic idea of what a filter is, but do you know why there are so many types, or how to choose the right one? If you ever wondered why your drip system still clogs even though you have a filter, this blog will be for you! 

Drippers Demystified
Drippers are the all-star of any drip system, but most people have no clue how they work. Take a look inside a dripper to see the secret to consistent flow rates, learn how to properly maintain drippers, and discover how simply counting your drippers can help you fix 90% of issues with a malfunctioning drip system. 

Don’t Be Afraid of the Head Assembly 
There’s no reason to be scared of the parts at the front of your drip system. Known as the “head assembly”, these parts pack a lot of punch for their small footprint, and make sure that your drip system works properly without you needing to lift a finger. We’ll explain what each component is, what it does, and why it’s important. 

Demystifying Hole Punch Tools
There are dozens of types of hole punch tools out there, which can make choosing the right one complicated. Plus, why can’t you just use an awl or a nail? We’ll explain why that’s a big no-no and cover the pros and cons of the many different types of hole punch tools on the market. 

Irrigation System Design – Finally Demystified 
After covering all of the major topics for the year, we will end with a massive three-part post on how to design a drip irrigation system. Armed with all your new knowledge, you’ll learn how to assess your garden area, plan your pipe sizes and routing, choose the right components, and finally install your system. 

If any of this sounds interesting to you, remember to sign up for our newsletter (All the way at the bottom right of this page!) to make sure you’re getting the freshest posts sent right to your inbox. If you want to discuss the topics we cover in the Drip Irrigation – Demystified! Series (or anything drip irrigation related) you can email us or call us at 877-597-1669. 

See you next time! 
 • The Drip Store