Drip irrigation has become a widely favored irrigation method, thanks to its benefits like reduced water evaporation and runoff.
This system relies on several components, including valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters, to function effectively. Among these, tubing or piping is particularly critical, as choosing the right type ensures optimal performance and long-term durability. Tubing serves as the lifeline of a drip irrigation system, transporting nutrient-rich water from the reservoir directly to the plants. Therefore, the right tubing can determine how efficiently your drip system irrigates your garden or landscape.
In my previous posts, I’ve already discussed many drip irrigation components such as emitters. Today, we’ll learn about the types of pipes used in drip irrigation.
PVC Pipes
Polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as PVC, is commonly used in irrigation and plumbing.
PVC is durable and rigid, able to withstand high water pressure, resist corrosion, and provide consistent water flow for extended periods.
For drip irrigation, PVC comes in various diameters. Common sizes ideal for home drip systems range from half an inch to two inches in diameter. Smaller micro-tubing works well for irrigating smaller zones like garden beds, while larger diameters can handle greater lengths and higher volumes required for irrigating entire landscapes and orchards.
Before purchasing PVC, do evaluate the pressure rating and check for the UV-resistance.
Polyethylene Pipes
Polyethylene Pipes, in short, PE pipes made from polyethylene, a polymer known for flexibility, toughness, and chemical resistance.
PE pipes come in different densities, with HDPE rated as more durable and others as less.
Poly pipes have similar advantages to PVC – they are corrosion-proof, lightweight, and can handle high flow rates without leakage or breaks. However, one trait that sets ME apart from PVC is its flexibility. PE pipes can curve, bend, and adapt to turns in the system layout without damage.
PE pipes are the best suitable for you if you do all the drip fittings yourself. PE pipes can curve, bend, and adapt to turns in the system layout without damage. The relative softness allows gardeners to insert fittings without requiring solvents that can be harmful to plants.
Spaghetti Tubing
Spaghetti Tubing is a thin, flexible tubing often made of polyethylene. It is mostly designed for the electronic industry and comes in different wall thicknesses: standard, thin-wall, and ultrathin wall.
Due to its flexible nature, Spaghetti is also used in drip irrigation; it has emitters pre-installed at fixed intervals along the length of the tubing.
This low cost, easy-to-install system is convenient for the small drip system.
The downside of the Spaghetti is the emitters cannot be moved or changed once the line is configured. If emitter spacing does not perfectly match plant spacing in your garden design, spaghetti drip lines can waste water. One defect or clogged emitter also cannot be repaired or replaced.
Spaghetti works reasonably well for short-term applications like seedlings and potted plants. But most permanent in-ground irrigation utilizes customizable tubing without pre-installed emitters.
Hydrocol Pipes
Hydrocol pipes get their name from hydrophilic water-absorbing crystals that line the inside walls of the tubing.
Using a water-absorbing crystal that acts as the water reservoir provides a consistent water supply, allowing it to be absorbed by the soil rather than running off the surface or evaporating.
Even during hot weather or drought, when soil moisture drops, the hydrocol crystals can release stored water to the plant roots as needed through the drippers. This gives the pipes the ability to water plants for longer periods between irrigations.
Hydrocol pipes are a unique innovation in which you can get advantages in water efficiency and plant health and for watering gardens, farms, nurseries, and landscaping. Their unique water-storing crystals help optimize plant growth while conserving water.
Distribution Manifolds, Header Pipes, and Submains
Final pipe sections focus specifically on the final delivery segment carrying water directly to each plant. However, the supply infrastructure, including distribution manifolds and header pipes, represent equally essential drip irrigation components.
Opt for higher pressure PVC or polyethylene piping one size up from the individual drip lines themselves for mains and sub mains. This allows operating with adequate water volume and velocity to avoid debris accumulating within the wider feeder pipes. Position control valves along the sub main ”headers” further optimize flow into specific irrigation zones based on soil type and other hydraulic factors.
Last Words…
A well-designed drip irrigation system mimics the precision of natural rainfall, maximizing water efficiency and crop production while minimizing waste.
The type of pipe or tubing you choose significantly impacts the system’s effectiveness. Whether you opt for PVC, polyethylene, or innovative materials like hydrocol pipes, consider factors like durability, pressure rating, emitter compatibility, and cost-effectiveness to ensure a robust and efficient installation.
By carefully selecting the right components, you can build a drip irrigation system that delivers reliable and sustainable water management for gardens, orchards, or farms.
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