How to Repair a Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation systems provide gardeners and farmers with the most effective way of watering plants while conserving water and time. These systems deliver water directly to the plant root zone, reducing water waste and promoting healthier plants. The ability to quickly and completely repair your Drip Irrigation system saves both time and money. Keeping a few extra components on hand also reduces downtime, which helps your plants stay happy and healthy.

In this drip repair guide, our experts will guide you through important system maintenance tips and drip repair procedures.

Preparation Steps Before Repairing the Drip Irrigation System

Here are some crucial steps to follow before attempting to repair the system.

Turn Off the Water Source

Before starting work, ensure the water supply is shut off. This is important to prevent water from leaking or spilling when you work with the components.

Gather Essential Tools and Drip Irrigation Supplies

The right tools help you complete repairs quickly and efficiently. Here's a list of tools you will require for drip system repair:

Tubing Cutter: Remove the damaged part of the tubing.

Couplers: For connecting sections after removing any damaged components. Couplers are straight-shaped fittings that help reconnect your main tubing.

Goof Plugs: Ideal for plugging tiny holes into the tubing.

Replacement emitters: If the emitters are clogged, damaged, or blocked, they need to be replaced.

Check the Flow Rate and Tubing Size

Before installing any new drip components or fittings, check the flow rate of your water source to ensure the system provides the necessary flow and runs efficiently after repair. Moreover, determine the inside and outside diameters of the tubing to get the right-sized fittings, which ensure a secure fit and prevent leaks.

Related Post: Drip Irrigation System Installation Tips for Beginners

Drip Irrigation System Maintenance and Repair

Below are tips and processes to best maintain and repair the common issues with drip irrigation systems:

Head Assembly Components

The head assembly is a central component of a drip irrigation system consisting of a backflow preventer, a filter, and a pressure regulator. Even with excellent maintenance, high-quality drip components can also wear out. These three drip components are at the forefront of the system and are prone to leaks. Leaks are a common sign that something is wrong with your head assembly. Even a minor leak can reduce water pressure and compromise the system's efficiency.

Maintenance and Repair Tips for Head Assembly

• Freezing weather in winter can damage your system's head assembly. If you live in an area where temperatures fall below 37°F, you should winterize all your head assembly components by draining water and insulating the exposed components. Winterization would prevent cracks or breakage caused by the expansion of frozen water.
• Rubber washers in hose threaded connections can dry and wear out. They lose their ability to seal threaded components together over time, which can lead to leaks. Replace the rubber washers annually when connecting your assembly to the system to prevent potential leaks. Keep a stock of washer seals on hand.
• Although it is essential to make a secure connection, avoid over-tightening. Over-tightening the threaded connection can damage the threads, distort the rubber washer, or cause components to break. Aim for a firm and gentle touch, and hand-tighten the connection.
• Always check thread types before making connections. Mismatched threads can lead to poor sealing and consequent leaks. Taking a moment to verify the types can save you from future problems.

Drippers and Emitters

Clogging is a common issue with drip emitters. Drip emitters release water slowly and directly to the plant's roots, providing targeted watering. They have small openings to regulate water flow, allowing water to drip slowly. The openings in emitters and drippers can get clogged, even with clean water. Sediments, minerals, tiny debris, and fertilizers we use on systems can accumulate and clog the openings, leading to blocked water flow.

Maintenance and Repair Tips for Drippers and Emitters

• Any drip irrigation system requires proper filtration to function well. So, implement a proper filtration system. Ensure your filter's mesh size matches the type of emitter you are using. Every filter has a removable screen that can be cleaned. Filters will prevent bigger particles and sediments from entering the tubing, which can reduce the chance of clogs. They will trap undesirable particles before they reach the drippers.
• Flushing your drip system regularly is the best way to allow smooth and uninterrupted water flow through your system. For flushing, remove the end caps on irrigation lines and allow the water to flow through to remove any sediments or debris that may be trapped in the lines.
• If your water source has hard or dirty water, it is wise to install cleanable drippers. They can be easily opened and cleaned without any need to remove the entire dripper. Also, they reduce the need for frequent dripper replacements. When cleaning drippers, unscrew the top, flush, and replace the cap.
• If your dripper is not cleanable, gets clogged, and shows signs of wear or poor performance, it's best to replace it. A new dripper can ensure your plants receive the hydration they need.

Holes and Punctures in Tubing

Tubing in a drip irrigation system is most exposed to external elements and prone to damage. The tubing can be damaged and have punctures or holes from removing a dripper, a critter chewing on it, or a runaway shovel. These holes can be repaired instead of replacing the entire tubing.

Maintenance and Repair Tips for Tubing

• Goof Plugs are designed to seal holes from barbed drippers or fittings. These plugs are easy to install and provide a quick solution to resolve water leakage.
• If the part of the tubing is damaged, cut it out and join the two sections back together using a coupler. Alternatively, add a new section of tubing to the run using two couplers.

How to Reconnect Tubing Using Couplers

• Use a poly tubing cutter to cut the damaged tubing neatly from both sides. Make smooth and even cuts carefully close to the damage.
• Take one end of the cut tubing and push it into one side of a coupler until it is fully inserted. If you're using compression couplers, you may need to use some force to push all the way.
• Gently insert the other end of the cut tubing into the other side of the coupler, ensuring it is securely in place. For lock fitting couplers, twist or lock them according to the instructions.
• Once both tubing ends are connected, gently tug on them to ensure they're secure and won't slip out under pressure.

Uneven Water Distribution

The right drip irrigation system ensures that every plant receives the right amount of water evenly. However, problems such as blocked drippers, damaged tubing, and leaks can disrupt uniform water distribution. Plants can be overwatered or underwatered due to inadequate watering coverage and uneven watering.

Solution for Uneven Water Distribution

• Regularly inspect to ensure all emitters are delivering the correct amount of water.
• Install pressure-compensating emitters as they are specifically designed to release water consistently, regardless of changes in the water pressure. This means each plant will receive even watering, even if there are pressure variations.
• Install a pressure regulator to maintain optimal water pressure throughout the drip system. Additionally, a shut-off valve allows you to separate sections of the system and gain more control over water distribution.

Roots Intrusion

Even the most efficient drip irrigation systems aren't immune to the challenges of nature. Tree and plant roots, in the search for moisture, can enter the tubing and block the flow. Similarly, bugs are also attracted to water sources so they can get inside the tubes and cause clogs.

Solution for Roots Intrusion

• Use durable, high-quality drip tubing.
• For plants with intrusive roots, redirect them away from the drip tubing or trim them. This prevents them from puncturing or clogging the tubes.
• Bug guards provide a protective barrier at the entry points of tubing. These simple tools can effectively keep bugs out for a smooth water flow.

Tips for Drip Irrigation System Maintenance and Efficiency

Below are a few tips to keep your system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

Check for Leaks and Damage: Inspect your irrigation system regularly for leaks, clogging, uneven watering, or any signs of damage. Look for spots where water is dripping or pooling unexpectedly. Identifying these issues in a timely manner will help prevent more significant problems.

Keep the System Clean: Remove dirt, leaves, sediment, or other debris that can clog your system components. Cleaning the filter and regular flushing reduces the chances of blockages that can disrupt watering.

Upgrade to Pressure-Compensating Emitters: These water-efficient drip emitters deliver consistent water flow regardless of pressure changes, providing even watering across your yard.

Add a Timer and Sensor: Automate your drip system with a water timer and moisture sensor. This enables precise watering schedules based on soil moisture levels, helping to reduce water waste.

Protect Your Drip Tubing: Cover exposed drip tubing with soil or mulch to protect it from weather elements and prevent accidental damage. It also helps the system blend in with your garden.

Winterize Your Drip Irrigation System: Freezing temperatures can cause water in the tubing to expand, potentially leading to cracks or bursts. Before freezing weather arrives, drain all the water from your tubing and cover exposed drip components with insulation, such as insulating tape or foam covers.

The Bottom Line

Your garden's drip irrigation system is exposed to a variety of activities and elements. Regular system inspection, maintenance, and prompt repairs are essential for keeping your system efficient and long-lasting. By addressing leaks promptly, cleaning debris, and protecting drip tubing from potential hazards, you can ensure your system provides consistent watering to your plants without any waste.

At DripWorks, we have the right tools to handle all your drip irrigation repair needs. Visit DripWorks for a range of drip repair kits that include all replacement parts you'll need to install, repair, expand, or maintain your drip irrigation system.

So, inspect your system now, gather the right drip irrigation supplies, address all minor issues promptly to avoid more significant problems, and keep your plants healthy and flourishing. DripWorks is here to help your lawn and garden thrive with an efficient drip irrigation system.