What Is Better: Compression or Barb Fittings?

Irrigation takes a lot of tubing and fittings to water a large area.

Drip irrigation is a smart alternative to basic sprinkler irrigation. Connections, such as compression and barb fittings, along the tubing lines require a secure fit so that water only drips in the designated areas.

Compression Fittings

Fittings are the connections between drip tubes, polyethylene pipes or valves. Place compression fittings around the outside of the tube's end and use a spine that presses the inside of the tube for a strong attachment.

Barb Fittings

In contrast, barb fittings secure inside the tube's end, stretching the end as a solid attachment. Use barb fittings with thick polyethylene tubes, not the thinner drip tubes.

Considerations

Compression fittings have their drawbacks as being difficult to remove from the installed tube, but do not damage the tube overall by stretching it as barb fittings do. As long as you use barb fittings with thick polyethylene tubing, they function well over time. When attached to thin drip tubing, the tubing eventually splits at the connection, especially when exposed to the weather elements, such as sun damage

References

• Wasatch Community Gardens: Drip Irrigation