Can I Add Drip Irrigation to an Existing Sprinkler System?
Expert guide to retrofitting drip irrigation for water-efficient desert landscaping
Absolutely! Adding drip irrigation to your existing sprinkler system is one of the smartest upgrades Arizona homeowners can make. Drip systems use 30-50% less water than traditional sprinklers while delivering moisture directly to plant roots—perfect for desert landscaping, trees, and shrubs.
How Drip Retrofit Works
Retrofitting drip irrigation doesn't require replacing your entire sprinkler system. Instead, we integrate drip zones into your existing controller and valve setup. Here's the process:
Step 1: Zone Assessment
We evaluate which areas benefit most from drip irrigation—typically flower beds, shrubs, trees, and vegetable gardens. Turf areas usually remain on sprinklers, while planting beds convert to drip for targeted watering.
Step 2: Pressure Regulation
Drip systems operate at 15-30 PSI, while sprinklers run at 40-60 PSI. We install a pressure regulator at the valve to reduce pressure for the drip zone, preventing emitter blowouts and ensuring even water distribution.
Step 3: Filtration System
Arizona's hard water contains minerals and sediment that can clog drip emitters. We install a 150-200 mesh filter after the pressure regulator to protect your investment and ensure long-term performance.
Step 4: Drip Line Installation
We connect drip tubing to the existing valve, routing lines through planting beds and positioning emitters near plant root zones. Emitter spacing and flow rates are customized based on plant type, soil, and sun exposure.
Step 5: Controller Reprogramming
Drip zones require longer run times (30-60 minutes) but less frequent watering than sprinklers. We reprogram your existing controller to optimize each zone's schedule, maximizing water efficiency without adding new equipment.
Benefits of Adding Drip to Your System
💧 Water Savings
Reduce water usage by 30-50% compared to sprinklers. Drip delivers water directly to roots with minimal evaporation—critical in Arizona's 110°F summers.
🌱 Healthier Plants
Deep root watering promotes stronger, drought-resistant plants. Drip prevents fungal diseases caused by wet foliage from overhead sprinklers.
💰 Lower Bills
Typical savings of $30-80/month on water bills. ROI usually achieved within 1-2 years through reduced consumption and healthier landscapes.
🎯 Targeted Watering
Water only plants, not hardscapes, driveways, or weeds. Precision placement eliminates overspray and runoff common with sprinklers.
What to Expect: Cost & Timeline
Typical Retrofit Project:
- Cost: $800-$2,500 depending on zone size and complexity
- Timeline: 1-2 days for most residential installations
- Warranty: 1-year parts and labor on professional installations
- Payback: 12-24 months through water savings
DIY vs. Professional Installation
While DIY drip kits are available, professional installation ensures optimal performance and longevity:
DIY Installation
- ✓ Lower upfront cost
- ✗ Risk of incorrect pressure/flow
- ✗ No warranty coverage
- ✗ Trial-and-error adjustments
- ✗ Potential for emitter clogs
Professional Installation
- ✓ Proper pressure regulation
- ✓ Customized emitter placement
- ✓ 1-year warranty included
- ✓ Optimized controller programming
- ✓ Long-term reliability
Best Candidates for Drip Retrofit
Drip irrigation works best for:
- Shrub and flower beds – Targeted watering prevents waste
- Trees and large plants – Deep root watering promotes health
- Vegetable gardens – Consistent moisture improves yields
- Slopes and hillsides – Prevents runoff and erosion
- Desert landscaping – Ideal for native plants and xeriscaping
Maintenance Requirements
Drip systems require minimal maintenance but benefit from:
- Filter cleaning – Every 2-3 months during peak season
- Emitter inspection – Check for clogs quarterly
- Line flushing – Flush end caps twice yearly
- Pressure checks – Annual verification of regulator function
Ready to Upgrade to Drip Irrigation?
Get a free consultation and quote for adding drip irrigation to your existing system. We serve the entire Phoenix Metro area with professional installation and 1-year warranty.