Noticed Dirt or White Build-Up Around Your Dripline Emitters?
If you’ve spotted dirt, sludge, or white residue forming around your dripline emitters, it’s a sign that your system needs attention. Left untreated, blockages can reduce water flow, cause uneven irrigation, and eventually damage your dripline.
If It Looks Like Dirt, Smells Like Dirt, It Probably Is Dirt
The good news? Dirt blockages are often fixable if caught early.
Here’s what we recommend:
1) Flush your system immediately.
Remove the plugs at the end of each dripline and run water through the system until it runs clear. This can be done one section at a time to limit water use. The amount of gunk that comes out can be surprisingly satisfying.
2) Clean accessible components.
Some growers suggest flushing systems with hydrogen peroxide. While this may work in some cases, we haven’t tested it ourselves and cannot recommend chemical treatments, as they may damage the dripline material. Instead, clean accessible parts using warm, clean water.
3) Install a proper filter.
A filter is essential for preventing future blockages. If you already have one, it may be undersized. Your filter must match both your pump flow rate and your dripline water usage. We recommend installing a filter after the pump and another before each irrigation block.
If You See White or Lime Build-Up
Unfortunately, lime build-up is far more serious. Lime enters the system dissolved in water, then hardens inside the dripline, forming a rock-like substance that settles into the emitter grooves.
Over time, this completely blocks water flow and cannot be flushed out effectively.
In this case, we recommend switching to disposable dripline. It is a more practical and cost-effective solution when dealing with high lime content in water.
If You Can't See Build-Up, But Your Drip Is Not Performing
If your system has worked before
If your system has worked before your first step is to flush your system. It might be that you have anything from algea build-up to sediment that slipped through your system. Next, clean your filters as blocked filters can lead to pressure loss.
If this is your first time putting on your system
You might not have sufficient pressure for the amount of lines you're trying to run at once. We recommend getting a pressure tester, AND definitely taking a look at our max laterals available on our catalogue as it is crucial info for sufficient irrigation.
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/
