2-Way 1/4" Outlet Manifold

2-Way 1/4" Outlet Manifold – Specifications

What is a drip manifold and how does it work?
A drip manifold threads onto the top of an existing 1/2" MPT sprinkler riser and redirects water from that riser into multiple 1/4" outlet ports. Each port connects to a length of 1/4" drip tubing that runs to an individual plant, container, or garden area. It's one of the fastest ways to convert a zone from overhead sprinkler irrigation to targeted drip irrigation.

What is the difference between a full-flow manifold and a flow-control manifold?
A full-flow manifold (like this product) passes water through each port at full pressure, letting the emitters themselves regulate output. This works best with pressure-compensating emitters or pre-emitter dripline that self-regulates. A flow-control manifold has a built-in restrictor at each outlet — better suited for non-pressure-compensating emitters and micro-sprinklers. If you're unsure which type of emitters you have, check whether the output rate changes when you squeeze or release the tubing — pressure-compensating ones stay constant.

What size riser does this manifold connect to?
This manifold has a 1/2" FPT (female pipe thread) inlet, so it connects to any 1/2" MPT (male pipe thread) riser — the most common size in residential sprinkler systems. If your riser is 3/4", you'll need a threaded reducing coupler and a 1/2" nipple to step it down first. DripWorks carries a full selection of fittings and adapters to help with this.

Do I need a filter or pressure regulator with this manifold?
The manifold includes a basic cone screen washer at the inlet, which provides minimal filtration. For best results — and to protect your emitters from clogging — we strongly recommend installing a dedicated drip filter (minimum 120-mesh) and a pressure regulator on the zone supply line, especially if you are using secondary (non-potable) water or if your system pressure exceeds 30 PSI. Most sprinkler systems operate well above the 20–25 PSI ideal for drip, so a pressure regulator is almost always a good idea.

Can I leave one port capped if I only need one drip line?
Yes. Each unused outlet comes with a threaded cap that fully seals the port. Simply leave the cap on any port you are not using. This makes the 2-way manifold useful even in single-plant applications where you may want to add a second line later.

How far can I run 1/4" drip tubing from the manifold?
As a general rule, keep individual 1/4" tubing runs to 30 feet or less and total flow on any single run under 30 GPH (the "30/30 rule"). Beyond these distances, flow will drop off toward the end of the run. For longer runs, consider routing 1/2" mainline to the general area first and then branching to 1/4" tubing closer to each plant. DripWorks carries all the tubing and 1/4" micro fittings you need to build out this kind of layout.

What if I need more than 2 outlets from a single riser?
If you need to water more than two plants from one riser, consider the 8-Way Sprinkler-to-Drip Conversion Kit, which provides 8 individual 1/4" outlets plus all the tubing, emitters, and stakes you need to get watering immediately. DripWorks also carries the complete Sprinkler-to-Drip Conversion product range if you'd like to shop individual components.

Can I automate this setup with a timer?
Absolutely. Because this manifold simply connects to a standard 1/2" sprinkler riser that's fed by your zone valve, it operates on whatever schedule your irrigation controller is set to run. You can also automate individual riser zones using a standalone drip irrigation timer if the riser is fed directly from a hose bib or faucet rather than a valve-controlled zone.