Buyers Guide to Drip Irrigation End Plugs, Caps and Flush Valves
There are three core types of drip irrigation end plugs or caps. A standard end plug or cap, ergonomic end plugs which are easier to take off to drain down the system, and Automatic Drainage or Flush Valves.
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Hose End Caps: The most cost effective end plugs will plug the hole at the end of the pipe, enabling pressure to build up within the system. Consider double barbed versions, which are more secure, on short or high-pressure systems to stop the end blowing off. |
Irrigation End Plugs
As the water in a drip system flows slowly off domestic pressure, sediment can settle in the supply pipe. You may want to flush the drip system out every year to clear it, and stop sediment blocking the drippers. Alternatively, in cold climates, you may want to drain some or all of the irrigation supply pipeline down to ensure it doesn’t freeze and split in the winter. Plus can be difficult to remove, so you may want to consider a more ergonomic type of irrigation end cap. Options include;
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Irrigation End Sleeves: These are cost effective ways of crimping off the flow and are reasonably easy to remove |
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Irrigation Valved Connectors: Used at the end of the pipe they enable you to open the tap to drain the system |
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Ergonomically designed plugs: Such as the Gardena end plug are designed to make it easier to pull off, or the Hozelock Easy Drip version which enables you to unscrew the cap to drain. |
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Automatic Drainage or Flush Valves: For complete convenience, consider an Automatic Drainage or Flush Valve. These valves flush out some of the water each time the water is turned off, removing some of the sediment or algae as it travels down the pipe, and decreasing the risk of the Supply Pipe splitting if freezing. |
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Manual Flush Valve: Finally, if you are operating on a tight budget, you can make a manual flush valve by just bending over the end of the pipeline to crimp off the flow. Then use some wire or a cable tie to hold the tube in the crimped position. Un-crimp and straighten the tube when you want to flush it. A bit fiddly, but very cheap. |
