Drip Irrigation Emitter Comparison
There are many ways to apply water to plants with drip irrigation. The component at the end of the line that actually delivers water to the plant is called an emitter or dripper. Drip emitters may drip very slowly or output a steady flow of water. Some are staked and some stream water in "fingers" or a fine spray. Pressure-compensating drip emitters contain a rubber or silicone diaphragm that allow them to maintain the same output even if the water pressure fluctuates. Non-pressure-compensating drip emitters are less expensive but the flow will very with changes in elevation and pressure.
Pressure Compensating Emitters
- Deliver the stated gph (gallons per hour) even if pressures range is 10-40 psi
- Works well with elevation changes
- Self-flushing to reduce clogging
Non-Pressure-Compensating Emitters
- Output will vary with changes in pressure & elevation
- Works best with flat landscapes
- Excellent for gravity-fed drip irrigation systems
| Emitter Type | Uses | Pressure Compensating | Removable Top | Outputs (gph) | Pattern | Connects to | Connection Type | Adjustable | Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
PCE | Precise watering, changes in elevation |
Yes | No | 1/2, 1, 2 | n/a |
3/4", 1/2" & 1/4" drip tubing | 1/4" barb |
No | $.21 - $.35 |
 |
TC | Changes in elevation | Yes | Yes | 1/2, 1, 2 | n/a |
3/4", 1/2" & 1/4" drip tubing | 1/4" barb |
No | $.15 - $.26 |
 |
PCP | Changes in elevation - Self Peircing |
Yes | Yes | 1/2, 1, 2 | n/a | 3/4", 1/2" & 1/4" drip tubing | 1/4" barb | No | $.15 - $.26 |
 |
TAE | Flat landscapes. low pressure | No | Yes | 1, 2, 4 | n/a | 3/4", 1/2" & 1/4" drip tubing | 1/4" barb | No | $.075 - $.13 |
 |
TTE | Flat landscapes. low pressure | No | Yes | 1/2, 1, 2 |
n/a | 3/4", 1/2" & 1/4" drip tubing | 1/4" barb | No | $.075 - $.13 |
 |
SR (stream) | Cover large area with stream spray |
No | Yes | 0 - 10 |
full circle, half circle |
3/4", 1/2" & 1/4" drip tubing or micro stakes |
barb or thread |
Yes | $.16 - $.22 |
 |
SR Stake (Stream on a stake) | Cover large area with stream spray, good in flower pots |
No | Yes | 0 - 10 | full circle, half circle | 3/4" or 1/2" drip tubing | on stake with barb |
Yes | $.23 - $.40 |
 |
SM (Umbrella pattern) |
Cover large area with fine spray | No | Yes | 0 - 24 |
full circle | 3/4", 1/2" & 1/4" drip tubing or micro stakes | barb or thread | Yes | $.20 - $.40 |
 |
SM Stake (Umbrella Pattern on a stake) | Cover large area with fine spray, good in flower pots | No | Yes | 0 - 24 | full circle | 3/4" or 1/2" drip tubing | on stake with barb |
Yes | $.29 - $.50 |
 |
BP (Pressure Compensating Bubbler) | Sprinkler retrofits |
Yes |
No |
6, 10, 20 per outlet |
n/a | 1/2" threaded riser |
1/2" female threads |
No | $1.40 - $2.00 |
 |
PCBP (Pressure Compensating Emitter) | Sprinkler retrofits | Yes | No | 1/2, 1, 2 | n/a | 1/2" threaded riser | 1/2" female threads | No | $.40 - $.60 |
 |
ILE (In Line Emitter) | Make your own custom drip tubing |
No | No | 1/2, 1 |
n/a | 1/4" drip tubing | 1/4" barbs | No | $.20 - $.30 |
