drip system?

[jasonw]

How far can you run a 1/4" line before it loses so much pressure its worthless? I ran a line about 50' in my front yard and the head I put on the end of it was worthless. I assume I should run the 3/4" line the 50' then just run the 1/4" off of it but how far can you go with a 1/4" line?

[Steve]

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Does anyone have any insights they can share on this topic?

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Have you googled it? I just did a quick search for "water line pressure loss" and got quite a few results. Since I am not 100% sure what you are wanting I did not pursue the links too much but know there is surely some form of online calculator available.

Good luck,
Eli

[jasonw]

I did not Google it. I was hoping for a fast answer from the professionals here. Basically I was wandering exactly as the first post says. How far can you run a 1/4 line off of the main line before the loss of pressure effects the efficiency of the drip head?

1/4 inch line should only be used for shorter single runs. How many GPM head did you get?

[jasonw]

Thats a good question. I will have to look into that. I didn't even think about that. Our waterpresure is unbelievable and we have never had a pressure problem so I never worry about that kind of stuff but clearly I am stressing our water system now.

[nozzlehead]

I can't really tell you how far you can run 1/4 hose & still maintain enough pressure to operate your head, but keep in mind that you'll lose pressure due to friction loss inside the hose. Let me give an example from what I know.

Let's use fire hose for an example:

1 1/2 hose will flow 95gpm - @ 100' you'll have 30lbs of friction loss
2 1/12 hose will flow 250gpm - @ 100' youi'll only have 15lbs of friction loss

You're thinking right by running the 3/4" line & then dropping down. The larger hose will help keep the supply pressure near the same from its source to its destination due to less friction loss. Hope this helps explain the problem.