Drip Irrigation Line

Pressure-compensating dripline contains built-in emitters that regulate the flow of water along the length of the pipe. This helps each emitter deliver a consistent amount of water, even when the dripline is installed over long distances or across sloping ground where water pressure may vary.

The result is more even watering throughout the system, reducing the risk of plants near the water source receiving too much water while those at the end receive too little. Pressure-compensating dripline is particularly suitable for flower beds, borders, hedges, trees and larger landscape irrigation systems.

The best emitter spacing depends on the type of planting, soil and dripline layout. Closer emitter spacing provides more even water distribution and is particularly useful in sandy soils, narrow beds and areas with closely spaced plants.

For most general flower beds and shrub borders the wider 0.5m emitter spacing is usually suitable. Closer spacing may be preferable for sandy soils, densely planted areas or permanent subsurface installations.

For hedge runs 0.3m spaced dripline is normally run down one side of the hedge close to the roots.

For trees, 0.15m spaced dripline in normally laid in a tail around the root ball of the tree. For larger trees in planted in a row then plain pipe with no drippers runs between each tree tail. Our tree watering kits include dripline and connecting pipe.

When installing several parallel runs of dripline, the distance between the lines is just as important as the spacing between emitters.

Yes, provided the dripline is specifically designed for subsurface installation. Buried dripline delivers water directly into the root zone, reducing evaporation and keeping the soil surface dry.

For permanent underground systems, use a suitable root-resistant dripline such as Permadrip Ultra, which incorporates Root Protection Band technology to help prevent roots entering the emitters. The system should also include appropriate filtration, pressure regulation and air-relief protection. Standard dripline should not be buried unless the manufacturer confirms that it is suitable for subsurface use.

The UK Water Regulations also require a break tank and pump if the system is connected to the drinking water supply.

The amount of dripline required depends on the size and shape of the bed and the spacing between each parallel run. As a general guide, divide the area of the bed by the distance between the dripline rows.

For example, a 20m² flower bed with the dripline spaced 50cm (0.5m) apart would require approximately 40 metres of dripline. Allow a little extra for connecting the rows, routing the pipe around obstacles and reaching the water supply. Narrow beds may need only one or two runs, while wider beds should have several evenly spaced parallel lines.

The maximum run length depends on the dripline model, emitter flow rate, emitter spacing, available water pressure and the diameter of the supply pipe. Pressure-compensating dripline can generally be installed in longer runs than standard drip pipe because its emitters regulate the water flow more evenly.

Permadrip Ultra is particularly suitable for longer runs because its low-flow emitters use less water. For larger installations, divide the system into separate watering zones rather than exceeding the recommended run length. Always check the specification for the chosen dripline and confirm that the available water supply can provide the required flow.

A filter is strongly recommended for any drip irrigation system because the small emitter openings can become blocked by dirt, rust or other debris in the water supply. Filtration is especially important when using water from a tank, borehole, pond or rainwater harvesting system.

A pressure regulator may also be required to reduce the incoming water pressure to the operating range specified for the dripline. Excessive pressure can damage fittings, cause leaks and affect the performance of the emitters. For reliable operation, use a suitably sized filter and pressure regulator that match the dripline and the available water supply.

Yes. Pressure-compensating dripline is particularly suitable for sloping ground because its emitters regulate the flow of water as pressure changes along the pipe. This helps provide more even watering at the top and bottom of the slope than standard non-compensating drip pipe.

On a non-leakage dripper design, when the water is turned off the emitter will close and water will stay in the pipe. On steep slopes, the lower drippers will continue to drip as the pressure will be higher due to gravity – to prevent this, a leakage prevention device can be added into the system.

Where possible, lay the dripline across the slope rather than running it directly uphill or downhill. Steep or extensive slopes may need to be divided into separate watering zones to maintain consistent pressure and prevent water draining to the lowest part of the system after watering stops.

Approved drip or trickle irrigation systems can often continue to be used during a hosepipe ban. To qualify for an exemption, the system will normally need to deliver water directly onto or beneath the soil without spraying it through the air or causing surface run-off. It should also be fitted with a timer and a pressure-reducing valve.

The precise exemptions are determined by the water company imposing the restrictions, so always check its current hosepipe-ban rules before operating the system.

A soaker hose is made from porous material that allows water to seep through the pipe wall along its entire length. Its output can vary according to the water pressure and position along the hose, potentially producing wetter areas near the water supply and drier areas towards the end.

Dripline contains individual emitters positioned at regular intervals inside the pipe. Pressure-compensating emitters regulate the flow, providing more consistent and predictable watering over longer runs and sloping ground. Commercial dripline is generally the better choice for permanent installations, larger planted areas and systems where even water distribution is important.

Permadrip Pro is a heavy-duty, general-purpose pressure-compensating dripline for watering flower beds, shrub borders and hedges. Its emitters deliver 1.6 litres per hour, and it is available with 30cm or 50cm emitter spacing. Its thick 1.2mm pipe wall makes it suitable for permanent domestic and commercial landscape installations on or below the soil surface.

Permadrip Ultra has lower-output 0.85 litre-per-hour emitters and an integrated Root Protection Band that helps prevent root intrusion. It is particularly suitable for permanent subsurface installations, including lawns and planted borders, as well as sandy soils and projects requiring particularly long dripline runs.

For most surface-laid borders and hedges, Permadrip Pro is normally the best choice. Permadrip Ultra is preferable where the dripline will be permanently buried or where its lower flow rate, closer emitter spacing and root protection provide an advantage.

The ideal watering time depends on the soil, weather, plant type, emitter flow rate and spacing between the dripline runs. As a general starting point, run the system for longer but less frequent periods so that water penetrates deeply into the root zone rather than only wetting the surface.

In warm, dry weather, established borders may need watering two or three times per week, while newly planted areas, sandy soils and containers may require more frequent watering. Clay soils usually need less frequent watering because they retain moisture for longer.

Check the soil after watering to see how deeply the moisture has penetrated, then adjust the running time accordingly. A timer makes it easier to water consistently, preferably early in the morning when evaporation is lower. Reduce the frequency during cooler or wetter periods and avoid watering if the soil is already moist.