Slow and steady wins the (irrigation) race
Drip irrigation systems help you efficiently water your lawn, garden, or plants.
They have a system of tubes that distribute water to your plants’ roots.
You can install drip lines above or below the earth’s surface.
Drip irrigation is more efficient than many other types of irrigation systems.
It’s fairly easy to set up your own drip irrigation system, but hiring a pro may be worthwhile.
When you think about the different ways to water your lawn, what comes to mind? For many people, it’s probably a set of sprinklers that pop out of the ground or even a good old-fashioned garden hose. However, drip irrigation systems are another option—and they’re more efficient and eco-friendly than many other watering systems. Below, we’ll explain what a drip irrigation system is, how it works, and how it compares to other irrigation methods.
Drip irrigation is a type of low-flow irrigation system for watering your lawn or garden. It uses a series of perforated tubes (called drip lines) to slowly and evenly distribute water throughout your yard. Unlike an irrigation system with sprinkler heads, a drip irrigation system delivers water straight to the plants’ roots, creating more efficient watering sessions and minimizing water waste.
In a drip irrigation system, the tubes connect to a water source, like an outdoor faucet, which provides the water that goes into the drip lines. The tubes can either sit on top of the soil (above-ground or surface drip irrigation) or slightly beneath it (subsurface drip irrigation). Water gradually drips out of the holes in the tubes (known as emitters), so your plants’ root systems receive a slow but steady supply of water.
Drip irrigation systems are easy to customize, which is ideal if you have multiple types of plants with different hydration needs. In that case, you can create separate zones and watering settings to make sure everything in your yard gets the right amount of water.
Despite the similar names, a drip irrigation system isn’t the same thing as a drip distribution system, which is a type of septic system. However, if you have an aerobic septic tank, you may be able to build a septic sprinkler system to distribute your home’s wastewater back into your soil.
The price of installing a drip irrigation system depends on a few factors, including the size of your yard, the setup and components you choose, and whether or not you get professional help. However, hiring a pro to install a subsurface drip irrigation system on an average-sized lawn usually costs between $450 and $630.
If you’re on a budget and willing to take on a DIY project, you could save some money by installing your own system. Above-ground drip installation kits cost as little as $20 per 100 linear feet at home improvement stores.
While drip irrigation may work well for some homes, it might not be the best option for your property. Here’s how this watering system compares to other common irrigation methods.
You’re probably familiar with this type of spray irrigation system, which includes a timer or controller, underground pipes, and sprinkler heads. Automatic sprinkler systems let you split your yard into different zones, each with its own set of sprinklers. You can customize the system with multiple types of sprinkler heads to satisfy each zone’s unique watering requirements. If you have an average-sized yard (about 1/4 acre), you can expect to pay about $2,630 for one of these systems.
Underground sprinkler systems hide your sprinklers in the ground, which makes your lawn look neat, polished, and sprinkler-free. To add one to your home, you’ll need to dig a trench first, which generally costs between $400 and $1,200. On a 1/4-acre lawn, the total costs for this project usually range from $1,740 to $3,410.
Soaker hoses, which are a form of drip irrigation, look like garden hoses with holes. Like large-scale drip irrigation systems, soaker hoses gradually release water into your lawn or garden. But instead of a winding system of tubes, there’s just one hose, which is typically 200 feet long or less. When it comes to drip irrigation versus soaker hoses, the latter is less customizable and trickier to repair. However, soaker hoses are the more affordable option, costing around $22 per 100 feet.
If you need guidance on choosing a watering system, weighing these drip irrigation pros and cons can help you decide.
Provides even, controlled watering
Automates watering
Cuts down on water waste
Protects against soil erosion and plant diseases
Upfront financial investment can be pricey
May require professional installation
Needs occasional maintenance
Vulnerable to damage from extreme weather, sunlight, pests, and garden chemicals
If you’re a hands-on person, you can learn how to install drip irrigation yourself and knock out the project in an afternoon. It’s a pretty approachable six-step DIY task that includes mapping out a grid plan for the system, laying and cutting a main hose and feeder lines, and punching holes in the tubes.
With that said, there are some cases in which you might prefer to call an expert for drip irrigation installation. For example, if you have a sizable yard or a plant garden with special watering needs, you can save quite a bit of time, hard work, and hassle by reaching out to a local sprinkler installation pro. They’ll work with you to determine the best drip irrigation system for your space, whether that’s an above-ground or subsurface type.
If you don’t currently have an irrigation system, cost is one of the biggest drawbacks of adding drip irrigation. You’ll likely spend several hundred dollars to set up your system. Plus, installation can be tricky—especially if you have a large or sloped yard. Drip irrigation systems also need ongoing maintenance, which you don’t really have to deal with if you’re just using a garden hose or portable sprinkler to water your lawn.
A drip irrigation system can last up to 15 years, depending on the condition of your yard and the quality of your system. However, certain components—including the drip lines and emitters—may wear down and need replacement before the overall system does. Scheduling regular sprinkler maintenance will help keep your system in good condition.
Yes, like other irrigation systems, drip irrigation requires ongoing maintenance. Some common maintenance tasks include identifying and patching up leaks in the tubing, unclogging emitters, and cleaning the filter. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll also have to winterize your drip irrigation system a few weeks before freezing temperatures hit. It’s a good idea to hire a pro to perform this routine maintenance—particularly if you have a subsurface drip irrigation system.
