10 Things to Consider When Buying Drip Tape for Sale

Choosing the right drip tape for your project can feel a bit overwhelming. This guide was designed to simplify the process by walking you through each of the four selections that must be made when choosing a roll of drip tape to purchase. These four selection choices are the diameter of the tape, the wall thickness of the tape, the emitter spacing, and the emitter flow rate. After detailing each selection, you will find a frequently asked question section at the end of this guide. 

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Diameter 

There are 4 diameters of drip tape on the market. The smallest and most common size is ⅝”. The other sizes are ⅞”, 1 ⅛” & 1 ⅜”.  The majority of drip tape sold is ⅝”.  If you are purchasing drip tape for a garden or small farm where row lengths are 600 feet or less then we highly recommend the ⅝” tape.  The larger sizes are only used in large farming operations.

Wall Thickness

Wall thickness of drip irrigation tape is measured in mil.  Available thicknesses range from 5 - 15 mil.  With 5mil being the thinnest and 15 mil being the thickest. If you are new to using drip tape we strongly recommend starting with 15 mil.  The thinner walled tape is less forgiving and can be damaged easily by someone that is unfamiliar with drip tape installation.  

For home garden use we always recommend 15 mil tape.  As it will last several seasons whereas the thinner walled tape will only provide one maybe two seasons of use. 15 mil tape is more expensive, however, being able to use it for multiple seasons will make it less expensive in the long run.  Below is a chart of available wall thicknesses and expected longevity.

Wall ThicknessLife Expectancy5 mil1 year6 mil1 year8 mil2-3 years10 mil2-4 years12 mil2-4 years15 mil5-10 years

Emitter Spacing

Drip tape has pre-set drip points built into the tape.  So there is no need to buy additional drippers/emitters.  It is important to note that no additional emitters can be added to drip tape.  Unlike poly tubing, no holes can be punched into dip tape to allow for the insertion of barbed drippers.  Emitters are spaced at one set distance for the entire roll of tape.  For home gardens the most popular spacing is 12”.  That means every 12” there will be a drip point for the entire run of tape.  Emitter spacing is normally matched to the type of crop being watered.  Below is a chart with popular emitter spacings and what crops or application use that emitter spacing.

Emitter Spacing (in inches)Crops or ApplicationOther Considerations4"Flowers, Peppers, GreenhousesGood for Sandy Soil, Short Runs6"Germination, Onions, GarlicTight Plant Spacings8"Germination, Strawberries, VegetablesHigh Flow for Sandy Soil12"Good all-around choiceIf Low Flow Emitter Used - Great for Long Runs60"Blueberries, HopsLong Runs of Plants Spaced Far Apart

Flow Rate Selection

When selecting the flow rate for your drip tape there are 3 considerations to keep in mind.

Run Length –The longer the run length you need per row of tape then the lower the flow rate per emitter is needed. The reason is that longer run lengths have more emitters and the more emitters there are the more water is being used per line.  Thus, in order not to exceed the capacity of a system lower emitter flow rates are used to accommodate for longer runs of tape.  For anyone that needs run lengths of 500 feet plus, we recommend using a “low flow” emitter (see chart below). 

When planning a home garden tape system run length is not going to be a limiting factor because the rows are generally short and any of the emitter flow rates can be used. 

Soil Type –No matter the scale of your drip tape system soil type is a consideration that everyone should think about. The three main types of soil are Clay, Loam, and Sand.  Below is the flow rate selection for each soil type.  

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Drip Tape for Sale(kk,ko,ne). Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Soil TypeSoil CharacteristicsEmitter SuggestionClayDoes not drain wellLow Flow: .11-.16 Gallons Per Hour (GPH)LoamDrains wellMedium or High Flow: .18 -.46 GPHSandDrains the fastestHigh Flow: .33-.46 GPH

Filtration – It is important to keep in mind that when choosing an emitter flow rate that the lower the flow an emitter has, the smaller the opening for water to drip out is.  This means that lower flow emitters can be more susceptible to clogging.  So it is very important that if using a low flow emitter to have a good filter with at least 200 mesh.  If you know you have water that is hard or has mineral build up it would be best to go with a high-flow emitter to prolong the life of the drip tape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drip Tape

• What is a good application for drip tape? - Drip tape is best used in applications with long, straight runs. Drip tape is not designed to be used in applications with bends, curves, or substantial elevation changes.
• Why does drip tape need to operate at low pressure? – Drip tape is thinner-walled than drip irrigation tubing and is designed to work at low pressure.  Too much pressure can cause the tape to burst.  It is important that a pressure regulator is installed in your tape system to ensure that the system is operating at or below the specified maximum operating pressure listed.  Below is a guide on maximum operating pressure for different sizes of drip tape.

Wall Thickness (mil)5/8" Tape7/8" Tape1 1/8" Tape1 3/8" Tape58 PSI610 PSI8 PSI815 PSI10 PSI8 PSI PSI15 PSI10 PSI PSI15 PSI12 PSI PSI15 PSI15 PSI15 PSI

• How Do You Install Drip Tape? – Drip Tape is very easy to install.  Here is a video showing the basics of installing a drip tape system.

• Can Drip Tape be buried? – Yes, a lot of the drip tape used in large agricultural fields is buried.  Drip Tape can be installed above ground, underground (also called subsurface), or under mulch.
• Does the emitter need to face up? – Yes, proper installation of drip tape will have the emitter facing up.  Brands like Aqua-Traxx and T-Tape have stripes on their tape and they recommend, “The colored stripe on the drip tape should be facing upward”.
• Can the tape be flushed with chemical agents to break up build-up? –Yes. However, such flushing may prolong the life of the tape but also void any warranty on the tape. We recommend checking with the tape manufacturer before performing a flush and asking what is best to use and how it affects their warranty.

Drip Tape Mistakes to Avoid:

Drip Tape Mistakes to Avoid in Large Agricultural Systems:

Drip Tape vs Dripline (Commercial/Farm):

Drip Tape vs Dripline (Residential/Garden):

How to Install Drip Tape Takeoff Adapters:

When choosing drip hose for irrigation, farmers need to consider a range of factors to ensure efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Here are key features to look for and the pros and cons of each:

Key Features to Look For:

1. Durability: The hose material should withstand UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and physical damage. This is crucial for long-term use, especially in regions with harsh weather.
2. Flow Rate and Uniformity: Consistent water distribution is essential for even crop growth. The flow rate should match the crop’s water requirements.
3. Emitter Spacing: Choose the spacing between emitters based on crop needs. For closely planted crops, opt for shorter spacing; for widely spaced crops, longer emitter spacing may suffice.
4. Pressure Rating: Ensure the hose can handle your system’s pressure without bursting or excessive wear. A higher pressure rating is beneficial for larger or uneven fields. But it must not be greater than the tape’s maximum pressure.
5. Clog Resistance: If you use hard water or water with sediments, select a hose with anti-clogging technology to reduce maintenance.
6. Ease of Installation: The hose should be flexible enough to navigate fields and laying equipment, but sturdy enough to maintain its shape and function over time.
7. Warranty and Manufacturer Support: A longer warranty period and accessible customer service can provide peace of mind.

Pros and Cons of Drip Tape:

Pros:

• Water Efficiency: Drip hoses reduce water usage by delivering water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and runoff.
• Customizable Irrigation: Can be tailored to different row spacing and field layouts.
• Reduced Weed Growth: Since water is localized, it discourages weed growth outside the crop area.
• Lower Labor Costs: Once installed, drip irrigation requires less manual labor compared to traditional methods like furrow or sprinkler systems.

Cons:

• Initial Investment: Higher upfront costs for hoses and installation compared to simpler irrigation methods.
• Clogging Issues: Emitters can clog over time, especially with sediment-rich or hard water. Always check your filtration requirements.
• Regular Maintenance: Requires consistent checking for leaks, clogs, and damage to ensure optimal performance.
• Limited Lifespan: Tape can degrade faster under harsh sunlight and require replacement after several years.

Suggested Brands from Best to Worse (Based on Reviews):

1. Irritec: Irritec drip systems feature outstanding uniformity and unrivaled performance. The exceptional quality of Irritec manufacturing ensures the application of the right amount of water. Ideal for seasonal row crop applications, permanent vineyards and orchards, nurseries and greenhouses, or high-intensity cultivars such as hemp.
   • Pros:
     1. Water Efficiency: Drip irrigation systems, including those using Irritec tape, can save up to 50% of water compared to traditional methods. This efficiency is achieved by delivering water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and runoff.
     2. Uniform Water Distribution: Irritec’s high-quality manufacturing ensures consistent water application across various soil types, promoting uniform plant growth.
     3. Durability: Constructed with robust materials, Irritec drip tapes are designed to withstand environmental factors, offering longevity and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
     4. Versatility: Suitable for diverse applications, from seasonal row crops to permanent orchards and greenhouses, these hoses can be tailored to specific irrigation needs.
     5. Reduced Weed Growth: By targeting water delivery to plant roots, drip systems limit moisture in surrounding areas, thereby inhibiting weed proliferation.

     Cons:

     1. Initial Investment: The upfront cost of installing a drip irrigation system with Irritec hoses can be higher than traditional methods, though the long-term water savings may offset this expense.
     2. Maintenance Requirements: Regular upkeep is necessary to prevent clogging from mineral deposits or debris, ensuring optimal performance.
2. Netafim:
   • Pros: Known for high-quality, durable drip tapes with excellent clog resistance and precise water delivery. Many models include pressure-compensating emitters for uniform flow.
   • Cons: Higher cost compared to some competitors.
   • Best for: Commercial farms and large-scale operations that require reliable, long-lasting solutions.
3. Toro Aqua-Traxx:
   • Pros: Offers a balance of affordability and performance. Highly rated for consistent emitter spacing and uniform water distribution. Good clog resistance.
   • Cons: May not last as long under extreme sun exposure without proper protection.
   • Best for: Mid-sized operations looking for quality and budget-friendly options.
4. Rain Bird:
   • Pros: Durable with a variety of options for different pressure settings and emitter spacing. Provides good resistance to clogging.
   • Cons: Higher-end models can be costly, and some products may require more frequent monitoring for leaks.
   • Best for: Farmers who want a mix of professional performance and mid-range pricing.
5. Rivulis/Jain Irrigation:
   • Pros: Innovative options with clog-resistant technology and UV-resistant materials. Good for diverse crop types and soil conditions.
   • Cons: Some users report issues with certain product lines being less durable than advertised.
   • Best for: Farms that need versatile options tailored to various crop types.

Conclusion:

Farmers should prioritize quality and durability when choosing a drip tape for irrigation. Overall, Triple K Irrigation recommends Irritec Drip Hose. Irritec offers quality performance at a competitive price.

Premium light thin wall dripline (P1) for row crop applications, P1 is manufactured with the highest quality polyethylene resins producing high strength and abrasion resistance. The seamless construction makes it stronger and more durable. Injection-molded drippers offer a high degree of plug resistance, a lower coefficient of variation, and highly uniform water distribution. P1 is standard with an outlet flap which reduces soil ingestion and root intrusion. Two outer stripes identify the dripper side for correct installation. The integrated inlet filters provide additional protection against clogging.

Are you interested in learning more about Labyrinth Drip Tape? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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