Buying task · Microtubing and connectors
1/4 in microtubing, connectors, punches and goof plugs
1/4 inch drip tubing fittings by the tubing's ID x OD: punched or self-piercing takeoffs, a punch matched to the barb, couplings and tees, and goof plugs.
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Picks that fit
- Raindrip 016010T 1/4 in black polyethylene supply tubing (0.170 x 0.250 in, 100 ft)Check price on Amazon
- Rain Bird T22‑50S 1/4 in blank distribution tubing (0.165 x 0.245 in, 50 ft)Check price on Amazon
- DIG B38PB 1/4 in polyethylene micro tubing (.170 x .250 in, 50 ft, brown)Check price on Amazon
Short answer
1/4 in drip tubing is a family of sizes, not one size, so start from the ID x OD and material of the tubing you have. The most common poly size is .170 x .250 in. Join it to a 1/2 in line with a punched barb or a self-piercing barb, make the hole with a punch made for drip tubing and matched to the barb, and keep goof plugs for holes in the wrong place.
Picks that fitAll picks and how to choose
What microtubing is
Microtubing is the thin tubing that runs from a 1/2 in mainline to each plant, pot or emitter. It is sold as "1/4 in", but the actual sizes vary. DIG's vinyl micro tubing table lists 1/4 in sizes of .156 x .245, .160 x .220 and .170 x .250 in (ID x OD).[1] DIG's 2016 greenhouse catalog lists 1/4 in polyethylene micro tubing at .170 x .250 in.[2] Rain Bird's XQ tubing is polyethylene at 0.17 in ID x 0.25 in OD, rated 0 to 60 psi, for above or below grade.[3]
Material matters too. DIG says its poly microtubing is less bendable than vinyl but holds up better at high temperatures, and that both accept 1/4 in barbed fittings.[4] The vinyl vs polyethylene guide compares them, and the 1/4 in sizes guide lists the family.
The decisions, in order
- The tubing's ID x OD and material. Read the packaging or measure a cut end. A barb sized for .170 in ID tubing may not hold in a different ID.
- Punched takeoff or self-piercing barb. Rain Bird's SPB-025 self-piercing barb connector joins 1/4 in tubing to 1/2 or 3/4 in tubing and is inserted with Rain Bird's XM-Tool.[5] Other takeoffs need a hole punched first. The connect 1/4 in to 1/2 in guide walks through both.
- A punch matched to the barb. University of Maine Extension says to always use a punch made for drip tubing and matched to the barb, never a nail or other improvised tool.[6] DIG lists separate 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm punch assemblies, so one size does not cover every barb.[7] DIG gives no chart of which punch goes with which barb.[7]
- Couplings, tees and stakes. Rain Bird's 1/4 in barbed couplings, elbows and tees push together, can go above or below ground and are rated 0 to 50 psi.[8]
- Plugs for wrong holes. DIG's goof plug is used to plug holes in mainline or stop flow at the end of 1/4 in tubing.[9] University of Maine Extension says to try the small end of a goof plug first, the larger end if the hole is ripped, and to cut out the section and install a coupling if it still leaks.[6] See the punches and goof plugs guide.
Why 1/4 in tubing pops off or leaks
Drip Depot lists four reasons microtubing pops off: tubing on the dripper outlet instead of the inlet, system pressure too high, ends not cut straight, and vinyl tubing in high heat.[10] Drip Depot suggests keeping 1/4 in lines at or below 35 psi; that is the retailer's own guideline, not a maker spec.[10] It also says leaks at 1/4 in connections can come from irregular holes or barbs that are not fully seated.[11] The popping off and leaks guide has the checks.
How to choose
Buy tubing and connectors whose maker states the size. Rain Bird lists XQ at 0.17 x 0.25 in, 0 to 60 psi.[3] Rain Bird's 1/4 in barbed coupling and tee belong to the family Rain Bird rates 0 to 50 psi.[8] Rain Bird's page also says those fittings "accept all sizes" of 1/4 in tubing without giving dimensions, so treat that as a maker claim and match the .170 in ID yourself.[8]
Picks that fit9 products
Rain Bird XQ100: the 100 ft coil of 0.17 x 0.25 in tubing. Raindrip 016010T: a 100 ft coil of 0.170 x 0.250 in black polyethylene tubing; Raindrip states no pressure rating.
More on choosing
Rain Bird T22-50S: a 50 ft coil of 0.165 x 0.245 in blank tubing, plan on 60 psi. DIG B38PB: a 50 ft brown coil of .170 x .250 in tubing, up to 60 psi. Raindrip 307050B: 1/4 in barbed tees for 0.170 in ID tubing, 50-pack, up to 50 psi. BC25/10PS or BC25-30PS: 1/4 in barbed couplings, bag of 10 or 30. BT25/10PS or BT25-30PS: 1/4 in barbed tees, bag of 10 or 30. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
1/4 in polyethylene tubing with ID and OD stated
1/4 in polyethylene tubing, 100 ft, ID and OD stated
Raindrip 016010T 1/4 in black polyethylene supply tubing (0.170 x 0.250 in, 100 ft)
1/4 in polyethylene blank tubing, 50 ft
Rain Bird T22‑50S 1/4 in blank distribution tubing (0.165 x 0.245 in, 50 ft)
1/4 in polyethylene tubing, ID and OD stated
DIG B38PB 1/4 in polyethylene micro tubing (.170 x .250 in, 50 ft, brown)
1/4 in barbed coupling
1/4 in barbed coupling, bag of 30
1/4 in barbed tee
1/4 in barbed tee with the tubing ID stated
Orbit's 67402 is a 1/4 in barbed coupling in a 25-pack. We found no verified Orbit size for it, so check that the listing states the tubing ID it is for.
Picks that fit1 product
Choose 67402, the 25-pack of 1/4 in barbed couplings, only if the listing states a tubing size that matches yours.
More on choosing
On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or Orbit.
Orbit 67402 1/4 in barbed drip coupling (25‑pack)
Every page on microtubing and connectors
Guides
- 1/4 in drip tubing is a family: .170 x .250 and the other sizes
- Connect 1/4 in tubing to a 1/2 in line: barbs, tees and takeoffs
- Drip hole punches and goof plugs
- Vinyl vs polyethylene 1/4 in tubing
- Drip tubing popping off or leaking at fittings
- Join metric 4/7 mm and 16 mm kit tubing to US parts
- Drip for pots and hanging baskets
Tubing sizes and connections
- 1/4 in polyethylene microtubing
- 1/4 in vinyl microtubing
- Metric 4/6 and 4/7 mm microtubing
- 1/4 in barbed connectors
Key terms
Vinyl microtubing, self-piercing barb, hole punch, goof plug, stake, 4/7 mm tubing and coupling.
Everything in this topic
Guides
- Connect 1/4 in tubing to a 1/2 in line: barbs, tees and takeoffsHelps you make a 1/4 in takeoff from a 1/2 in line with a matched punch and connector, and choose the parts along the 1/4 in run.
- Drip hole punches and goof plugs: sizes and when a plug is not enoughHelps you choose a punch and a goof plug, use the right end, and know when to cut out and couple instead.
- Drip tubing popping off or leaking at fittings: what makers checkHelps you find the likely cause of a pop-off or leak and the check to make before replacing parts.
- 1/4 in drip tubing is a family: .170 x .250 and the other sizesHelps you check the actual ID x OD of your 1/4 in tubing against the barbs and stakes you plan to use.
- Vinyl vs polyethylene 1/4 in tubing: sizes, heat and barbsHelps you choose between vinyl and poly 1/4 in tubing and check the exact size before mixing them.
Shortlists
- 1/4 in drip tubing and connectors with stated sizesHelps you buy 1/4 in tubing and connectors whose maker states the size and pressure, so the branch lines match.
Common questions
How do you connect 1/4 tubing to 1/2 tubing?
Make a hole in the 1/2 in line with a punch made for drip tubing and matched to your connector's barb, push in the 1/4 in barbed connector, then push the 1/4 in tubing onto its outlet. Rain Bird's SPB-025 self-piercing barb goes in with its XM-Tool instead of a separate punch. More in Connect 1/4 in tubing to a 1/2 in line: barbs, tees and takeoffs
What size hole punch do I need for drip irrigation?
The one your connector's maker pairs with it. DIG sells 2, 3 and 4 mm punches, so one size does not cover every barb, and we found no maker chart that maps punch sizes to barbs. More in Connect 1/4 in tubing to a 1/2 in line: barbs, tees and takeoffs
Can I use a nail to punch drip tubing?
No. University of Maine Extension says to always use a punch made for drip tubing and matched to the barb, never a nail or other improvised tool. More in Connect 1/4 in tubing to a 1/2 in line: barbs, tees and takeoffs
Can I bury 1/4 inch tubing?
Raindrip says its supply tubing and feeder lines can be buried but its drip tubing should not be, because buried emitters risk clogging. That rule is for Raindrip parts; check your own tubing maker. More in Connect 1/4 in tubing to a 1/2 in line: barbs, tees and takeoffs
What if I punch a hole in the wrong place?
Plug it. DIG's G79B goof plug has a .200 in and a .400 in end for closing holes in drip and micro tubing. More in Connect 1/4 in tubing to a 1/2 in line: barbs, tees and takeoffs
What is a goof plug?
A small double-ended barbed plug for closing an unwanted hole in drip tubing. DIG's G79B has a .200 in OD end and a .400 in OD end and comes as a strip of 10. More in Drip hole punches and goof plugs: sizes and when a plug is not enough
Which end of a goof plug do I use?
University of Maine Extension advises starting with the small end, and using the larger end only if the hole is ripped. More in Drip hole punches and goof plugs: sizes and when a plug is not enough
Why is my goof plug still leaking?
The hole may be torn or irregular. UMaine Extension says to cut out the section and install a coupling if it still leaks after the larger end, and Drip Depot names irregularly shaped holes as a cause of leaks at 1/4 in connections. More in Drip hole punches and goof plugs: sizes and when a plug is not enough
Questions
What size is 1/4 inch drip tubing?
Several sizes are sold as 1/4 in. The common poly size is .170 x .250 in (ID x OD), which is how Rain Bird lists XQ; DIG's vinyl table also lists .156 x .245 and .160 x .220 in.[3][1]
How do I connect 1/4 inch tubing to 1/2 inch tubing?
With a barbed takeoff in a punched hole, or a self-piercing barb such as Rain Bird's SPB-025, which Rain Bird inserts with its XM-Tool. Use a punch made for drip tubing and matched to the barb. See connecting 1/4 in to 1/2 in.[5][6]
Why does my 1/4 inch tubing pop off?
Drip Depot names four causes: tubing on the dripper outlet instead of the inlet, pressure too high, ends not cut straight, and vinyl tubing in high heat.[10]
What do I do with a hole in the wrong place?
Plug it. University of Maine Extension says to try the small end of a goof plug first, the larger end if the hole is ripped, and to cut out the section and add a coupling if it still leaks.[6]