Best Dripline Wall Thickness for Lime-Affected Water

What Wall Thickness Dripline Should You Pick When You Have Lime in Your Water?

When your water contains lime (calcium carbonate), your irrigation setup faces a unique challenge: lime hardens when dry and solidifies inside emitters, causing blockages and uneven flow. That’s why the choice of dripline wall thickness — and type — matters more than ever.

“With lime in your water, you want an affordable dripline that performs reliably — but can also be replaced easily when buildup occurs.”

Understanding the Problem: Lime Build-Up

When irrigation water contains dissolved calcium, it forms a thin, sticky layer inside the emitter’s flow path. Over time, this layer hardens into lime scale, reducing or completely blocking water output. The harder your water, the quicker it happens — especially in non-filtered or gravity-fed systems.

While chemical treatment and acid flushing can help, they’re not always practical or economical for small farms. That’s where disposable thin-wall dripline becomes the smarter choice.

The Ideal Dripline for Lime-Affected Water

At Afriq Water, we specifically manufacture thin-wall dripline options designed for farms and areas where lime buildup is unavoidable. These are short-term, affordable solutions that allow you to replace your dripline seasonally without major cost or downtime.

0.15 mm Wall Thickness — One-Season (3 Month) Drip Tape | 2 500 m Roll
Our lightest and most economical option, ideal for farmers who expect severe lime buildup. Quick to install and easy to replace each season.
0.20 mm Wall Thickness — Two-Season (6 Month) Drip Tape | 2 000 m Roll
Slightly thicker and more UV-resistant, giving you a longer working life between replacements. Excellent balance between cost and durability for moderate lime conditions.

Afriq Water Tip: When irrigating with lime-affected water, always use disposable thin-wall dripline (0.15–0.20 mm). It prevents long-term clogging damage to your system and is far cheaper to replace than to repair blocked emitters.

Why Not Use Thicker Dripline?

Thicker walls (0.30 mm and up) are more durable but designed for long-term systems. If lime accumulates inside, the thicker plastic doesn’t prevent clogging — it just makes the replacement more costly. In lime-prone areas, shorter dripline lifespan is actually an advantage.

Thinner dripline = easier and cheaper seasonal replacement.
Thicker dripline = better for filtered, lime-free water systems.

“Afriq Water’s thin-wall dripline is designed specifically for lime-affected water — easy to replace, economical to run.”

Additional Tips for Lime Management

Install a good filtration system to reduce particle buildup.
Flush lines regularly at least once a week.
Where possible, drain lines after use to avoid lime drying inside emitters.
Store dripline rolls indoors between seasons to protect from UV and dust.

Recommended Wall Thickness Summary

Mild lime levels: 0.20 mm wall thickness.
High lime levels: 0.15 mm wall thickness (seasonal disposable dripline).
Filtered or treated water: 0.30 mm+ wall thickness for longer-term systems.

Where to Find Dripline Irrigation in South Africa

Our Afriq Drip range is proudly manufactured in South Africa, offering reliable, value-for-money irrigation solutions for farms of all sizes.

You can find our dripline rolls and fittings at most agricultural Co-Ops and irrigation suppliers across the country. Stock availability may vary, as we manufacture to order, so please allow 2–3 weeks lead time.

Prefer to buy online? Visit:
www.irrigationonlinesa.co.za

Or contact our distributor to find your nearest retailer:
www.iunlimited.co.za/contact/