Drip Irrigation in Toronto & the GTA

What is drip irrigation?

A drip zone is a low-pressure branch of your irrigation system. Water flows through a filter and pressure regulator into tubing laid along the plants, and small emitters release it at the soil surface. Because it soaks in slowly, little is lost to wind, evaporation or runoff.

When does drip beat sprinkler spray heads?

Spray heads are built for open lawn. In other parts of the yard, drip is usually the better tool:

• Perennial and vegetable beds, where wet leaves encourage disease
• Hedges and foundation plantings along the house
• Containers and planters on decks and patios
• Slopes, where sprays run off before the water soaks in
• Narrow strips beside driveways and walkways, where sprays hit pavement

What parts make up a drip system?

Each drip zone starts at a valve like any other zone, then adds parts designed for low flow:

• Filter, to keep emitters from clogging
• Pressure regulator, to bring pressure down to what drip tubing needs
• Drip line or tubing, with built-in or added emitters
• Manifolds and fittings to split the zone across beds

Can drip be added to an existing sprinkler system?

Usually, yes. We either convert an existing bed zone from sprays to drip or add a new valve for a dedicated drip zone, depending on how the system is laid out. Converting a bed zone keeps the lawn zones untouched and gives the beds their own schedule, which matters because beds and turf rarely need the same run times.

How do you water a drip zone correctly?

Drip runs longer and less often than lawn sprays because the water soaks in slowly. We set a starting schedule at installation and show you how to adjust it as plants establish. Mulch over the tubing keeps the soil moist longer and hides the lines.

Do drip lines need winterizing in the GTA?

Yes. Drip tubing, filters and regulators hold water and can crack in a hard freeze. They are cleared during the fall blowout at a lower pressure suited to drip parts, and the filter is checked.

How much does drip irrigation cost?

The cost depends on the length of tubing, the number of beds and whether a new valve is needed. The parts below come from our current price list; we quote each drip project after seeing the beds.