How to Choose a Drip Regulator
Answer these 4 questions
For most drip irrigation systems, we recommend using a 25psi pressure regulator. For Drip Tape systems use a 10 psi regulator. Our drip regulators are available with hose threads or pipe threads. Choose a regulator with threads that match other system components. To determine the best emitter for your project, consider four questions:
1. What type of drip emitter (dripper) are you using?
Non-Pressure-Compensating Emitters
If you choose non-pressure-compensating emitters, use a 25 psi regulator. Non-pressure-compensating emitters will deliver 
the specified rate of water between 15 to 20 psi. Above 20 psi, the emitters will deliver more water to your plants. This is critical if your drip zone’s water output is close to the max flow rate you have available. Non-pressure-compensating emitters are also best on flat landscape since changes in elevation will also affect the flow rate.
Pressure-Compensating Emitters
The output will not vary with changes in elevation and pressure. They deliver the stated gph (gallons per hour) even if pressures 
range from 10-50 psi. These emitters are best used with elevation changes. They are self-flushing to reduce clogging. A 25psi regulator will work well.
Drip Tape
Drip Tape is a thin-walled tube containing emitters at specific intervals. It operates at very low water pressure. For Drip Tape systems use a 10 psi regulator.
2. Are you using micro sprays in your drip system?
The output (gal/hr) of a micro sprayer (or micro jet) increases as the pressure increases. For example, a red spray base delivers 23.5 gallons per hour at 20 psi and 29 gallons per hour at 30 psi. That adds up fast. A 30 psi regulator is often recommended for micro sprays and other types of drip sprinklers. Just remember to design your system for the maximum outputs. See the chart at the bottom of this tutorial to compare flow rates of micro spray emitters.
3. Are you watering hanging baskets with your drip system?
Use a 30 psi emitter. The extra pressure will help push the water to the higher elevations.
4. Are you installing fogger-misters?
Use a 45psi emitter. This is the rare case where we suggest using a 45psi emitter. For the reasons stated above, only use this 
emitter when installing foggers. The higher pressure will create a finer mist.
Compare Drip Pressure Regulators
| Regulator | Uses | Pressure (psi) | Inlet Threads | Outlet Threads | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
PR20LF-75 | Use with non-pressure-compensating emitters & pipe threaded fittings | 20 | 3/4" female pipe threads | 3/4" male pipe threads |
|
PR30LF-75 | Use with pressure-compensating emitters, hanging baskets, landscapes with changes in elevation, & pipe threaded fittings | 30 | 3/4" female pipe threads | 3/4" male pipe threads |
|
HPR10 | Use with Drip Tape systems & hose threaded fittings | 10 | 3/4" female hose threads | 3/4" male hose threads |
|
HPR20 | Use with flat landscapes, non-pressure-compensating emitters, & hose threaded fittings. Sold in Drip Kits Only. |
20 | 3/4" female hose threads | 3/4" male hose threads |
| HPR25-HQ |
High quality pressure regualtor. Used in both flat and elevated landscapes and with either pressure-compensating and non-pressure-compensating emitters |
25 | 3/4" female hose threads | 3/4" male hose threads | |
|
HPR30 | Use with pressure-compensating emitters, hanging baskets, landscapes with changes in elevation, & hose threaded fittings. Sold in Drip Kits Only. | 30 | 3/4" female hose threads | 3/4" male hose threads |
|
HPR45 | Use with mister-only systems. Creates a finer mist. Not recommended for most drip systems. Use with hose threaded fittings. | 45 | 3/4" female hose threads | 3/4" male hose threads |
| 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 | |
Sloping Property? Use Pressure-Compensating Emitters
Drip emitters with consistent output
When installing a drip 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 lanscapes.
Install Micro Spray Fittings With a 5/16" Nut Driver
Save wear & tear on your fingers
Micro spray caps are small and snap on to micro spray bases. Pick up a 5/16" nut driver at your local hardware store. Place the cap in the nut driver and press it onto the spray base. It's much easier on your fingers. Read our Nut Driver Installantion Tutorial.
Browse our micro spray basess & caps.
Here's a list of all the parts discussed in this tutorial.
-
$2.75 - $3.75
Volume discounts 1 - 11 $3.75 12 - 39 $3.25 40 + $2.75 Hose thread regulator. Reduce household water pressure to a set pressure for use with a drip system. 20 psi regulators. -
$2.75 - $3.75
Volume discounts 1 - 11 $3.75 12 - 39 $3.25 40 + $2.75 Hose thread regulator. Reduce household water pressure to a set pressure for use with a drip system. 30psi regulators can be used with pressure compensating and non pc emitters. -
$2.75 - $3.75
Volume discounts 1 - 11 $3.75 12 - 39 $3.25 40 + $2.75 45 PSI is not recommended for most drip systems. Useful for mister-only set-ups. Creates a finer mist. Hose thread regulator. -
$2.75 - $3.75
Volume discounts 1 - 5 $3.75 6 - 39 $3.25 40 + $2.75 Pipe thread regulator. Reduce household water pressure to a set pressure for use with a drip system. 20psi regulators are best for non pressure compensating emitters -
$2.75 - $3.75
Volume discounts 1 - 5 $3.75 6 - 39 $3.25 40 + $2.75 Pipe thread regulator. Reduce household water pressure to a set pressure for use with a drip system. 30psi regulators can be used with pressure compensating and non pc emitters. -
$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.
-
$0.21 - $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.
-
$0.12 - $0.20
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.20 100 - 999 $0.15 1000 + $0.12 Order in multiples of 10 - Full-circle micro spray cap. Use in flower and vegetable gardens and landscapes when you need to water a large area. These caps snap onto micro spray bases.
-
$0.12 - $0.20
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.20 100 - 999 $0.15 1000 + $0.12 Order in multiples of 10 - Half-circle micro spray cap. Use in flower and vegetable gardens and landscapes when you need to water a large area. These caps snap onto micro spray bases.
-
$0.12 - $0.20
Volume discounts 1 - 99 $0.20 100 - 999 $0.15 1000 + $0.12 Order in multiples of 10 - Quarter-circle micro spray cap. Use in flower and vegetable gardens and landscapes when you need to water a large area. These caps snap onto micro spray bases.
-
$1.20 - $2.00
Volume discounts 1 - 9 $2.00 10 - 99 $1.50 100 + $1.20
Pack of 10 - Combine caps and bases for a variety of patterns, diameters, and flow rates. Caps and bases are color coded to indicate pattern and flow rate. Black output: 4-8 GPH. -
$1.20 - $2.00
Volume discounts 1 - 9 $2.00 10 - 99 $1.50 100 + $1.20 10 Pack - Combine caps and bases for a variety of patterns, diameters, and flow rates. Caps and bases are color coded to indicate pattern and flow rate. Blue output: 7-13 GPH
-
$1.20 - $2.00
Volume discounts 1 - 9 $2.00 10 - 99 $1.50 100 + $1.20 10 Pack - Combine caps and bases for a variety of patterns, diameters, and flow rates. Caps and bases are color coded to indicate pattern and flow rate. Green output: 11-21 GPH
-
$1.20 - $2.00
Volume discounts 1 - 9 $2.00 10 - 99 $1.50 100 + $1.20 10 Pack - Combine caps and bases for a variety of patterns, diameters, and flow rates. Caps and bases are color coded to indicate pattern and flow rate. Red output: 16-29 GPH
-
$0.25 - $0.50
Volume discounts 1 - 24 $0.50 25 - 99 $0.40 100 - 499 $0.30 500 + $0.25 Order in Multiples of 5 - Use in pots and hanging baskets for a fine mist. Create a fine cooling mist around outdoor structures. Fogger Mister attaches with a 1/4" barb.
For a complete listing of all our irrigation products, Irrigation Direct
Last modified: September 21, 2011
