A drip irrigation system is a series of underground tubes that supply slow, constant water to the roots of plants. Drip irrigation applies precise amounts of moisture exactly where it is needed. “Drip irrigation systems are different from traditional irrigation methods,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. “With drip irrigation, water is fed underground directly to the roots. With traditional irrigation, water is distributed above ground and soaks into the soil. Many of our customers aren’t aware of this other method and the advantages it can provide.” Since drip irrigation systems are different than traditional irrigation and lawn sprinklers, we have put together an overview of its design to outline the distinctions. Features of Drip Irrigation SystemsValves – The valve is located at the top of the piping. This feature manually controls when water is flowing or turned off. Backflow Preventer – A backflow preventer is critical in protecting your health and safety. This feature prevents dirt, salmonella or any other materials from getting sucked back up the tube and into your drinking water. Pressure Reducing Valve – A pressure reducing valve does exactly what it says; it reduces the water pressure to keep it flowing at a constant level. Water Filter – The water filter is a highly recommended feature in drip irrigation systems. It prevents large particles and any harmful substances from reaching your plant’s roots. Not only does it help plant health by providing clean water, it prevents build up and blockages in the tubing by filtering out large particulates. Drip Tubing – The drip tubing carries your water to the desired watering area. There are openings in the tube to install drip emitters. Drip Emitters – Drip emitters screw or snap into the drip tube and determine how quickly water is released from the tube. Different emitters can be installed based on your needs. The plant type, local rainfall amounts and many other factors determine which emitters are necessary. End Cap – The end cap is placed at the end of the drip tube. This stops water from flowing out of the line. It can be removed to flush out any blockages or particulates built up within the tube. “We have outlined the basics of drip irrigation system design, but each part offers different advantages and disadvantages. There are several types of valves, drip tubing and drip emitters,” said Minor. “We want to make sure our customers get exactly what they need out of their drip irrigation. We love to discuss the options these systems offer with our customers to best suit their needs.” We have been installing irrigation systems for nearly 30 years and have served customers with a variety of needs. Our installation experts will custom design an irrigation system for each customer’s requirements.