Systems Guide - Assembly - Lines

Shop related parts: Polyethylene Tubing and Hose

One of the advantages of using poly hose over PVC pipe is that the fittings require no glue or clamps. It comes in coils for easy handling and storage, and is resistant to the damaging effects of ultra-violet light so it can be laid on the surface. With either barbed or compression hose fittings, the tubing is pushed into place, and its elasticity and memory hold it securely. If many lateral lines feed off one main line, it is a good idea to use PVC pipe for the main line. Lateral lines are connected to the main lines with a tee fittings which split the flow of water. At the end of each line is an end cap to facilitate flushing on a semi-annual basis.

As the lines are laid out, the tubing may have to be staked down or secured in some fashion until it takes shape. Be sure to leave a little slack in the lines to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. This will also help prevent the emitters from moving out of place. Once the wet zone has been established beneath the emitter in the root zone, it is extremely important that the emitters are not moved, or else the water will fall on dry soil and will not penetrate when the system is turned on again.