Drippers

About Drippers

Drippers are essential components of micro-irrigation systems, designed to deliver water directly to plant roots with precision and efficiency. These specialist watering devices control water flow at individual points throughout your irrigation system, making them ideal for maintaining healthy plants whilst conserving water. Whether you're tending to a greenhouse full of tomatoes, maintaining hanging baskets, or caring for container plants on a patio, drippers provide targeted hydration that reduces water waste and ensures each plant receives exactly the amount of moisture it needs.

Our range includes both inline and endline drippers from leading brands GARDENA and Hozelock, offering various flow rates and pressure compensation features. Inline drippers sit between sections of supply tubing, whilst endline drippers terminate at the final point of each watering branch. Many models feature adjustable flow rates, allowing you to customise water delivery from 0 to 10 litres per hour depending on plant requirements. Pressure compensating drippers maintain consistent water output regardless of system pressure variations or elevation changes, ensuring uniform watering across your entire garden or growing area.

Drip irrigation systems excel in both domestic and professional horticultural settings, reducing water consumption by up to 70% compared to traditional sprinkler methods. By delivering water slowly and directly to the root zone, drippers minimise evaporation, prevent leaf diseases caused by overhead watering, and reduce weed growth in surrounding areas. They're particularly valuable during hosepipe bans or in water-stressed regions where efficient irrigation is paramount.

Jargon Buster

• Inline Dripper: A dripper inserted directly into the supply tubing, allowing the irrigation line to continue beyond that point. Multiple inline drippers can be installed along a single hose run to water several plants from one supply line.
• Endline Dripper: A dripper positioned at the terminal point of an irrigation branch. These terminate the water flow and are typically used for individual pots or the last plant in a row.
• Pressure Compensating: A feature that maintains consistent water output across a range of system pressures (typically 0.5 to 4 bar). Essential for installations with elevation changes or long hose runs where pressure naturally drops.
• Adjustable Flow Rate: The ability to modify water output from a single dripper, usually via a rotating cap or dial. Allows customisation for different plant types without changing components.
• Flow Rate: The volume of water delivered per hour, typically measured in litres per hour (l/h). Common rates range from 2 l/h for small plants to 8 l/h for larger specimens or thirsty vegetables.
• Micro-Irrigation: A low-pressure watering system that delivers water in small quantities directly to plant roots through drippers, micro-sprayers, or porous tubing.

Who Uses Drippers?

Drippers serve a diverse range of users across both professional and domestic settings:

• Gardeners and landscapers installing efficient watering systems for client gardens and commercial landscapes
• Greenhouse growers requiring precise irrigation for vegetables, flowers, and propagation areas
• Nursery operators maintaining consistent moisture levels across large container plant stocks
• Allotment holders seeking water-efficient solutions for vegetable plots and raised beds
• Garden maintenance contractors installing and maintaining irrigation systems for multiple properties
• DIY enthusiasts creating automated watering systems for patios, balconies, and garden borders
• Agricultural workers managing irrigation in polytunnels and outdoor growing areas
• Holiday home owners ensuring plants remain watered during extended absences

How to Choose the Right Drippers

Selecting appropriate drippers depends on several key factors related to your specific irrigation requirements:

Installation Position: Determine whether you need inline drippers for mid-run installations or endline drippers for terminating branches. Inline models allow system expansion, whilst endline drippers are simpler to install for individual pots or final positions.

Pressure Compensation: For systems with varying elevations, long hose runs, or multiple drippers on a single line, pressure compensating models ensure uniform water delivery throughout. Standard drippers are suitable for short, level installations with few outlets.

Flow Rate Requirements: Match dripper output to plant needs—smaller pots and drought-tolerant plants thrive with 2-4 l/h, whilst vegetables and thirsty shrubs may require 6-10 l/h. Adjustable drippers offer flexibility for mixed plantings.

System Compatibility: Ensure drippers match your supply tubing diameter, typically 4mm or 13mm for domestic systems. GARDENA MICRO DRIP and Hozelock MICRO systems use specific fittings, so maintain brand consistency for secure connections.

Water Quality: If using mains water with high mineral content or collected rainwater, pressure compensating drippers with built-in filters help prevent clogging and maintain reliable performance over time.

Adjustability Needs: Fixed-rate drippers cost less and suit installations where water requirements are consistent. Adjustable models justify their premium when watering diverse plant types or when requirements change seasonally.

Popular Accessories

Maximise your drip irrigation system's effectiveness with these complementary products:

• Micro-irrigation supply tubing (4mm and 13mm diameter) for connecting drippers throughout your system
• Irrigation timers and controllers for automated watering schedules
• Pressure regulators to maintain optimal system pressure and protect drippers from damage
• T-pieces, connectors and elbows for routing supply lines around garden features
• End plugs and stakes for securing tubing and terminating unused branches
• Filter units to prevent sediment clogging dripper outlets
• Hole punches for cleanly piercing supply tubing when installing inline drippers
• Water butts and rain harvesting systems for sustainable irrigation water sources
• Support stakes and clips for positioning drippers precisely at plant roots

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drippers can I run from a single tap?

This depends on your water pressure and dripper flow rates. Most domestic taps provide sufficient pressure for 20-40 drippers on a single line. Pressure compensating drippers perform better on extended systems. Calculate total flow requirement and ensure it doesn't exceed your supply capacity, typically around 1000-1500 l/h for a standard garden tap.

What's the difference between pressure compensating and standard drippers?

Standard drippers deliver more water when pressure is high and less when pressure drops, resulting in uneven watering on sloped terrain or long runs. Pressure compensating drippers maintain consistent output regardless of pressure variations between 0.5-4 bar, ensuring every plant receives equal water distribution.

How do I prevent drippers from clogging?

Install a filter at your water source to remove sediment and debris. Regular system flushing—removing end plugs and running water through lines—clears accumulated particles. Using mains water rather than unfiltered rainwater reduces clogging risk. Pressure compensating models often include built-in filters for additional protection.

Can I adjust water flow on fixed-rate drippers?

No, fixed-rate drippers deliver a preset flow volume. For adjustable output, choose models specifically labelled as "adjustable" which feature rotating caps or dials to modify flow rates. Alternatively, combine different fixed-rate drippers throughout your system to match individual plant requirements.

How long should I run my drip irrigation system?

This varies by plant type, container size, and weather conditions. As a starting point, run the system for 30-45 minutes daily during warm weather. Monitor soil moisture and adjust duration accordingly—soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Automatic timers allow precise scheduling and can run systems during early morning when evaporation is minimal.