Drip irrigation is a popular and efficient method for watering plants, using less water and providing precise delivery.
Previously, I discussed the advantages and drawbacks of drip irrigation, along with the various types of emitters used in system installation.
But the versatility of drip systems doesn’t end there—you’ll also need to choose the right hose to deliver the water.
One of the key decisions when installing a drip irrigation system is whether to use drip pipe or drip tape.
In this post, I’ll explore the differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal applications for both options, helping you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
Drip Irrigation Pipe
Drip pipe, also known as drip tubing or drip line, is made of rigid or semi-rigid polyethylene and, most of the time, comes with pre-installed emitters to deliver the water.
The pipe is a cylindrical-shaped long hose typically available in 16mm (1/2 inch) or 12mm (3/8 inch) diameters and 30-60 mil (0.76-1.5mm) thick.
Types of Drip Pipe
- In-line drip pipe:
Emitters are pre-installed inside the pipe during manufacturing - Emitter drip pipe:
Allows for inserting emitters at desired locations - Pressure-compensating drip pipe:
Maintains consistent flow regardless of pressure fluctuations - Non-pressure-compensating drip pipe:
Flow varies with pressure changes
Common Usage Of Drip Pipe
- Permanent landscape installations:
Flower beds, shrubs, and perennial gardens
- Long-term agricultural applications:
Orchards, vineyards, and berry fields
- Irregular planting patterns
When plants are not aligned in straight rows
- Mixed plantings:
Areas with plants that have different water requirements
- Home gardens:
Small to medium vegetable gardens with diverse crops
- Hilly or uneven terrain:
Where pressure compensation is beneficial
Drip Irrigation Tape
Contrary to the pipe, tape is the thin-walled tube which is made to deliver the water when it is not. You can easily fold it, roll it to store or carry.
Simply drip tape comes to life when it is filled with water and Originally developed for agricultural use, drip tape has become popular in both commercial and home applications due to its cost-effectiveness.
Drip tape is also made of polyethylene, often thinner than drip pipe, having the 4-15 mil (0.1-0.38mm) of wall thickness and 5/8 inch (16mm) or 7/8 inch (22mm) in diameter.
Types of Drip Tape
- Standard drip tape:
Basic design with emission points at regular intervals - Heavy-wall drip tape:
Thicker wall for increased durability (10-15 mil)
- Thin-wall drip tape:
Thinner wall (4-8 mil) for seasonal use
- Hard-wall drip tape:
More resistant to crushing and damage
- Turbulent flow tape:
Designed to reduce clogging in the emission pathways
Common Usage of Drip Tape
- Row crops:
Vegetables, strawberries, and other crops planted in straight rows
- Annual plantings:
Seasonal crops that are replanted each year
- Large agricultural operations:
Where cost is a significant factor
- Uniform planting patterns:
Where consistent spacing between plants is maintained
- Flat terrain:
Where pressure variation is minimal
- Temporary installations:
Seasonal gardens or short-term projects
Difference Between Drip Pipe and Drip Tape
Durability and Lifespan
| Drip Pipe | Drip Tape |
|---|---|
| Durable Resistant to physical damage, UV degradation, and rodent damage. Best suitable for permanent installation. Because of the cylinder shape, it is more resistant to crushing when buried under the mulch or soil. | It can last up to 5 to 6 years, depending on quality and conditions. Best suitable for temporary installation. Most likely get punctured when walking upon rocks, tools, and animals. |
Cost Consideration
| Drip Pipe | Drip Tape |
|---|---|
| Higher initial investment and expensive fittings and connection. Even shipping costs would be higher because of weight. However, they have a longer lifespan leading to lower replacement costs over time due to longer lifespan. | Low initial investment and lightweight. Less expensive fittings. Have a short-term value, best suitable for seasonal application. |
Water Distribution
| Drip Pipe | Drip Tape |
|---|---|
| It is easy to maintain stability and have minor clogs due to larger emission pathways. Even the complex layout maintains stability and pressure. | Flow varies when pressure changes. Better suited for flat terrain and shorter runs. |
Installation Consideration
| Drip Pipe | Drip Tape |
|---|---|
| Can be more difficult to install in complex layouts and needs more specialized fittings. Stiffer and less flexible, making it harder to maneuver in tight spaces. | Very flexible and easy to lay in straight rows and lay flat naturally not requiring any anchoring. Uses simpler fittings and connections. More challenging to retrieve and store without damage. |
When to Choose Drip Pipe and Tape For Specific Applications
For Commercial Agriculture
When to Choose Drip Pipe
For commercial agriculture, using the Drip Pipe is best suitable when you can’t find labor or expensive labor and the annual maintenance cost.
Or fields with variable terrains and slopes, along with growing high-value crops where precise watering is necessary.
When to Choose Drip Tape
Drip tape is suitable when you grow annual crops like vegetables, melons and corn in the flat field.
Also, operations where initial cost is a significant factor.
For Home Garden
When to Choose Drip Pipe
It is best to use a Drip Pipe when installing a permanent irrigation setup.
Drip Pipe is also the best choice for mixed plantings with different water requirements where trees and shrubs are dominated.
When to Choose Drip Tape
If the budget is the main issue for home garden irrigation, then it is best to go with Drip Tape.
Otherwise, it is best suitable for the gardens that are redesigned or replanted annually.
For Greenhouse and Indoor Use
When to Choose Drip Pipe
It is best to use Drip Pipe for permanent potted plants and longer-term crops.
Also, when precise control of water delivery is needed.
When to Choose Drip Tape
It is the best choice for seasonal and budget greenhouse operations.
And for indoor where simplified installation with uniform crops in standardized containers.
Last Words…
The choice between drip irrigation pipe and drip tape ultimately depends on your specific circumstances.
For example, For long-term, permanent installations with mixed plantings, drip pipe generally offers the best value and performance. For seasonal row crops and temporary installations, drip tape provides cost-effective functionality with simplified installation.
Or you can go with a hybrid approach where both the drip pipe and drip tape are in different areas based on specific needs:
- Zoned Applications
- Main Line/Lateral Combination
- Seasonal Augmentation
- Value-Based Allocation
- Terrain-Based Selection
Whether you choose drip pipe, drip tape, or a hybrid approach, implementing a drip irrigation system is a significant step toward more sustainable and efficient water use in your agricultural operation or garden.
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