A basic drip irrigation system is composed of the following parts:
Water Source – A water source is obviously a key component of your drip irrigation system. This can be a mains water tap or rainwater collection system. The water source and its own water flow rate will affect the size of your irrigation size and the types of emitters you use.
Pump System – A water pump system is another important part of your drip irrigation setup. They are in charge of ensuring the proper transferral of water through the entire irrigation system.
Filtration System – An irrigation filtration system is another essential component to your drip irrigation system. Not only will a filtration system help reduce toxins and contaminants in the water, but it will help reduce debris in the system that can cause clogs and builds ups.
Pressure Controller – Irrigation pressure controllers are used to help regulate drip irrigation water pressure. Without a pressure controller, you risk blowing out your irrigation system with water that has too high of a PSI. This is one of the key applications for pump pressure controllers.
Backflow Prevention – A drip irrigation backflow preventer device is used to ensure that water cannot go back through the drip irrigation system. The main reason why you need a backflow prevention system is to stop contaminated water from making its way through the system, and to keep sensitive filters and membranes clean and safe.
Hydraulic Valves – Hydraulic control valves and safety valves are installed at different points throughout your drip irrigation system and used to maintain a safe level of pressure within the system.
Irrigation Piping or Tubing – Drip irrigation systems use pipes or tubes to pass water through the irrigation system. Drip irrigation piping is the most commonly found way of supplying water through your drip irrigation system, due to its strength and sturdiness. However, drip tape is another option for a way to transport water that is more flexible, albeit less resilient to high PSI water flow rates.
Poly Fittings – Poly fittings are used to create the irrigation system and ensure it's watertight. Rural poly pipes are a particular subset of high-quality poly fitting that are sturdy and UV resistant, making them perfect for outdoor applications, such as gardens in particularly hot climates.
Drip Emitters – Drip emitters are the attachments connected to your drip irrigation system that controls the flow rate of water applied to each plant. Different drip emitters have different flow rates, allowing you to customise your irrigation system based on your plants.