Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

A pressure difference greater than 20% in a drip system could indicate what?

1. Insufficient water supply

2. Flooding issues

3. Too much flow, excessively long tubing, kinked/crushed tubing, or broken fittings

4. Low emitters pressure only

The correct answer is: Too much flow, excessively long tubing, kinked/crushed tubing, or broken fittings

A pressure difference greater than 20% in a drip system is indicative of issues related to flow and system integrity. This significant discrepancy can signal problems such as excessive flow, which may stem from improperly calibrated or malfunctioning components within the irrigation system. For instance, excessively long tubing can create additional resistance, leading to uneven pressure distribution across emitters. Kinked or crushed tubing may also restrict or hinder water flow, resulting in pressure drops that exceed acceptable limits. Moreover, broken fittings can contribute to leaks, thereby altering the expected pressure levels throughout the system. This understanding of pressure discrepancies in drip irrigation is crucial because maintaining the correct pressure is integral to ensuring that each emitter distributes water uniformly and efficiently. When these pressures are not aligned, it can compromise plant health and water usage efficiency, essentially defeating the purpose of an efficient irrigation system.