Drip system

[Justin David]

Hey there MFK,

I am setting up a drip system. It starts from a 1/4 inch tap in a 3/4 inch cold water pipe. From there is 1/4 inch copper tubing out of the tap to a water filter, out of that comes 1/4 inch pex tubing.

This system will be feeding 4 tanks 2(29 gallons)
2(20 gallons)

What can I use to split the pex into 4 adjustable lines? I'd like to avoid metal if possible, which is why I went with PEX instead of continuing with copper aftet the filter. Note that it must be able to handle pressure.

I have though of building a manifold but I am not sure how to go about it, which is why I am coming to the pros!

I'd appreciate if those with experience chimed in, or those who have read threads about people whove done this, please tag them.
Thanks!,
Justin

 

[JK47]

Hey there MFK,

I am setting up a drip system. It starts from a 1/4 inch tap in a 3/4 inch cold water pipe. From there is 1/4 inch copper tubing out of the tap to a water filter, out of that comes 1/4 inch pex tubing.

This system will be feeding 4 tanks 2(29 gallons)
2(20 gallons)

What can I use to split the pex into 4 adjustable lines? I'd like to avoid metal if possible, which is why I went with PEX instead of continuing with copper aftet the filter. Note that it must be able to handle pressure.

I have though of building a manifold but I am not sure how to go about it, which is why I am coming to the pros!

I'd appreciate if those with experience chimed in, or those who have read threads about people whove done this, please tag them.
Thanks!,
Justin

You rang!? Pex is great. And a great way to adapt to PVC. My mixing valve is pex. One simple adapter can get you from pex to pvc easily. Options are endless from there. Pex male to threaded female adapter is best IMO

 

[Justin David]

You rang!? Pex is great. And a great way to adapt to PVC. My mixing valve is pex. One simple adapter can get you from pex to pvc easily. Options are endless from there. Pex male to threaded female adapter is best IMO

Once from pex to pvc, how can I construct a PVC that I can trust to hold the pressure?

Was hoping you'd chime in, thank you.

 

[JK47]

Once from pex to pvc, how can I construct a PVC that I can trust to hold the pressure?

Was hoping you'd chime in, thank you.

You bet. No Justin left behind LOL. Pvc will handle the pressure all day long. I have a manifold in the tank that lets me switch between, 4, 8 and 12 gallons per hour. Tee off half inch lines and run the quick disconnects. Those are made for fridges and home water pressure. Basically just step down from the pvc side to a reducer bushing and the quick disconnect fittings. I'll go snag you some pics

 

[JK47]

These are the fittings I was referring to. Sorry for the condensation on the cold line. I need to insulate the lines but it's in the garage and have other stuff to get to first. You get the idea though. In short once you are in quick disconnects the system is then modular and easy peezy from there. You can do whatever you like from a manifold standpoint.

Bottom left of the pic

 

[Justin David]

Thanks Justin!

so from my single PEX line,
I should add one tee, then from each end of that add another tee for a total of 3, then on each of the 4 outlets from the 2 tee's add a valve, then from there use quick disconnects to get the water to each tank?

Thanks again!

 

[JK47]

Thanks Justin!

so from my single PEX line,
I should add one tee, then from each end of that add another tee for a total of 3, then on each of the 4 outlets from the 2 tee's add a valve, then from there use quick disconnects to get the water to each tank?

Thanks again!

I would run the quick disconnect to a 1/4" line. That to the manifold. The manifold should be a line in, stepped up to 1/2" or 3/4" plumbing for easy access to pieces. One line in and each tee if connected on a long end should be connected. I would assume 3 would be overkill. The short part of the tee can be where you run the quick disconnects off of. Each of those can have a drip emitter at a GPH you prefer. Put the ball valve on each so you an open or close them at your discretion adding to the drip amount or reducing it. PVC will hold more pressure than the drip emitter so that is not a worry.

Warning: know your water pressure. Get a pressure gauge at HD and see what you have. If you are over 60 you will have problems and will need to reduce that pressure via a pressure regulator.

 

[Dieselhybrid]

Set up the drip. I'll never run a system without one again if I can avoid it.

This is a pressure reducer that I found useful: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018YH9TLG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is a threaded/barb adapter that I found useful: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JP7VW8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Although it looks like you're past that point. with JK guiding you, you'll be set up in no time.

 

[Justin David]

Thanks guys!

My water pressure is around 30. I just got back from Home Depot.

Took your advice and went with 1/2 inch, went straight from the filter with half inch. Got all my parts together. Waiting on filter and cartridges to come tommorow. I'm excited.

I am dripping cold only, how much more involved would it be to drip warm?

 

[JK47]

Thanks guys!

My water pressure is around 30. I just got back from Home Depot.

Took your advice and went with 1/2 inch, went straight from the filter with half inch. Got all my parts together. Waiting on filter and cartridges to come tommorow. I'm excited.

I am dripping cold only, how much more involved would it be to drip warm?

Very involved. Budget a couple hundred in additional parts. The mixing valve is around $180. The good news is it can be added later. I say set up your cold drip, enjoy it and work out any kinks. Save up and go warm down the line once you're happy with everything and have some trust in your system.