Guides
Practical answers to buying and setup questions, with links to the relevant choices.
- GuideBuying drip parts on Amazon or AliExpress: sizes, sellers, returnsHelps you check size, seller, returns and import costs before ordering drip parts online.
- GuideCompression vs barbed vs locking-nut drip fittingsHelps you choose the fitting type that your tubing's documented size supports, and know whether you can take it apart later.
- GuideConnect 1/4 in tubing to a 1/2 in drip lineHelps 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.
- GuideSprinkler to drip conversion kits by spray body and riserHelps you match a spray-to-drip conversion kit to the sprinkler body or riser you have.
- GuideDIG compression fitting colors: green, black, blue by ODHelps you read the insert color on a DIG compression fitting as a tubing OD, and not apply that code to other brands.
- GuideDrip emitter GPH: 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 GPH, colors and inletsHelps you pick an emitter flow and inlet that match your plants, pressure and tubing.
- GuideDrip irrigation for trees and shrubs: placement, flow, bubblersHelps you place emitters around a tree or shrub and choose between drippers and bubblers.
- GuideDrip emitters not dripping or watering unevenly: what to checkHelps you find why emitters drip less or unevenly, in the order makers and extension services suggest.
- GuideDrip faucet head assembly: parts, threads and the maker's orderHelps you assemble the parts at your faucet in your kit maker's order with matching threads.
- GuideDrip irrigation filter mesh: 150 vs 200 and what emitters needHelps you choose a filter mesh that matches what your emitters' makers ask for.
- GuideDrip hole punches and goof plugs: sizes and limitsHelps you choose a punch and a goof plug, use the right end, and know when to cut out and couple instead.
- GuideDrip irrigation backflow preventers: what they are, who decidesHelps you understand backflow devices and know whom to ask about your faucet's requirements.
- GuideDrip irrigation for containers and hanging basketsHelps you plan a container drip layout with the right number of drippers and safe placement.
- GuideDrip line maximum length: spacing, flow and the maker's tableHelps you keep each drip line run within the length its maker allows for your spacing and pressure.
- GuideDrip line vs emitters vs micro-sprays for raised beds and rowsHelps you choose drip line, loose emitters, micro-sprays or soaker tubing for your layout.
- GuideDrip irrigation pressure regulators: outlet PSI and flow rangeHelps you choose a regulator whose outlet pressure and flow range fit your drip zone.
- GuideDrip tubing end caps, figure-8 closures and flush pointsHelps you choose an end closure that fits your tubing and can be opened for flushing and draining.
- GuideDrip tubing popping off or leaking at fittings: causesHelps you find the likely cause of a pop-off or leak and the check to make before replacing parts.
- GuideFHT vs FPT, MHT vs MPT: hose thread vs pipe thread on drip partsHelps you match threads on faucet and drip parts, or pick the adapter between them.
- Guide1/2 in drip tubing sizes: .620, .700 and .710 in ODHelps you identify which 1/2 in tubing you have, by outside diameter, before you buy fittings for it.
- GuideHow to measure drip tubing before you buy fittingsHelps you get the one number (usually the outside diameter) that decides which drip fittings will fit your tubing.
- GuideReading drip part specs: maker conflicts, ratings and studiesHelps you judge a drip part's stated sizes and ratings, and spot conflicts and claims without numbers.
- GuideJoin .700 drip tubing to .620 or .710 tubingHelps you pick a coupling that is listed for both of the tubing sizes you need to join.
- GuideJoin metric 4/7 mm and 16 mm drip tubing to US 1/4 and 1/2 in partsHelps you decide whether metric kit tubing can join US parts by comparing the stated ID and OD, not the names.
- GuideMicro-sprays, jets and bubblers: flow, adjustment, own zoneHelps you choose a spray, jet or bubbler and plan its own line at the right pressure.
- GuidePressure-compensating vs non-PC drip emitters: ratings and studiesHelps you decide whether a pressure-compensating emitter is worth it for your pressure and layout.
- Guide1/4 in drip tubing sizes: .170 x .250 and the othersHelps you check the actual ID x OD of your 1/4 in tubing against the barbs and stakes you plan to use.
- GuideRain Bird T63 vs T70 vs T71 tubing and Easy-Fit fittingsHelps Rain Bird tubing owners pick fittings by the OD in the series name, and avoid forcing Easy-Fit parts onto T71.
- GuideRepair split or punctured drip tubing: plug, splice or replaceHelps you decide between plugging and splicing a damaged drip line, and choose a coupling that fits it.
- GuideSoaker hose vs drip line: porous tubing vs fixed emittersHelps you decide between soaker tubing and drip line for a bed or strip.
- Guide"Universal" drip fittings: the OD range behind the nameHelps you read the size range behind a "universal" drip fitting and check it against your tubing's OD.
- GuideVinyl vs polyethylene 1/4 in drip tubingHelps you choose between vinyl and poly 1/4 in tubing and check the exact size before mixing them.
- GuideWinterize drip irrigation: drain, remove, store, and no compressorWalks you through draining and storing a drip system for winter without compressed air.
- ShortlistDrip emitters with a stated flow and pressure rangeHelps you pick an emitter whose flow holds across a stated pressure range that covers your system.
- ShortlistDrip line with published flow, spacing and run tablesHelps you choose a drip line whose maker tells you its flow, spacing and how long a run can be at your pressure.
- ShortlistFaucet head parts with stated threads, mesh and outlet pressureHelps you pick head parts whose threads match your faucet and each other, with the mesh and outlet psi to confirm.
- Shortlist1/2 in drip fittings with a stated OD rangeHelps you pick a 1/2 in coupling or tee whose maker-stated range includes your tubing's OD.
- Shortlist1/2 in drip tubing with the OD and ID statedHelps you buy 1/2 in tubing at the OD you measured, from a maker that states it.
- ShortlistMicro-sprays and bubblers with a stated flowHelps you pick a complete bubbler or spray assembly by pattern and inlet, and know what to check on the listing.
- Shortlist1/4 in 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.