Drip kit recommendations

tomhumf

I'm thinking of installing some drip lines in the poly tunnel ( 6 x 3 m) but probably not until next summer. It would be for tomatoes and  peppers mainly.

I was just wondering if anyone can recommend a system that is reliable. I've only seen the Claber ones so far.

My main concern would be springing a leak somewhere and have loads of mains water flooding the potting shed or something.

Thanks! 

steephill

I have a Hozelok setup in my greenhouse similar to the Claber stuff. At the time it was the most common brand available but there is more choice now. I have added Gardena bits to my system over the years.

My biggest gripe is with the various timers I have had over the years. None have been reliable so I am building my own this year with better components.

I recommend beefing up any connections you make. The combination of push fit connectors and thin walled tubing isn't totally secure so consider additional clamping with Jubilee clips or similar.

clarke.brunt

Years ago, I bought a kit from https://www.lbsbuyersguide.co.uk/ to go round my 6 hanging baskets. I think it was an assortment of fittings, with no single manufacturer. I can't find it on their site now, though I see a Klaber kit. Was just going to say - these usually include a 'pressure reducing valve' near the tap end, so the pressure in the piping and at the drippers isn't 'full mains pressure'. Here https://www.lbsbuyersguide.co.uk/3-4-adjustable-pressure-regulator-low-flow-model is the one that was in the kit (out of stock, I see). I was glad to have a kit, as I wouldn't have had much idea what components I needed.

Happy with mine - it will works, though the 'timer' broke after a few years - I didn't replace it, as was happy to turn the tap on/off when needed. And I needed to replace the 'filter' fitting as I left it outside one winter, and freezing cracked the plastic.

KT53

I use Hozelock for all my pots and hanging baskets.  Interesting comment from steephill about the timers.  First one I bought is still going strong after 6 or 7 years.  Another I bought about 3 years ago gave up after about 18 months.

Topbird

I've just bought a drip line kit from Access Irrigation for a new hedge. Haven't actually used it yet but looks to be professional quality. I wanted a good quality one which would last a few years of being permanently outside.

Water drips from holes in the pipe every 30cm - the holes are actually quite technical self-flushing valves. It can be used on a long run or up a slope without suffering from loss of pressure at the valves.

I have used the Hozelock micro-irrigation systems in the past but always ended up with small leaks where the micro and supply tubing meet. I needed a simpler drip line system that will just water the base of the new hedge. It can also be cut & joined to form a grid over a bed.