Guide · Mainline fittings
Drip tubing end caps, figure-8 closures and flush points
Close each drip line end with a closure made for its size, and pick one you can open, because flushing and winter draining both start at the ends.
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Short answer
Close each line end with an end closure made for its size, and choose one you can open. Flushing and winter draining both start at the ends, so a closure you can remove and refit by hand saves cutting the line later.
Why the end matters
The end of a drip line is where debris collects and where water leaves when you drain it. DIG's maintenance checklist says to open the ends of the mainlines and flush them during a manual run.[1] Rain Bird's winter guide drains a system through the same points.[2] An end you cannot open makes both jobs harder.
End caps listed for a size range
A cap has the same fit rule as any fitting: it is listed for an OD or a range. Orbit lists its 67468 1/2 in end cap for .620-.710 in OD tubing.[3] If your tubing is outside a cap's stated range, use a cap whose maker lists your OD. See our guide to "universal" drip fittings for the ranges other makers list.
Figure-8 closures
A figure-8 closure holds the tube folded back on itself. Nothing goes inside the tube, so you can open it by hand.
Rain Bird's winter steps show how it behaves:
- To drain, open flush caps at low points or, if there are none, remove the figure-8 end caps, then allow several hours for the water to run out.[2]
- After draining, put the figure-8 caps back on loosely. Rain Bird says they are only there to protect the line and do not need to hold pressure.[2]
Our winterizing guide has the full sequence.
Flushing at the ends
DIG's checklist pairs flushing with filter cleaning: remove the filter and rinse it under running water, then open the mainline ends and flush them during a manual run.[1] Water is the only cleaner DIG's checklist names.
Ending 1/4 in tubing
1/4 in lines need their own closures:
- DIG says its goof plug (16-022, strip of 10) can plug holes in mainline or stop flow from the end of 1/4 in tubing.[4]
- Rain Bird sells a 1/4 in tubing plug that serves as an end plug for flushing and draining 1/4 in tubing, and can also seal unwanted holes.[5]
More on plugs in our goof plug guide.
What else DIG lists
DIG's homeowner accessory range includes goof plugs, a hose end closure, punches, insertion tools and shut-off valves.[6] DIG lists those by name only, without sizes, so check the product page for the size before you buy.
Closures at a glance
| Closure | Fits | Opens for flushing? | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orbit 67468 end cap | .620-.710 in OD | Yes, reusable nut | Orbit[3] |
| Figure-8 closure | Folded tube end | Yes | Rain Bird[2] |
| DIG goof plug (16-022) | End of 1/4 in tubing | Not stated by DIG | DIG[4] |
| Rain Bird 1/4 in tubing plug | 1/4 in tubing | Yes, for flushing and draining | Rain Bird[5] |
None of these closures is in our approved catalog yet, so this page has no store buttons.
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Questions
How do I close the end of drip tubing?
Use a closure made for its size: an end cap whose maker lists your OD, such as Orbit's 67468 for .620-.710 in OD, or a figure-8 closure. For 1/4 in tubing, a goof plug or a 1/4 in tubing plug.[3][4][5]
What is a figure-8 end closure?
A figure-8 shaped piece that holds the folded-back end of the tubing shut. Rain Bird's winter guide removes figure-8 end caps to drain a line and puts them back loosely, because they only protect the line.[2]
How do I flush a drip line?
DIG says to open the ends of the mainlines and flush them during a manual run. Close them again once the water runs clear.[1]