Drip Irrigation Emitter/Dripper Comparison

There are many ways to apply water to plants with drip irrigation. The component at the end of the line that actually delivers water to the plant is called an emitter or dripper. Drip emitters may drip very slowly or output a steady flow of water. Some are staked and some stream water in "fingers" or a fine spray. Pressure-compensating drip emitters contain a rubber or silicone diaphragm that allow them to maintain the same output even if the water pressure fluctuates. Non-pressure-compensating drip emitters are less expensive but the flow will very with changes in elevation and pressure.

Pressure Compensating Emitters

• Deliver the stated gph (gallons per hour) even if pressure range is 10- 40 psi
• Works well with elevation changes 
• Self flushing to reduce clogging 

Non- Pressure Compensating Emitters 

• Output will vary with changes in pressure and elevation 
• Works best with flat landscapes 
• Excellent for gravity- fed drip irrigation systems 

	Emitter Type	Users	Pressure Compensating	Removable Top	Outputs (gph)	Pattern	Connects to	Connection Type	Adjustable
	SPCV05 SPCV10 SPCV20	Changes in elevation- Self Peircing	Yes	Yes	1/2, 1, 2	n/a	3/4", 1/2", 1/4" drip tubing	1/4" barb	No
	TAE 10  TAE 20 TAE 40	Flat landscapes, low pressure	No	Yes	1, 2, 4	n/a	3/4", 1/2", 1/4" drip tubing	1/4" barb	No
	SR 360B  SR 180B	Cover large areas with stream spray	No	Yes	0-10	full circle, half circle	3/4", 1/2", 1/4" drip tubing or micro stakes	barb or thread	Yes
	SR 360S stake  SR 180S stake	Cover large area stream spray, good in flower pots	No	Yes	0-10	full circle, half circle	3/4" or 1/2" drip tubing	on stake with barb	Yes
	06-042 06-043	Sprinkler retrofits	Yes	No	6 or 10 per outlet	n/a	1/2" threaded riser	1/2" female threads	No
	01WPCJL2 01WPCJL4-B 01WPCJL8-B 01WPCJL12 01WPCJL25	Changes in elevation	Yes	Yes	1/2, 1, 2.1, 3.2, 6.6	n/a	3/4", 1/2", 1/4" drip tubing	1/4" barb	No

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