Drip Irrigation Emitters Not Working?
When drip emitters stop flowing, your trees, shrubs, and desert plants suffer. Learn why emitters fail in Arizona's challenging conditions and how to restore proper watering.
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots with maximum efficiency—when it works. But Arizona's extreme conditions create unique challenges. Hard water, intense heat, and dust conspire to clog emitters and reduce flow. Here's how to diagnose and fix the problem.
Common Causes of Emitter Failure
1. Mineral Buildup (Most Common in Arizona)
Arizona's water contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. As water evaporates at the emitter, these minerals crystallize and block the tiny openings. This is the #1 cause of emitter failure in our region.
Signs:
- White crusty deposits on emitters
- Gradual reduction in flow rate
- Some emitters work while others don't
Solution: Remove emitters and soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes. Scrub with a small brush and flush with water. Install inline filters and consider water softening for severe cases.
2. Dirt and Debris Clogging
Dust, sand, and organic matter enter the system through breaks in tubing, during installation, or when filters aren't maintained. Even tiny particles can block emitter passages.
Signs:
- Sudden loss of flow from multiple emitters
- Dirty water when flushing lines
- Problem occurred after system repair or modification
Solution: Flush drip lines by opening end caps and running water until clear. Clean or replace filters. Check for damaged tubing that allows dirt entry.
3. Algae Growth
When drip tubing is exposed to sunlight and contains nutrients from fertilizer injection, algae can grow inside lines and emitters, creating slimy blockages.
Signs:
- Green or brown slimy material in tubing
- Emitters clog shortly after cleaning
- Problem worse in summer months
Solution: Bury exposed tubing or cover with mulch to block sunlight. Flush system with chlorine solution (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon) to kill algae. Improve filtration.
4. Low Water Pressure
Drip systems require 15-30 PSI to function properly. Pressure below this range prevents emitters from opening or reduces flow to a trickle.
Signs:
- All emitters on a zone flow weakly or not at all
- Emitters at the end of lines don't work
- Problem affects entire drip system
Solution: Check pressure regulator settings. Look for mainline leaks reducing system pressure. Verify zone valve opens fully. Install pressure gauge to monitor.
5. Damaged or Kinked Tubing
Tubing can be cut by landscaping tools, chewed by animals, or kinked during installation. This blocks water flow to downstream emitters.
Signs:
- Multiple emitters on one line don't work
- Visible damage or kinks in tubing
- Water pools at tubing breaks
Solution: Inspect entire tubing run for damage. Repair cuts with compression fittings. Straighten kinks or replace damaged sections. Protect tubing from foot traffic and equipment.
6. Emitter Design Failure
Cheap emitters or those not designed for Arizona conditions fail prematurely. UV exposure degrades plastic, and internal components wear out.
Signs:
- Emitters crack or break apart
- Flow rate changes dramatically
- Problem affects specific emitter brand/model
Solution: Replace with quality pressure-compensating emitters rated for outdoor use. Choose UV-resistant models designed for desert climates.
Preventive Maintenance for Arizona Drip Systems
Regular maintenance prevents most emitter problems:
- Weekly: Clean inline filters to remove sediment before it reaches emitters
- Monthly: Flush drip lines by opening end caps and running water until clear
- Quarterly: Inspect emitters for flow rate and clean or replace as needed
- Annually: Replace filters, check pressure, and test all zones
- Always: Bury or mulch tubing to protect from UV damage and reduce algae growth
When to Call a Professional
While cleaning individual emitters is DIY-friendly, some situations require professional expertise:
- Widespread clogging affecting entire zones
- Pressure problems requiring system diagnosis
- System redesign needed for proper coverage
- Recurring problems despite regular maintenance
- Need for water treatment or filtration upgrades
Arizona Irrigation Repair: Drip System Experts
We specialize in drip irrigation for Arizona's desert climate. Our technicians understand hard water challenges and design systems that resist clogging while delivering precise watering.
- 29+ years of drip system experience
- Quality pressure-compensating emitters
- Professional filtration and water treatment solutions
- Maintenance plans to prevent future problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my drip irrigation emitters not working?
Drip emitters typically fail due to clogging from mineral deposits, dirt, or algae. Arizona's hard water accelerates buildup. Other causes include pressure problems, damaged tubing, or closed valves.
How do I know if my drip emitters are clogged?
Signs include no water flow from specific emitters, reduced drip rate, uneven watering patterns, or dry soil around plants while other areas are wet.
Can I clean clogged drip emitters?
Yes, remove emitters and soak in vinegar solution for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits. Flush with water and reinstall. Replace if cleaning doesn't restore flow.
How often should I flush my drip system?
In Arizona, flush drip lines monthly during active watering season and clean filters weekly to prevent emitter clogging from hard water and debris.
Fix Your Drip System Today
Don't let clogged emitters damage your trees and desert landscaping. We restore proper flow fast.