DRIP IRRIGATION
Drip irrigation can be confusing, especially if you’re new to using it. We’ve created this page so beginners can see all the components of a basic drip system in one place and build a complete cart without having to wonder if they’re missing anything.
If you’ve ever looked into drip irrigation and thought “I just want something simple and basic,” then this page is for you!
Too much of a noob for this page? Check out our Beginner’s Guide for a crash course on drip irrigation.
We've covered each section of your drip system in the categories below - from the spigot to the plant and everything in between.
Click on the header to see all the items you’ll need for that section of your system along with suggestions for how many to use and an option to add as many as you want to your cart. Once you get to the end, you will have a complete drip system ready to purchase. If the subtotal is over $50, it’ll ship for free anywhere within the continental US!
Don’t want to buy everything individually? Save time with one of our pre-designed drip irrigation kits!
The head assembly is the name for all the items that go at the very front of the system. These items are – in order starting from the spigot – a timer, backflow preventer, filter, pressure regulator, and swivel adapter.
The two products listed here are kits that include all of these items. The VA016 includes a timer for those who want to automate their system, while the VA007 doesn’t have a timer. You’ll only need one of these kits for your system.
Main supply tubing is what moves the water from your spigot out around your garden. You’ll want to put this as close to your plants as you can get it. If you can’t get it right next to all of them, don’t worry! We’ll address outlying plants in another section. The tubing listed below is ½” tubing, which is standard for drip systems. Get as much as you think you’ll need, and don’t stress if you have some extra. It’s always handy to have extra tubing around for repairs. You won’t need any special tools to use this tubing, just use garden shears or a sturdy pair of scissors to cut it.
Pro Tip: Wondering about other sizes of tubing? Schedule a consultation now!
Once your main supply tubing is next to the plants you want to water, you’ll need something to water them. Drippers and sprayers let water out of your system exactly where you want it. It’s a good idea to put two drippers next to each plant, or one sprayer for larger plants. You’ll need to get one of the A019 hole punch tools to connect the drippers and sprayers to your main supply tubing.
Note that the D031 sprayer is a mini-sprayer with a spray diameter of about 6”.
Pro Tip: You can have up to 220 GPH worth of drippers and sprayers on your system. Add up all the D001 you want and multiply by 1, then add up all the D031 you want and multiply by 10. Finally, add those numbers together. If the total is below 220, then you’re good to go! If it’s over 220, then you’ll need to reduce the number of drippers and sprayers. Remember, you can always call us for advice at 877-597-1669.
It’s easy to reach plants that your main supply tubing isn’t right next to. To do that, you’ll need to use some ¼” tubing and fittings. For each outlying plant you’ll need two of the SF001 barb, two of the S003 stakes, and some of the ¼” tubing.
To find out how much tubing you’ll need, measure (or estimate) the distance between your main supply tubing and your plant, then add a couple inches for safety. You’ll need to use the A019 hole punch tool from the previous section to connect the SF001 barbs to your main supply tubing. Just like the main supply tubing, use garden shears or a sturdy pair of scissors to cut the ¼” tubing.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the dripper! The items in this section will help you extend off your main supply tubing, but you’ll still need to put a dripper at the other end of the ¼” tubing.
It’s really simple: just push the fat end of the D001 dripper into the ¼” tubing, that’s it!
Fittings are things like tees, couplers, elbows (aka 90s), and line ends. The main supply tubing is pretty flexible, but sometimes you’ll need an LF007 elbow to get around a tight corner or an LF005 tee to split off in two different directions. LF001 couplers will help you repair your main supply tubing if some of it gets damaged or connect two separate pieces of it to each other. The LF013 line end goes at the end of the main supply tubing to stop the water and help the system pressurize. S030 stakes help to keep your main supply tubing in place.
How many couplers, tees, and elbows you’ll need will depend on the specifics of your yard, so we can’t tell you how many to get. Always get one LF013 line end, plus another one for each LF005 tee you put on your system. The S030 stakes are optional, but if you want to use them, we suggest putting one every five feet of main supply tubing.
Pro Tip: No special tools or glue are needed to use any of these fittings!
Just push the tubing into the fitting about half an inch and you’ll be good to go.
Congratulations, you just designed a drip irrigation system!
If you followed the steps above and added the required items to your cart, you will have a complete drip system that you can connect to a garden hose or hose spigot. That system can easily be changed or added to in the future as you get more comfortable using drip irrigation.
If you have any questions about ordering your system, installation, shipping times, or anything else you can send us an email or call us at 877-597-1669.