How to Troubleshoot and Repair Weak Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation systems are an efficient way to water plants, but they do tend to need more care and maintenance than a traditional sprinkler system. When your drip system isn’t performing as it should, it’s crucial to identify and address the problem quickly to keep your plants healthy. 

In this video and guide, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates how to diagnose and fix weak water flow in an emitter drip irrigation system. We explore common issues with drip irrigation systems and provide step-by-step solutions to get your system back on track. 

Understanding Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation systems are designed to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste and promoting healthy growth.

Drip irrigation offers several advantages over traditional watering methods like sprinkler systems:

• Flexibility and customizability in garden design
• Improved plant health
• Lower risk of fungal diseases
• Reduced weed growth
• Water conservation

Utilizing drip irrigation often creates a more efficient and sustainable gardening process, especially in areas prone to drought. By delivering water directly to the plants’ roots, drip irrigation minimizes runoff and evaporation. In addition, reducing weed growth and the risk of fungal diseases helps maintain a healthier garden, contributing to successful and flourishing plant life. The flexibility in setup allows you to customize the system to your garden’s unique layout and needs.

Parts of a Drip Irrigation System

While there are several different types, the homeowner featured in the video has an emitter-based system. These systems are ideal for areas where rainfall varies drastically throughout the year. They’re a little more complex than other types of drip irrigation, but they also offer better consistency and more control over how much water your plants receive.

A typical emitter drip irrigation system includes:

• Main supply line
• Feeder lines
• Emitters or drippers
• Connectors and fittings
• Filters
• Pressure regulators

Emitter drip irrigation systems operate using a network of these components to ensure water reaches the roots of each plant efficiently. The system begins with a main supply line connected to a water source, branching into smaller feeder lines that direct water to specific areas. Emitters or drippers at the end of each feeder line control the flow and ensure water reaches the intended plants.

Common Issues with Drip Irrigation Systems

Even well-designed drip systems can encounter problems over time. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot and repair your own system.

Insufficient Water Pressure

One of the most common problems with drip irrigation systems is insufficient water pressure. This can result in weak or inconsistent water flow, leaving some plants under-watered. Low pressure has a number of likely causes, including system design flaws, clogs, or leaks.

Insufficient water pressure often arises from an overly ambitious system design that stretches beyond the available pressure capacity. When water pressure is insufficient, not enough water will drip out through the emitters, and some plants may not receive enough water.

Clogged Emitters

Emitters can become clogged with mineral deposits, dirt, or debris, reducing or stopping water flow. Clogged emitters disrupt the even distribution of water essential for healthy plants.

Routine inspection and maintenance of emitters can help prevent this problem. Implementing filters at the water source can also reduce the frequency of emitter clogs by removing minerals and debris from the flow.

Leaks and Damaged Components

Over time, UV exposure and physical damage can cause cracks or breaks in the irrigation lines. These leaks can significantly reduce pressure and waste water. Identifying and promptly repairing these damaged components keeps the system efficient.

Leaks and damaged components result in water loss and reduced system pressure, which impacts overall irrigation performance. Regularly inspecting the irrigation lines, connectors, and fittings can help identify and alleviate these issues before they become significant problems.

Troubleshooting Your Drip Irrigation System

Before making any repairs, take the time to diagnose the problem accurately. Follow these steps to troubleshoot your drip irrigation system.

Check Water Pressure

The first step in troubleshooting is to check the water pressure at different points in your system. In the video, Cook demonstrates how to use a pressure gauge to measure water pressure at the source and at various points along the irrigation line.

1. Attach a pressure gauge to the garden hose supplying water to the irrigation system.
2. Remove an emitter from the irrigation tubing and attach the pressure gauge.
3. Turn on the water and observe the pressure readings.

The pressure at the emitter should be about 20 pounds per square inch (psi). If it’s significantly lower, you may have a pressure problem.

Inspect for Leaks and Damage

If water pressure drops off suddenly somewhere along the supply or feeder lines, a damaged component may be the culprit. Walk along your irrigation lines and look for the following signs of leaks or damage.

• Cracked or broken tubing
• Loose connections
• Spurting or spraying water
• Wet spots in unexpected areas
• Root intrusion into the system

Examine Emitters

Finally, check individual emitters for signs of clogging or malfunction.

• Remove emitters and inspect for debris
• Replace any damaged or clogged emitters
• Test each emitter for proper water flow

Repairing Your Drip Irrigation System

Once you’ve identified the issue, you can take steps to repair your system and restore proper water flow.

Improving Water Pressure

If low water pressure is the problem, there are several ways to address it.

• Divide the system into zones: Splitting a long irrigation line into two separate zones can improve water pressure. This involves cutting the tubing and sealing off the cut ends, then supplying water to each half separately. This was Cook’s solution to the homeowner’s weak water pressure.
• Install a booster pump: For larger systems or those with consistently low pressure, a booster pump can help maintain adequate pressure throughout the line.
• Reduce the number of emitters: If your system is overloaded, removing some emitters or replacing them with lower-flow options can help improve overall pressure.

Repairing Leaks and Damaged Components

Repair tape is an excellent solution for minor punctures and tears in the drip tubing. This specialized tape adheres to the plastic material commonly used in irrigation lines and provides a waterproof seal.

For more extensive damages, cutting out the compromised section and inserting a fresh piece of tubing ensures the long-term reliability of the irrigation system. Attach the new tubing with the appropriate connectors and test it to ensure the connection is solid.

Clearing Clogs

To clear clogged emitters:

1. Remove the emitter from the line.
2. Soak it in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for several hours.
3. Use a small brush or toothpick to remove any remaining debris.
4. Rinse thoroughly and reattach to the line.

If your emitters keep clogging, check that the filter is in place and working properly. Additionally, ensure you have the right filter for your type of water, whether it’s hard or soft.

Maintaining Your Drip Irrigation System

Don’t wait for problems to crop up to carefully examine your irrigation system and its components. Regular maintenance can prevent many common issues and extend the life of the system. The exact tasks may vary by the climate where you live, but here are some likely requirements for each season.

• Spring: Flush the system to remove any debris that may have accumulated over winter.
• Summer: Check for leaks and damaged components regularly during the growing season.
• Fall: Drain the system and protect exposed components before freezing temperatures arrive.
• Winter: Store removable parts indoors to prevent damage from harsh weather.

Preventive Measures

Even if you don’t have problems, you may want to take steps to keep your system working smoothly. Install a filter to prevent debris from entering the system, and regularly clean and inspect emitters to prevent clogs. Use pressure-compensating emitters to maintain consistent flow throughout the system even when water pressure fluctuates.

Additional Tips for Optimal Performance

Maintaining a drip irrigation system goes beyond seasonal tasks and preventive measures. Here are additional tips:

• Use a timer: Installing a timer automates watering schedules, ensuring plants receive consistent moisture without over- or under-watering. It’s also one less thing you have to remember.
• Mulch around plants: Applying mulch around plants can help retain soil moisture, reducing the demand on an irrigation system.
• Adjust for weather: During periods of heavy rainfall or extreme heat, adjust the watering schedule accordingly to prevent water waste and ensure plants remain healthy.

Our Conclusion

Troubleshooting and repairing a weak drip irrigation system is often a straightforward process that can significantly improve your garden’s health. By regularly checking water pressure, inspecting for damage, and maintaining your system, you can ensure that your plants receive the water they need to thrive. Employing preventive measures and seasonal maintenance routines will help you avoid common issues and keep your drip irrigation system running smoothly year after year.