Drip irrigation systems typically use drip tape, sometimes called T tape, to deliver measured amounts of water to the base of plants. Insects, rats, birds and insects can create leaks in drip tape. Leaks are typically repaired by inserting reusable splicing couplers. You can often substitute a splicing coupler with garden hose to fix the problem. You may also find leaks in the threaded couplings linking the drip tape to the water supply.
Leaks in Emitter Tape
Check along the tape for leaks. If a leaking emitter hole is turned down, you will hear a hiss. If it is turned up, you will see a small geyser. If it is a round hole and not a rip or tear, and you are not carrying a splicing coupler with you, poke a stick into it to temporarily reduce the flow of water.
Cut the drip tape on either side of the leak.
Insert the splicing coupler into each end of the cut tape.
Leak in a Connection
Check if your system is properly connected. Most systems have an arrow on them pointing to the direction of water flow. Outlets are male. Inlets are female.
Check to make sure that you did not force a hose thread into a pipe thread. They are incompatible. If you forced a hose thread onto a pipe thread, it can result in stripped threads that will cause a leak. In this case, you may have to replace the connection with the stripped thread.
Wrap the male threads of a leaking connection with two to three layers of Teflon plumber’s tape. Screw the female connection onto the male connection and tighten it by hand or use one-half turn of a wrench. If you cinch it too tightly, you can strip the threads.
Things You Will Need
- Drip irrigation splice couplers
- 1/2-inch garden hose
- Sharp knife
- Teflon plumber's tape
- Let the drip tape snake slightly along the ground to allow for expansion and contraction from heat and cold.
- Three-fourths-inch hose threads are finer than pipe threads. Hose threads typically have a rubber washer to seal the joint.
- You can buy connection adapters at most hardware stores.
- Ultra-violet rays from the sun will degrade most drip tapes over time and cause cracks that leak water. Drip tape in the shade will last longer.
- More expensive heavy-duty drip tape doesn’t kink as easily as lightweight tape and typically last longer.
- Arizona Municipal Water Users Association: Guidelines for Landscape Drip Irrigation Systems:
- Oregon State University: Drip Irrigation: An Introduction
- University of Florida Extension: Drip Irrigation Systems for Small Conventional Farms and Organic Vegetable Farms
- Colorado State University Extension: Drip Irrigation for Home Gardens
- Snakeroot.net: Using Drip Irrigation with Low Pressure Water
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