How to Clean a Clogged Drip System

When your drippers stop dripping, your garden can dry to a crisp in no time. If your system is clogged, clear it out with this method.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toothbrush Or Bottle Brush
• Wrench Or Screwdriver

1. To clear a single clog, turn on the water and hold your finger over the dripper outlet for several seconds. The resulting back flush should get rid of any debris.

2. If a number of drippers are stopped up, remove the end closure from each tubing line and flush it until the water runs clear. Then put the closures back in place.

3. Clean the filter. If it's an in-line filter, remove the cylindrical filter screen and rinse it with running water. Use a toothbrush or bottle brush to remove any accumulated particles.

4. Most permanent drip systems have a self-cleaning Y-filter. For moderate clogging and routine cleaning, simply turn on the flush outlet, or "dump valve." If the system is badly clogged, unscrew the valve cover and wash the filter screen.

5. Check the system again. If it's still not working properly, chances are there's a break in the line. (See How to Repair a Leaking Irrigation System; the repair process is the same.)

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent debris buildup, flush your drip lines and clean the filter once a month during the operating season.
• In areas with hard water, lines and filters need more frequent attention. Check a week after cleaning to see how fast deposits are building up.