Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
Drip systems create healthier conditions for plants and without losing water to evaporation the way conventional sprinkler systems do. Using a small amount of water over a long irrigation cycle keeps the ground at the base of a plant consistently damp, promoting growth even in dry climates. Additionally, watering only the area around the roots prevents weeds from flourishing.
Drip systems come in two varieties—the well-known system that uses flexible tubing and emitters to drip water onto the base of plants, and the newer “micro-irrigation” systems that use smaller versions of sprinkler components to efficiently water small areas. Both systems use the same main components for the water source, distribution, and emission. The major difference is in the types of heads the micro-irrigation systems use.
Water source components connect the drip system to an outdoor faucet or irrigation riser; they include a filter to keep the emitters from getting clogged and a pressure regulator to keep the system at the correct water pressure (usually between 25 and 35 pounds per square inch).
Distribution components include the pipes, fittings, and stakes that deliver the water to emission points. Polyethylene (PE) tubing is used commonly in drip systems—the newest types are flexible, long lasting, and safe for use with plants. Some tubing is made with recycled PE and will eventually break down. Vinyl tubing is very flexible but may transfer chlorine to your water, which in turn will harm your plants.
Emission components should be rated A by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers to ensure you’re getting consistent coverage and flow in your drip system. Emission components range from simple drip emitters to foggers, misters, micro-sprayers, and stream jets.
Drip emitters deliver a steady supply of water directly to the root area and are good for plants spaced less than a foot apart. Pressure-compensating emitters deliver even irrigation regardless of their location in the system, which is especially important for areas with long runs or slopes.
Foggers and misters are useful for watering hanging plants and orchids, since they use a fine mist to evenly cover foliage.
Micro-sprayers and stream jets—scaled-down versions of garden sprayer heads—can be used to water shrubs and ground cover.
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