FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

• Do you have a main line?   Typically it is a Polyethylene Tubing.  You may also use Oval Hose, Layflat or PVC Pipe.   How to size your Mainline tubing.

• Should I use Drip Tape or In-Line Emitter Tubing?   Here we are discussing:  Drip Tape such as T-Tape, AquaTraxx, Queen Gil, etc.; RAM In-Line Pressure Compensating Tubing by Netafim; Poly Tubing with Emitters that you punch in yourself at your desired spacing.    Drip Tape is the economical alternative and is very popular, however it will not last as long as in-line tubing.  Drip Tape lays out flat and 'rounds' as it fills with water.  Both tape and tubing can be mulched over or even buried (except emitters that were punched in) to lengthen life expectancy.   Annual crops are typically watered with drip tape and perennial crops are often watered with in-line emitter tubing.  
• Emitters can be punched into Poly Tubing at your own desired spacing or you can purchase RAM, in-line emitter tubing which we highly recommend.  RAM Tubing and certain emitters are Pressure Compensating, which assures even watering throughout the area despite the degree of the slope (ex. the first bush gets the same amount of water as the last bush).   RAM Tubing comes in pre-determined spacings (how far apart the emitters are) like 36" and 48".  For trellised crops, there are CURLS which hold the tubing to the trellis wire.
• We cannot every type of tubing into shorter lengths.  If you are only watering a small area, you may wish to first examine the size of the rolls each item is offered.   For example, choose between drip tapes in 100', 500', 7,500' rolls but RAM is only in 500' or 1,000' rolls.

• How Long Will the Drip Tape Kits Last?  The components of our Kits may be reused for many years when taken care of properly.  The Drip Tape may need to be replaced, depending on your usage, but you will find it inexpensive.  Typically an 8 mil tape will last for 1-2 years and a 15 mil tape will last 2-5 years.  The tape will not last long when moved around or taken up often.  However, for seasonal crops, your only choice is to remove it and store it away.

• What if I Am Using Raised Beds or Planter Boxes?  We have adapters that will allow you to adapt one of our kits to your needs.  Decide on the drip tape kit that interests  you and ask us how to customize it to your growing area.  Or, order the kit online and write me a separate e-mail discussing your needs.  We will send you an estimate of your invoice total BEFORE charging you and shipping the order.  We are here to help!!

• What Spacing and Mil Should I Use?  The mil describes the weight or thickness of the tape.  The heavier the drip tape, the longer it will last.  A thicker tape is also recommended for rocky or heavy soil.  If your tape will be down all summer and fall before removing it, you may wish to use 8 Mil and simply throw it away at the end of the year.  If you are covering the tape with mulch or soil on a more permanent crop (flowers, berries) we suggest the 15 mil. 

• How Does My Soil Affect My Choice?    See the above answer. 

• Can I Customize Your Drip Kits?   Absolutely!  Just send an e-mail with your needs or a description of your growing area and we will make recommendations.  Or, you may place your order and simultaneously send an e-mail describing your concerns and growing area.   Before shipping your order, we will be sure the choices you made are right for your needs. We are here to help!!

Guide For Selecting Mainline & Submain

In GPM

Pipe Size

Pipe Size

0-3 GPM

½"

½"

3-6 GPM

¾"

½"

6-10 GPM

1"

¾"

10-20 GPM

1 ¼"

1"

20-30 GPM

1 ½"

1 ¼"

30-60 GPM

2"

1 ½"

60-100 GPM

3"

2"

100-200 GPM

4"

3"

200-400 GPM

6"

4"

400-800 GPM

8"

6"