Drip emitters are small devices that control the flow of water, delivering it slowly and directly to a plant’s root zone. Homeowners often remove emitters to replace clogged or damaged units, modify the system layout, or prepare the line for winterization. Removing and sealing the hole ensures the system maintains proper water pressure and prevents leaks. Understanding the correct method for extraction and sealing is key to keeping the system functioning effectively.
Essential Tools and Preparation
Before modifying a drip line, turn off the water supply and relieve the pressure by briefly opening the end of the line. This prevents spraying and reduces the risk of damaging the tubing while working.
Necessary items typically include needle-nose pliers or a dedicated emitter removal tool, a utility knife, and a clean cloth. Warm water can also be helpful, as heating the polyethylene tubing slightly makes it more pliable and easier to stretch for removal or repair.
Step-by-Step Emitter Removal Techniques
The method for removing an emitter depends on its design; the most common is the barbed or punch-in style that inserts directly into the mainline tubing. For these barbed emitters, the goal is to extract the fitting with minimal distortion to the original hole. Begin by gently rocking the emitter side-to-side while pulling it outward.
If the emitter is stuck, use needle-nose pliers or the specialized notch on a drip tool for necessary grip and leverage. A slight twisting motion can help loosen the barbed fitting from the tubing’s internal wall, but twisting too aggressively can tear the material. If the tubing is cool and stiff, applying warm water near the insertion point will temporarily soften the plastic, allowing the barb to slide out more easily.
Some systems utilize less common threaded emitters, which are often used with rigid risers or inserted into PVC pipe. These emitters require a simple counter-clockwise rotation to unscrew them from their fitting or adapter. Inspecting the hole left behind for any cracks or enlargement is an important step before moving on to the sealing process.
Sealing the Drip Line After Removal
Once the old emitter is removed, the hole must be sealed to restore system integrity and water pressure. The most common solution for small holes left by punch-in emitters is a barbed fitting called a “goof plug,” or repair plug. These plugs are designed with a barbed end that is pushed firmly into the existing hole, creating a watertight seal.
Goof plugs sometimes feature two different-sized barbs, allowing the user to select the size that provides the tightest fit for the hole in the tubing. If the tubing around the hole is damaged or stretched, a goof plug may not be sufficient to stop the leak. In this case, the damaged section of tubing must be cut out cleanly using a utility knife.
A small section of new tubing can then be spliced into the line using a barbed coupling. This connects the two cut ends and restores the continuous flow of the mainline. This method bypasses the damaged section entirely, ensuring the system can handle its operating pressure without any leaks.