How Deep Should Dripline Be Buried or Placed?

It’s a question we hear all the time: should dripline be buried, or should it stay above ground? The answer depends entirely on the type of dripline you’re using — and your intended installation method.

“Only Anti-Syphon Pressure Compensating (PC) dripline is suitable for sub-surface installation. All other dripline should be installed above ground.”

Dripline That Can Be Buried

At Afriq Water, we manufacture a specialised Anti-Syphon Pressure Compensating dripline designed specifically for sub-surface (buried) use. This dripline includes an anti-syphon mechanism that prevents soil or debris from being drawn back into the emitter when the system shuts off.

Type: Anti-Syphon Pressure Compensating (PC).
Use: Can be buried below the soil surface.
Availability: By special order only.
Important: You must specify your intention to bury the dripline when ordering.

Note: Even PC dripline must still comply with maximum lateral length limits. Pressure compensation corrects for slope and distance, but not indefinitely — correct system design remains essential.

Dripline That Must Stay Above Ground

All other Afriq Drip products — including Non-Pressure Compensating and standard Pressure Compensating driplines — must be installed over-ground. This also applies to your mainline and mainline-to-dripline connections.

When dripline is buried without anti-syphon protection, small particles of soil are easily drawn into the emitter chamber when the system stops running. This causes gradual clogging and uneven flow that can damage your irrigation layout over time.

“Keeping your dripline visible makes it easier to spot issues early — if a few plants start lagging, you’ll know something’s up.”

Why Surface-Level Installation Has Advantages

You can quickly identify pressure or blockage problems.
Maintenance and repairs are far easier and faster.
No risk of emitter clogging from back-suction of dirt.
Visual monitoring helps maintain system performance.

Keeping Dripline Secure in Windy Conditions

In open fields or areas prone to wind, over-ground dripline can shift slightly when empty. To prevent this, we recommend using agricultural hooks or dripline pins to secure the pipe to the soil surface.

Hooks should be placed loosely, allowing the dripline to expand naturally as it fills with water. This prevents stress on the pipe and helps maintain straight, tidy rows throughout the growing season.

Final Thoughts

Most dripline systems are designed for surface-level installation — it’s safer, simpler, and easier to maintain. Only Afriq Water’s Anti-Syphon Pressure Compensating dripline is suitable for burial, and must be ordered with this intention specified.

For expert guidance on your layout or to enquire about Anti-Syphon PC dripline, contact your local Afriq Water distributor.

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/