Choosing the Right Drip Emitter
Four Tips
Four things to consider...
1. Pressure-Compensating vs. Non-Pressure-Compensating Emitters
First determine whether or not you need pressure-compensating emitters. They cost a little more but are the best choice for 
many applications. If your landscape has elevation changes (hills, dips, etc.) go with pressure-compensating emitters. They have a diaphragm inside which maintains the same water flow through the emitter even if the elevation (and pressure) changes.
The PCE Series is our best quality pressure compensating emitter.
1/2 gph (gallon per hour) best for Clay Soils (hard)
1 gph best for Loam Soils (normal)
2 gph best for Sandy Soils (loose)
Self-flushing
Inlet pressure can vary from 14.58 - 58 psi
The TC Series "Turbo Style" is our most economical pressure compensating emitter.
1/2 gph (gallon per hour) best for Clay Soils (hard)
1 gph best for Loam Soils (normal)
2 gph best for Sandy Soils (loose)
Easy to take apart & clean
Inlet pressure can vary from 10 - 40 psi
If you install non-pressure-compensating emitters in the example above, the emitters on the higher elevations will distribute less water than those at the bottom of the slope. Non-pressure compensating emitters are a great choice for flat landscapes and with gravity-fed drip systems.
The TAE Series "Flag Emitter" is our most economical emitter.
1 gph (gallon per hour) best for Clay Soils (hard)
2 gph best for Loam Soils (normal)
4 gph best for Sandy Soils (loose)
Easy to take apart & clean
Must operate between 15 - 20 psi for stated output
2. Drip vs. Spray
Not all drip emitters "drip". If you want to water a broader area, consider a stream or spectrum spray. They are adjustable so you can dial-in the exact spray distance that you require. The output ranges from 0 - 24 gph.
A stream spray emitter distributes water like fingers in either a 360° or 180° pattern. They are adjustable with a radius up to 18 inches. Barb connections allow you to attach them directly to mainline drip tubing. Also available on a 6 inch stake (threaded base too, see "Micro Jets" section below).
The SR Series "Stream Spray Emitter" is adjustable with barbed connector.
Full Circle Diameter from 6" - 3' 
Half Circle Radius from 3" - 18"
Removable top for cleaning
Twist cap to adjust stream
The SR Series "Stream Spray Emitter" on 6 inch stake.
Full Circle Diameter from 6" - 3' 
Half Circle Radius from 3" - 18"
Removable top for cleaning
Twist cap to adjust stream
Spectrum Spray Emitters deliver water in a fine spray with a 360° umbrella pattern. They are good for ground cover, seed plantings, and annual flower beds where you don't want the soil to be dry between plants. Barb connections allow you to attach them directly to mainline drip tubing. Also available on a 6 inch stake (threaded base too, see "Micro Jets" section below).
The SM Series "Spectrum Spray Emitter" is adjustable and comes with barbed connector & 6 inch stake (threaded base too, see "Micro Jets" section below).
Full Circle - barb Dia. to 5.5 feet 
Half Circle - stake Dia. to 5.5 feet
Removeable top for cleaning
Twist cap to adjust spray
Micro Jet Sprayers & Micro Stake Assemblies are another choice for watering small flower beds and ground cover. All micro spray products feature 10-32 threads which allow them to be easily screwed into micro stake assemblies and rigid risers (shown below). If you have a lot of micro spray products on one drip line, the total water output can add up fast. Be sure to plan for the maximum output of the products you are using so that you don't run short on flow if you need to open them up all the way. See the chart at the end of this section for micro jet flow rates.
The Micro Stake Assemblies are available in 12" and 20 inch lengths.
12" Stake Assembly 
20" Stake Assembly
18" micro tubing attached
Barb connector included
Rigid Riser Extensions can be used to increase the height of Micro Stake Assemblies. They are available in lengths of 8", 12", and 18".
8" Rigid Riser Extension 
12" Rigid Riser Extension
18" Rigid Riser Extension
Riser threads into the top of stake
Micro Sprayers come in many configurations. The flow rates for micro sprays can add up fast. See the chart at the end of this section for micro jet flow rates.
Adjustable Stream Bubbler Full Circle: Adjustable Stream Bubbler Half Circle:
(red & blue). The blue orifice is smaller (0.040") and distributes less water than the red orifice (0.060").
| MICRO SPRAY CAP & BASE PERFORMANCE |
||||
| Black Base, .030" Opening (DD-MSB30) |
||||
| Arc | Pressure | Radius | Diameter | Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| psi | ft | ft | gph |
|
| DD-MCF |
10 | - | 10.2 | 4.7 |
| 360 Degrees |
15 | - | 13.4 | 5.9 |
| 20 | - | 14.7 | 6.9 | |
| 25 |
- | 15.6 | 7.8 | |
| 30 | - | 16.4 | 8.6 | |
| DD-MCH | 10 | 4.4 | - | 4.7 |
| 180 Degrees |
15 | 5.0 | - | 5.9 |
| 20 | 5.4 | - | 6.9 | |
| 25 | 5.6 | - | 7.8 | |
| 30 | 6.7 | - | 8.6 | |
| DD-MCQ | 10 | 4.4 | - | 4.7 |
| 90 Degrees |
15 | 5.7 | - | 5.9 |
| 20 | 6.6 | - | 6.9 | |
| 25 | 7.2 | - | 7.8 | |
| 30 | 7.7 | - | 8.6 | |
| Blue Base, .040" Opening (DD-MSB40) |
||||
| Arc | Pressure | Radius | Diameter | Flow |
| psi | ft | ft | gph |
|
| DD-MCF |
10 | - | 13.4 | 7.0 |
| 360 Degrees |
15 | - | 15.8 | 8.9 |
| 20 | - | 18.2 | 10.5 | |
| 25 |
- | 19.6 | 12.0 | |
| 30 | - | 20.4 | 13.3 | |
| DD-MCH | 10 | 5.2 | - | 7.0 |
| 180 Degrees |
15 | 6.0 | - | 8.9 |
| 20 | 6.4 | - | 10.5 | |
| 25 | 6.6 | - | 12.0 | |
| 30 | 7.0 | - | 13.3 | |
| DD-MCQ | 10 | 4.7 | - | 7.0 |
| 90 Degrees |
15 | 6.1 | - | 8.9 |
| 20 | 7.6 | - | 10.5 | |
| 25 | 8.2 | - | 12.0 | |
| 30 | 8.6 | - | 13.3 | |
| Green Base, .050" Opening (DD-MSB50) |
||||
| Arc | Pressure | Radius | Diameter | Flow |
| psi | ft | ft | gph |
|
| DD-MCF |
10 | - | 17.4 |
11.5 |
| 360 Degrees |
15 | - | 21.1 |
14.5 |
| 20 | - | 22.5 |
17.2 |
|
| 25 |
- | 23.3 | 19.5 | |
| 30 | - | 23.8 |
21.5 |
|
| DD-MCH | 10 | 5.7 | - | 11.5 |
| 180 Degrees |
15 | 6.6 | - | 14.5 |
| 20 | 7.2 |
- | 17.2 |
|
| 25 | 7.8 |
- | 19.5 |
|
| 30 | 8.4 | - | 21.5 | |
| DD-MCQ | 10 | 5.8 |
- | 11.5 |
| 90 Degrees |
15 | 7.4 |
- | 14.5 |
| 20 | 8.4 |
- | 17.2 |
|
| 25 | 9.1 |
- | 19.5 | |
| 30 | 9.6 |
- | 21.5 |
|
| Red Base, .060" Opening (DD-MSB60) |
||||
| Arc | Pressure | Radius | Diameter | Flow |
| psi | ft | ft | gph |
|
| DD-MCF |
10 | - | 18.4 | 16.3 |
| 360 Degrees |
15 | - | 22.6 | 20.0 |
| 20 | - | 25.7 | 23.5 | |
| 25 |
- | 26.3 | 26.0 | |
| 30 | - | 26.7 | 29.0 | |
| DD-MCH | 10 | 6.7 | - | 7.0 |
| 180 Degrees |
15 | 8.1 | - | 8.9 |
| 20 | 9.5 | - | 10.5 | |
| 25 | 10.1 | - | 12.0 | |
| 30 | 10.6 | - | 13.3 | |
| DD-MCQ | 10 | 6.4 | - | 7.0 |
| 90 Degrees |
15 | 8.1 | - | 8.9 |
| 20 | 9.4 | - | 10.5 | |
| 25 | 9.8 | - | 12.0 | |
| 30 | 10.8 | - | 13.3 | |
3. Retrofitting an Existing Sprinkler System
Sprinklers can be converted to drip in a number of ways. Pressure compensating bubblers and emitters can be attached directly
to 1/2" threaded risers. Simply unscrew the existing sprinkler or shrub head and replace it with the emitter or bubbler. Our 6-outlet drip bubblers allow you to run 1/4" drip tubing to up to six plants. The bubblers come with one outlet open. You can cut the tip off of closed outlets with a utility knife. They deliver a lot of 
water and are a good choice for deep-watering trees.
The single-outlet emitters are best for watering individual plants. Both emitters and bubblers can be installed at 90° angles by using a Marlex elbow, as shown in the photos.
4. Drip Emitter Tubing vs. In-Line Emitters
Drip Emitter Tubing has drip emitters extruded into the tubing itself. It comes in rolls of 100 feet or more. It is used in row plantings, 
vegetable gardens, and anytime that a long, even-spaced run is required. It can be purchased with 1/2 gph or 1gph emitters at a variety of spacings and comes in 1/4" & 
1/2" (700) tubing sizes. The emitters in the 1/2" tubing are pressure compensating. They will maintain the same water flow regardless of fluctuations in pressure. The 1/4" emitters are non-pressure compensating. The water flow will vary with fluctuations in pressure. This makes it a good choice for low pressure and gravity fed systems. It is easily wrapped around trees, shrubs, borders, & flower beds. Install in rows for small vegetable gardens, raised planter boxes, and window boxes.
Use scissors to cut 1/4" tubing and clippers to cut 1/2" tubing.
1/4" Drip Emitter Tubing (Soaker Line) is available in the following configurations:
100' roll, 1/2 gph emitters, 6" spacing
100' roll, 1/2 gph emitters, 12" spacing
Install with 1/4" barbed fittings. Since the emitters in 1/4" drip emitter tubing are non-pressure-compensatings, the output of each emitter with vary with changes in pressure. We recommend installing a 20 psi regulator.
1/4" Drip Emitter Tubing - Operating Specifications
Pressure Flow Rate Per Emitter
1/2" Drip Emitter Tubing (.700" O.D x .600" I.D.) is available in the following configurations:
1/2 gph emitters, 12" spacing - 100' roll
1/2 gph emitters, 12" spacing - 400' roll
1/2 gph emitters, 18" spacing - 100' roll
1/2" gph emitters, 18" spacing - 400' roll
1 gph emitters, 18" spacing - 400' roll
1 gph emitters, 18" spacing - 400' roll
Install with 1/2" compression fittings. Since the emitters in 1/2" drip emitter tubing are non-pressure-compensatings, the output of each emitter saty the same, even with changes in pressure. They are self-flushing and clog resistant. We recommend installing a 20 psi regulator or 30 psi regulator, and a filter with 120 - 150 mesh screen.
| Emitter Tubing Guidelines | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubing Size & Emitter Spacing | Pressure Compensating Emitters? | Max psi | Max Run per branch |
|
| 1/4" Tubing - 6" spacing 1/2 gal/hr |
No | 30 | 19 ft |
200 ft |
| 1/4" Tubing - 12" spacing 1/2 gal/hr | No | 30 | 33 ft |
400 ft |
| 1/2" Tubing - 12" spacing 1/2 gal/hr | Yes | 50* | 450 ft | |
| 1/2" Tubing - 18" spacing 1/2 gal/hr | Yes | 50* | 500 ft | |
| 1/2" Tubing - 18" spacing 1 gal/hr | Yes | 50* | 350 ft | |
| * We recommend operating at 20 - 30 psi |
||||
Pressure Compensating Emitters
- Deliver the stated gph (gallons per hour) even if pressures range is 10-50 psi
- Works well with elevation changes
- Self-flushing to reduce clogging
Non-Pressure-Compensating Emitters
- Output will vary with changes in pressure & elevation
- Workes best with flat landscapes
- Excellent for gravity-fed drip systems
1/2" Compression Fittings
- Recommended pressure: 10-30 psi
- Max pressure: 60 psi
In-Line Emitters
If you don't have a long run or you have uneven plant spacings, you can make your own custom drip emitter tubing with in-line emitters. Simply cut 1/4" micro tubing to the desired lengths and attach it to the barbs on either side of the in-line emitter.
Compare All Our Drip Emitters
Still not sure which type of emitter to buy? This handy chart should help: Compare all drip emitters.
Upgrade Your Drip Hole Punch & Save Time
A clean cut makes it easier
Some drip irrigation hole punches are shaped like a pencil and simply poke a hole as they push through the drip irrigation tubing. They require more force and can slip off of the drip tubing before they make the hole. The Super Punch (shown here) has a squeeze handle and is only $9.90. A less expensive option is our Deluxe Hole Punch which has a sharp, circular cutting edge. It's comfortable, easy on your hands, and costs only $3.60.
A Paper Clip Quickly Cleans a Hole Punch
Insert the wire to clear the tool
A good hole punch will actually cut a tiny circle out of the drip irrigation tubing. The plug of drip irrigation tubing can be removed from the cutting edge of the punch with a paper clip. Push it through the cutting end to clear any plastic debris.
Control Water Flow to Flower Pots With This Little Valve
1/4" Flow Control Valve inserts into micro tubing
If you use a drip irrigation system to water hanging baskets or flower pots, put a 1/4" flow control valve on each pot. You can reduce the drip irrigation flow or shut it off completely. It's handy if the pot is has not yet been planted and you don't want to water it.
Fix Little Holes With a Goof Plug
Doubles as a 1/4" end plug
If you make a mistake and poke a hole in the wrong place on a drip line, insert a goof plug (small barb). If the hole gets worn and leaks a little, pull the plug out and use the large barbed end. Goof plugs are also used to plug the end of 1/4" micro tubing.
Sloping Property? Use Pressure-Compensating Emitters
Drip emitters with consistent output
When installing a drip irrigation system on a slope, non-pressure-compensating emitters will deliver less water at the top of the slope and more at the bottom. Install pressure-compensating emitters to ensure even flow rate even if the elevation changes. Non-PC emitters are best on flat landscapes.
Determine Your Soil Type Before Selecting A Drip Emitter
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil type influences water penetration and runoff. If soil particles are tightly packed (clay soil), water can pool on the surface and eventually flow away from the plants. Water flows quickly through sandy soils. Select low output emitters (1/2gph, 1gph) for clay soil and higher output (2gph, 4gph) for sandy soils. View "Choosing the right Drip Emitter".
Here's a list of all the parts discussed in this tutorial.
-
$0.21 - $0.35
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.35 100 - 999 $0.29 1000 - 2999 $0.25 3000 + $0.21 Order in multiples of 10 - Our most accurate button dripper emitter. Pressure compensating emitters deliver a consistent output of water, even with changes in pressure due to long drip tubing runs or changes in elevation.
-
$0.21 - $0.35
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.35 100 - 999 $0.29 1000 - 2999 $0.25 3000 + $0.21 Order in multiples of 10 - Our most accurate button dripper emitter. Pressure compensating emitters deliver a consistent output of water, even with changes in pressure due to long drip tubing runs or changes in elevation.
-
$0.21 - $0.35
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.35 100 - 999 $0.29 1000 - 2999 $0.25 3000 + $0.21 Order in multiples of 10 - Our most accurate button dripper emitter. Pressure compensating emitters deliver a consistent output of water, even with changes in pressure due to long drip tubing runs or changes in elevation.
-
$0.15 - $0.26
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.26 100 - 999 $0.20 1000 - 2999 $0.17 3000 + $0.15 Order in multiples of 10 - Pressure compensating emitters deliver a consistent output of water, even with changes in pressure. Removable top for cleaning. Output: 1/2 GPH
-
$0.15 - $0.26
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.26 100 - 999 $0.20 1000 - 2999 $0.17 3000 + $0.15 Order in multiples of 10 - Pressure compensating emitters deliver a consistent output of water, even with changes in pressure. Removable top for cleaning. Output: 1 GPH
-
$0.15 - $0.26
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.26 100 - 999 $0.20 1000 - 2999 $0.17 3000 + $0.15 Order in multiples of 10 - Pressure compensating emitters deliver a consistent output of water, even with changes in pressure. Removable top for cleaning. Output: 2 GPH
-
$0.10 - $0.15
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.15 100 - 999 $0.13 1000 - 2999 $0.11 3000 + $0.10 Order in multiples of 10 - Take Apart Flag Emitters can be pulled apart for easy cleaning. Attach to either 1/2" or 1/4" drip tubing. Excellent for low pressure, gravity fed drip systems. Output: 1 GPH.
-
$0.10 - $0.15
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.15 100 - 999 $0.13 1000 - 2999 $0.11 3000 + $0.10 Order in multiples of 10 - Take Apart Flag Emitters can be pulled apart for easy cleaning. Attach to either 1/2" or 1/4" drip tubing. Excellent for low pressure, gravity fed drip systems. Output: 2 GPH.
-
$0.10 - $0.15
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.15 100 - 999 $0.13 1000 - 2999 $0.11 3000 + $0.10 Order in multiples of 10 - Take Apart Flag Emitters can be pulled apart for easy cleaning. Attach to either 1/2" or 1/4" drip tubing. Excellent for low pressure, gravity fed drip systems. Output: 4 GPH.
-
$0.075 - $0.14
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.14 100 - 999 $0.11 1000 - 2999 $0.09 3000 + $0.075 Order in multiples of 10 - NC Button Drippers are Non pressure compensating emitters and work best on level terrain. As pressure increases, so will the flow. Removable top for cleaning. Output: 1/2 GPH
-
$0.075 - $0.14
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.14 100 - 999 $0.11 1000 - 2999 $0.09 3000 + $0.075 Order in multiples of 10 - NC Button Drippers are Non pressure compensating emitters and work best on level terrain. As pressure increases, so will the flow. Removable top for cleaning. Output: 1 GPH
-
$0.075 - $0.14
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.14 100 - 999 $0.11 1000 - 2999 $0.09 3000 + $0.075 Order in multiples of 10 - NC Button Drippers are Non pressure compensating emitters and work best on level terrain. As pressure increases, so will the flow. Removable top for cleaning. Output: 2 GPH
-
$0.19 - $0.33
Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.33 25 - 99 $0.28 100 - 999 $0.22 1000 + $0.19 Order in multiples of 5 - Drip Irrigation Adjustable Half Circle Sprayer has 5 streams of water that can be adjusted up to a radius of 18 inches. 1/4" barb for easy installation. Excellent for shrub plantings, flowers beds, trees, and containers.
-
$0.19 - $0.33
Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.33 25 - 99 $0.28 100 - 999 $0.22 1000 + $0.19 Order in multiples of 5 - Drip Irrigation Adjustable Full Circle Sprayer has 8 streams of water that can be adjusted up to a radius of 3 feet. 1/4" barb for easy installation. Excellent for shrub plantings, flowers beds, trees, and containers.
-
$0.25 - $0.50
Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.50 25 - 99 $0.40 100 - 399 $0.30 400 + $0.25 Order in multiples of 5 - Drip Irrigation Adjustable Half Circle Sprayer produces 5 streams of water on a 6" spike. Adjusts to a radius of 18 inches. Excellent for shrub plantings, flowers beds, trees, and containers.
-
$0.25 - $0.50
Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.50 25 - 99 $0.40 100 - 399 $0.30 400 + $0.25 Order in multiples of 5 - Drip Irrigation Full Circle Sprayer has 8 streams of water on a 6" spike. Adjusts to a diameter of 3 feet. Excellent for shrub plantings, flowers beds, trees, and containers.
-
Part #: DD-SM360BAdjustable Umbrella Pattern Sprayer Full Circle 1/4" Barbed Inlet for Drip Irrigation
$0.25 - $0.50Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.50 25 - 99 $0.40 100 - 999 $0.30 1000 + $0.25 Order in multiples of 5 - This Drip Irrigation Umbrella-pattern sprayer is adjustable up to a diameter of 5.5 feet. The 1/4" barb is installed in 1/2" drip tubing. The top is easily removed for cleaning.
-
$0.30 - $0.60
Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.60 25 - 99 $0.50 100 - 399 $0.35 400 + $0.30 Order in multiples of 5 - This Drip Irrigation Umbrella Pattern sprayer is adjustable up to a diameter of 5.5 feet. The 6" stake contains a 1/4" connector that is used with 1/4" drip tubing. Top is easily removed for cleaning.
-
Part #: DD-6BP-66 GPH per outlet - Pressure Compensating Bubbler - 1/2" FPT Inlet x 6 - 1/4" Outlets
$1.40 - $2.00Volume discounts 1 - 24 $2.00 25 - 99 $1.80 100 - 499 $1.60 500 + $1.40 Up to 6 outlets available. Cut tips of outlets as needed. Threads onto 1/2" riser. Use with 1/4" solid drip micro tubing. -
Part #: DD-6BP-1010 GPH per outlet - Pressure Compensating Bubbler - 1/2" FPT Inlet x 6 - 1/4" Outlets
$1.40 - $2.00Volume discounts 1 - 24 $2.00 25 - 99 $1.80 100 - 499 $1.60 500 + $1.40 Up to 6 outlets available. Cut tips of outlets as needed. Threads onto 1/2" riser. Use with 1/4" solid drip micro tubing. -
Part #: DD-6BP-2020 GPH per outlet - Pressure Compensating Bubbler - 1/2" FPT Inlet x 6 - 1/4" Outlets
$1.40 - $2.00Volume discounts 1 - 24 $2.00 25 - 99 $1.80 100 - 499 $1.60 500 + $1.40 Up to 6 outlets available. Cut tips of outlets as needed. Threads onto 1/2" riser. Use with 1/4" solid drip micro tubing. -
$0.40 - $0.60
Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.60 25 - 99 $0.50 100 - 499 $0.45 500 + $0.40 Screws directly onto a 1/2" threaded riser. Good for sprinkler-to-drip retrofit projects. Attach 1/4" drip tubing to barb and run it to plant location. Output: 1/2 GPH. -
$0.40 - $0.60
Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.60 25 - 99 $0.50 100 - 499 $0.45 500 + $0.40 Screws directly onto a 1/2" threaded riser. Good for sprinkler-to-drip retrofit projects. Attach 1/4" drip tubing to barb and run it to plant location. Output: 1 GPH. -
$0.40 - $0.60
Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.60 25 - 99 $0.50 100 - 499 $0.45 500 + $0.40 Out of stock
Screws directly onto a 1/2" threaded riser. Good for sprinkler-to-drip retrofit projects. Attach 1/4" drip tubing to barb and run it to plant location. Output: 2 GPH. -
$0.20 - $0.30
Volume discounts 1 - 49 $0.30 50 - 99 $0.25 100 - 999 $0.22 1000 + $0.20 Order in Multiples of 10 - Mini In-Line Drippers are inserted into 1/4" tubing & can be used to make custom drip emitter tubing.
-
$0.20 - $0.30
Volume discounts 1 - 49 $0.30 50 - 99 $0.25 100 - 999 $0.22 1000 + $0.20 Order in Multiples of 10 - Mini In-Line Drippers are inserted into 1/4" tubing & can be used to make custom drip emitter tubing.
-
$0.09 - $0.20
Volume discounts 1 - 49 $0.20 50 - 499 $0.15 500 + $0.09 Marlex street elbows are used to create swing joints which protect sprinklers from damage when a sprinkler head is run over or stepped on.
For a complete listing of all our irrigation products, Irrigation Direct
Last modified: September 21, 2011
