The Best Drip Irrigation System: What To Consider Before You Buy
Apr 7th 2026
The DripWorks 8-Way Sprinkler to Drip Conversion Kit (SKU: KCV1) is the easiest way to transform an unused pop-up sprinkler head into a fully functional drip irrigation zone — without digging up pipe or replumbing your yard. All the hard work is already done: your existing lateral lines, valves, and risers become the backbone of a new precision watering system. This kit converts a single 1/2" MPT riser into eight independently controlled 1/4" drip outlets, giving you the flexibility to water containers, raised beds, herb gardens, spot plantings, or any combination of isolated planting areas from a single sprinkler zone.
At the heart of the kit is the 8-Way Adjustable 1/4" Manifold, which features both a master shutoff valve and individual shutoff valves at each of the eight outlets — so you can shut off lines that aren't in use without disrupting the rest of the zone. A built-in internal screen filter provides an added layer of protection against clogging in your 1/4" micro tubing and soaker dripline. The included Filter/Pressure Regulator Combo Unit (60 PSI max) reduces incoming sprinkler-zone pressure down to drip-friendly levels, protecting your fittings and emitters from blowouts. Everything is included: tubing, soaker dripline, barbed fittings, goof plugs, hold-downs, thread tape, a hose shutoff, and a hose-to-pipe elbow adapter.
If you only need to water a single garden bed or border area, consider the companion 1/2" Sprinkler to Drip Conversion Kit. You can also browse the full range of Sprinkler to Drip Conversion products or review DripWorks' Sprinkler to Drip Irrigation Conversion Guide for step-by-step planning help.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| SKU | KCV1 |
| Inlet Size | 1/2" FPT (connects to 1/2" MPT riser) |
| Number of Outlets | 8 individual 1/4" outlets |
| Manifold Type | 8-Way Adjustable 1/4" Manifold with master shutoff & individual outlet shutoffs |
| Built-in Filtration | Internal screen filter inside manifold |
| Max Pressure (Filter/Regulator Unit) | 60 PSI |
| Micro Tubing Included | 2 × 100' rolls 1/4" Vinyl Micro Tubing |
| Soaker Dripline Included | 2 × 100' rolls 1/4" Soaker Dripline, 12" spacing, 1/2 GPH |
| Ideal Applications | Containers, raised beds, herb gardens, spot plantings, isolated planting areas |
| Brand | DripWorks |
Every component needed to complete your conversion is included. Click any SKU to view the individual product page.
| Qty | Description | SKU |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 100' Rolls 1/4" Vinyl Micro Tubing | 14100V |
| 2 | 100' Rolls 1/4" Soaker Dripline, 12" Spacing, 1/2 GPH | DSD12 |
| 20 | 1/4" Transfer Barbs (2 × 10-packs) | 14TB-10 |
| 20 | 1/4" Tee Fittings (2 × 10-packs) | 14T-10 |
| 20 | 1/4" Goof Plugs (2 × 10-packs) | 14GP2-10 |
| 10 | 1/4" Elbow Fittings (1 × 10-pack) | 1490-10 |
| 1 | 8-Way Adjustable 1/4" Outlet Manifold | RMAN8 |
| 1 | Filter/Pressure Regulator Combo Unit | FPR17 |
| 1 | 3/4" FHT Swivel × 1/2" MPT PVC Elbow Adapter | HFAA9012 |
| 1 | Hose Shutoff | HSO |
| 1 | Thread Sealant Tape (1/2" × 260") | PCTEFSM |
| 20 | 1/4" Hold Downs — 3" (2 × 10-packs) | SS3-10 |
What type of sprinkler riser does this kit connect to?
The Filter/Pressure Regulator unit has a 1/2" FPT (female pipe thread) inlet, which connects directly to a standard 1/2" MPT (male pipe thread) riser — the most common size used in residential sprinkler systems. If your riser is 3/4" MPT, you will need a threaded reducing coupler (sold separately) and a 1/2" nipple to step it down before connecting the kit.
Do sprinklers and drip emitters need to be on separate zones?
Yes — this is critical. Drip irrigation operates at much lower pressure (typically 15–25 PSI) than standard sprinkler zones (35–55+ PSI), and drip systems require significantly longer run times to deliver an equivalent amount of water. If you run drip emitters and sprinkler heads on the same zone simultaneously, neither system will function correctly. Make sure the riser you are converting is on a dedicated zone or that all heads on that zone are being converted to drip.
Why does the kit include a pressure regulator?
Sprinkler zones typically operate at pressures well above what drip components can safely handle. Running high pressure through 1/4" micro tubing and barbed fittings can cause connections to blow off and emitters to stream rather than drip. The included Filter/Pressure Regulator Combo Unit (60 PSI max) reduces pressure to a drip-safe level, protecting all downstream components and ensuring even, controlled water delivery.
Can I shut off individual outlets on the manifold without turning off the whole zone?
Yes. The 8-Way Adjustable Manifold has individual shutoff valves at each of the eight 1/4" outlets, plus a master shutoff on the manifold body. You can deactivate any outlet that doesn't have a line connected, or shut off lines leading to areas you no longer need to water — without affecting the rest of the manifold.
What is the difference between the Vinyl Micro Tubing and the Soaker Dripline included in this kit?
The 1/4" Vinyl Micro Tubing is solid (non-emitting) distribution tubing used to route water from the manifold outlet to a specific plant or planting area. The 1/4" Soaker Dripline (12" emitter spacing, 1/2 GPH per emitter) is used at the end of a run to water along a row or bed, slowly releasing water at each emitter point. Use vinyl tubing to reach your watering zones and soaker dripline to distribute water within them.
How do I adjust my watering timer after converting to drip?
Drip irrigation delivers water much more slowly than sprinkler heads, so run times need to be extended significantly — often 3 to 4 times longer than your previous sprinkler schedule for the same zone. The exact run time depends on your emitter flow rate and the water needs of your plants. After conversion, reprogram your irrigation timer accordingly and monitor soil moisture during the first few cycles to dial in the schedule.
Is there an add-on kit if I need to expand coverage?
Yes. DripWorks offers expansion components sold individually if you need additional tubing, fittings, or soaker dripline beyond what's included in this kit. Browse the full Sprinkler to Drip Conversion category for all available components. For a simpler, single-bed application, the 1/2" Sprinkler to Drip Conversion Kit is a compact alternative.
What happens to sprinkler heads I'm not converting?
Any sprinkler heads on the zone that you are not converting should be capped off with a threaded cap to prevent water from releasing after your conversion is complete. Do not leave uncapped risers — they will release full sprinkler-zone pressure and volume, defeating the purpose of your drip conversion and wasting water.
Confirm these points before ordering:
Everything in this kit works together, but you may want to add these components for a complete, optimized setup:
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