What Accessories Do I Need For A Drip System?

It is worth noting that with drip systems the accessories can be viewed as insurance for the system. If you plan on irrigating a complete residence with drip, you will require:

1. backflow prevention;

2. an inline disc filter;

3. pressure reducing valve;

4. air release valve; and

5. flush valve.

However, if it is only being used to irrigate a small garden bed then its cheaper to use a filter/PRV combo like the RainBird Combo and an air release valve might be all you need.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION VALVE

A Backflow Prevention Valve prevents back siphoning of non-potable water into the water supply and come in a range of varieties.

Generally, most domestic watering systems require a Dual Check Valve but if you are installing a Techfilter or applying fertilizer through your irrigation lines then you will probably be required to install a Reduced Pressure Zone device.

Backflow Prevention Valves are the first item in your line, after your tap.

All water authorities require back-flow prevention devices to be used on all fixed irrigation systems. You should consult your local water authority to find out which one is required for your proposed system.

DISC FILTER

You must use a filter.

Drip emitters have very small openings that can become clogged. City water is not free from particles that will clog your drip emitters!

There are two basic filter options (disc and basket) and which filter used depends on how much drip line is being protected.

A screen filter - like the Rain Bird PRV & Screen Filter Combo - can be used for small gardens with up to 50 meters of dripline however, any more drip line, it is recommended that a disc filter is used.

For larger areas, use at least a 120 Mesh Disc Filter which should be installed after the backflow valve and before the pressure reducing valve.

There is also a Techfilter available that is used in sub-surface dripline.

This filter has a root retardant in it to protect your drip emitters from root intrusion and the cartridge needs to be replaced every two years.

PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE (PRV)

If you are coming off a mains water supply you must use a Pressure Reduction Valve (PRV). Dripline is intentionally made from weak walled poly pipe so that is extremely flexible for ease of installation.

A PRV must be installed to reduce the pressure inside the dripline. This pressure needs to be between 10 and 30 psi. There are a few options but this time it is the flow rate and the amount of drip line being used that dictates which unit should be used.

The PRV is installed after the filter and after the solenoid valves in an automatic system.

AIR RELEASE VALVE

Air Release Valves are essential protection for the system and should be installed at the highest point of the system, to:

• allow air into the system once it is turned off.
• prevent the drippers from sucking in air and possible soil particles when the system is turned off and the water in the system drains out through the lowest point.

AUTOMATIC FLUSH VALVE

A flush valve should be installed at the lowest point of the system; this is to allow any rubbish that may have made its way into the system out without blocking up the drippers.

Its worth noting that the flush valve lets about 2 liters of water out each time the system turns on and so a gravel pit installed under it is advisable.

Don’t forget...

WIRE PEGS

All of the different types of drip line should be staked at least every 2 meters. This is because the pipe will expand and contract with changing temperature which will push it up through the mulch if it is not staked down. 

ADAPTORS & FITTINGS

These fittings are used to connect the dripline to the lateral lines. It is important to make sure the fittings are the right size! Using fittings made for a different tubing size will result in the fitting blowing out of the tube and the system failing.