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Water Where You Need It
Finally, consistent watering that adapts to your terrain
Tired of plants on slopes getting too much water while others go thirsty? Our pressure-compensating (PC) emitters (smart flow regulators) automatically adjust to deliver exactly 1 GPH (the most popular flow rate for drip irrigation) to every plant, whether your line runs uphill, downhill, or stays level.
Important: Always use with a pressure regulator for optimal performance and consistent results.
Set It and Forget It
No more walking the line to check if everything's getting watered. PC technology handles pressure changes from 10-45 PSI automatically.
Self-Cleaning Design
Built-in flushing action pushes debris through instead of clogging up—fewer headaches, longer life.
The Science Behind Consistent Watering
Pressure Compensation Explained
Traditional drip emitters dump more water at high pressure and barely trickle at low pressure. Our PC emitters use an internal diaphragm that opens and closes based on water pressure, maintaining steady 1 GPH flow (the ideal starting point for most plants) regardless of system pressure fluctuations.
Technical Specs:
• Operating Range: 10-45 PSI (works with most home water systems)
• Flow Rate: 1 GPH per emitter (consistent across entire 100-foot line)
• Emitter Spacing: 12-inch intervals (perfect for most plantings)
Real-world benefit: A 100-foot line delivers exactly 100 GPH total flow, whether it's running across flat ground or up a 20-foot slope.
DIY Installation in Three Simple Steps
No special tools, no glue, no guesswork. This system works with standard ½-inch drip fittings you probably already have.
1
Connect to Water Source
Attach to your existing drip system or faucet using standard Drip-Lock fittings. Add a 25 PSI pressure regulator and 155-mesh filter for optimal performance.
2
Layout Your Lines
Unroll along plant rows, around trees, or space multiple lines 16-24 inches apart for area coverage. Works above ground or under mulch.
3
Test and Adjust
Turn on water to flush the system, then cap ends with figure-8 fittings. The PC emitters automatically adjust to your system pressure.
Compatible with Your Existing System
Works seamlessly with ½-inch drip fittings from Orbit, Hydro-Rain, and other major brands. No proprietary connections or special adapters needed—just standard drip irrigation components you can find anywhere.
One Product, Endless Possibilities
Vegetable Gardens
Perfect for row crops and raised beds. 12-inch spacing matches most vegetable planting patterns, and PC emitters ensure consistent moisture for uniform growth.
Landscape Beds
Loop around shrubs, run along hedge lines, or create grid patterns for groundcover. The brown color disappears under mulch for a clean look.
Slopes and Hillsides
Where traditional sprinklers waste water to runoff, PC emitters deliver precise amounts regardless of elevation changes. No more overwatering at the bottom of slopes.
Spacing for Complete Coverage
For area coverage, space lines 16-24 inches apart depending on soil type and plant needs. The technical specs in our next section help you calculate exact coverage for your specific situation.
Engineering Details That Matter
Flow Rate Calculations
100-foot coil delivers:
• Total Flow: 100 GPH (1.66 GPM) (enough for 100 plants)
• Per Emitter: 1 GPH constant (two outlets per emitter)
• Pressure Range: 10-45 PSI (maintains flow across entire range)
Maximum Run Lengths
| Pressure (PSI) |
Max Length (feet) |
Total Flow (GPM) |
| 25 PSI (recommended) |
232 feet |
3.87 GPM |
| 35 PSI |
327 feet |
5.45 GPM |
| 45 PSI (maximum) |
335 feet |
5.58 GPM |
Physical Specifications
• Tubing Size: .600" ID × .700" OD (standard ½-inch compatibility)
• Material: UV-resistant polyethylene (won't degrade in sun)
• Minimum Bend Radius: 2 feet (flexible for tight spaces)
• Operating Temperature: Cold water only (standard outdoor use)
• Maximum Pressure: 50 PSI (longer life, less blowouts)
• Filtration Required: 155-mesh minimum (prevents clogging)
Pro Tip: For optimal performance, always use with a 25 PSI pressure regulator and 155-mesh filter as outlined in our system compatibility section below.
Perfect Integration with Your Setup
Required Components for Best Results
Essential Add-ons:
• Pressure Regulator: 25 PSI (protects emitters, ensures consistent flow)
• Filter: 155-mesh or finer (prevents debris from clogging PC mechanism)
• Fittings: Standard ½-inch drip connections (Drip-Lock, compression, or insert)
Connection Options
From Existing Drip System: Use standard ½-inch drip fittings to connect directly to your main lateral line.
From Faucet: Connect through hose-end timer, backflow preventer, pressure regulator, and filter in sequence.
From Underground PVC: Install 24V valve, then add filtration and pressure control before connecting to PVC-to-drip adapter.
Brand Compatibility
Works with ½-inch drip fittings from:
- Orbit (Drip-Lock system)
- Hydro-Rain
- Rain Bird
- Netafim
- Other major drip irrigation brands
The installation recommendations in our earlier section provide detailed step-by-step instructions for each connection type, ensuring you get professional results regardless of your starting point.
Optimize Your Watering Schedule
PC emitters deliver consistent flow, but timing depends on your soil type, plant needs, and weather conditions. Here's how to dial in the perfect schedule.
Soil-Specific Recommendations
Sandy Soil (Light Texture)
Frequency: Every 1-2 days
Duration: 20-40 minutes
Why: Drains quickly, needs frequent shorter sessions to prevent water running past root zone.
Loamy Soil (Medium Texture)
Frequency: Every 3-4 days
Duration: 30-50 minutes
Why: Ideal soil that holds moisture well while allowing good drainage.
Clay Soil (Heavy Texture)
Frequency: Every 4-5 days
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Why: Absorbs water slowly, needs longer sessions for deep penetration without runoff.
Loam Soil
Calculate Your Coverage
Water Application Rate:
• Single Line: 1 gallon per hour per linear foot (emitters every 12 inches)
• Area Coverage: Lines spaced 18-24 inches apart (adjust for plant density)
• Efficiency: 90%+ water reaches plants (vs. 60-70% for sprinklers)
Smart Controller Compatible: This system works perfectly with smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant needs.
Why PC Emitters Outperform Standard Drip
The Problem with Regular Drip Emitters
Standard drip emitters are basically tiny holes that dump more water when pressure is high and barely trickle when pressure drops. Result? Inconsistent watering, dead plants, and constant adjustments.
PC Emitters Solve Real Problems
Pressure Variation Management:
• Standard Emitters: Flow varies 200-300% with pressure changes
• PC Emitters: Flow stays within 5% across 10-45 PSI range
Terrain Adaptation:
• Standard Emitters: Higher plants get flooded, lower plants get starved
• PC Emitters: Every plant gets exactly 1 GPH regardless of elevation
Long-Term Benefits
- Healthier Plants: Consistent moisture = better root development
- Water Savings: No runoff, no dry spots that need extra watering
- Time Savings: Set it once, let PC technology handle the rest
- Fewer Repairs: Self-flushing design prevents most clogs
The technical specifications covered earlier show exactly how PC emitters maintain consistent flow rates, while our installation guide ensures you get professional results from day one. Combined with the soil-specific watering recommendations, you'll achieve the kind of uniform plant growth that usually requires professional irrigation design.
Bottom Line: PC emitters turn your drip irrigation system into a precision watering tool that adapts automatically to your terrain and pressure conditions—no constant tweaking required.
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