Connecting Hose & Tubing

Connecting Hose & Tubing

With your 1/2” drip tubing laid out, it’s time to connect all the separate ends together to create one uniformed run of tubing. Make sure you have all your couplings, elbows and tees handy. It helps to order a few extra of each fitting in case you need to add or change your drip tubing layout for any reason.

If you’re attaching your tubing with compression fittings, begin by scoring the tubing about an inch up from the end of the tubing. Next, make sure you have a straight cut across your drip tubing, cut tubing if needed. Then take the fitting and place the tubing squarely against the compression opening and press inward. As the compressing fitting bites into the tubing, gently rock the tubing and fitting back and forth until one inch of drip tubing is inserted into the fitting. Repeat this process for all compression fittings. The trick to installing compression fittings is to apply even constant force as your insert the tubing. Compression fittings are designed for a more permanent installation and are not recommended for reuse.

Direct-Loc fittings work a bit differently than their compression fitting counterparts. Direct-Loc fittings have a 1/2” barbed end that you place your drip tubing over and a lock nut that spins over the barb which locks the tubing in place, creating a water tight seal. Direct-Loc fittings are perfect if you need to reuse your fittings, remove your drip tubing or reconfigure your drip irrigation system.

Installing 1/4” micro tubing is not unlike installing its bigger brother. But unlike the bigger tubing, the only connectors available are in the 1/4” barbed 250 series. Attach micro tubing end with connectors, elbows and tees. To install, simply place one end of the micro tubing over the barbed end of the fitting and apply firm even pressure until the tubing sits against the fittings collar.

To install 1/4” micro tubing as a feeder off of 1/2” solid drip tubing, begin by making a hole in the 1/2” tubing with a hole punch. Then attach one end of the micro tubing onto the end of the 1/4” barbed fitting. Then insert the other end of the 1/4” barbed fitting into the 1/2” drip tubing until it snaps into place.

QUICK TIP: To help with installation, dip the tubing in warm water for a few minutes to soften the ends before inserting the tubing into the fitting.