DRIP CONVERSION

Drip systems are subject to less water-loss due to runoff, overspray, and evaporation. Consequently they are often exempt or partially exempt from most water-conserving regulations. Drip materials are usually lighter weight than conventional sprinkler materials, and installed either on the surface or shallow depths. Thus they are more vulnerable to some types of damage and/or root invasion. On the other hand, drip materials in turf are usually much less vulnerable to damage from foot traffic and lawn mowers. Opinions differ widely on whether drip systems have higher or lower overall maintenance costs. Actual maintenance costs probably vary according to types of areas being watered and site use.

Drip conversion typically consists of:

1. Removing all heads on sections to be converted and capping-off the risers.

2. Installing a regulator and filter for each valve, or a master regulator and filter for the sprinkler water supply.

3. Installing a "header" pipe on at least one side of the section (requires open trench).

4. Installing drip tubing 4 to 6 inches deep at 12 to 18 inch intervals (requires slot trenching).

5. Resetting the controller to new watering times for drip sections.

 

  • PROS AND CONS FOR
    INSTALLATION OF, AND CONVERSION TO
    DRIP SYSTEMS FOR TURF AND SHRUBS


    PROS

    1. Drip systems reduce or eliminate overspray, runoff, drift, and evaporation.

    2. Drip systems currently have fewer restrictions than conventional systems.

    3. Fewer restrictions, together with higher water distribution efficiency, may permit almost normal amounts of water for plants during periods of water restrictions.

    CONS
    1. Because drip outlets are buried and/or very small, it is very difficult to evaluate the condition of the system. Often the first visible indication of problems with a drip system is a dead plant or plants.

    2. Because drip systems are made of light-weight material, joined with unglued joints, and either shallow or on the surface, they are more vulnerable to damage.

    3. Especially in turf and ground-cover areas, good installations are more expensive than conventional sprinklers because much more labor is involved.

    4. Well-done conventional systems have an expected life to 35 to 50 years or more, with interim maintenance mostly to heads. Drip systems, because they are much more vulnerable to damage and have lighter weight materials, have a shorter life expectancy.

     

     

     

     

    Hammer Company, Inc.
    1645 Euclid St.,  Santa Monica, CA 90404
    (800) 660-1452  (310) 450-1122
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