Drip Irrigation Tubing (41 items found)

Smart water management is essential for keeping plants and trees healthy. Drip irrigation systems efficiently deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing waste while keeping your landscape thriving. At Ace Hardware, we carry a wide selection of drip irrigation tubing and drip irrigation hoses to support your irrigation needs.

What is Drip Irrigation Tubing? 

A drip irrigation tube, typically made of polyethylene, serves as the backbone of a drip irrigation system. It carries water from the source to the plants, distributing it through built-in emitters or additional attachments like sprinklers or sprayers. This targeted approach reduces evaporation and runoff, making it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial landscapes, especially in areas where water conservation is a priority.

What Type of Drip Irrigation Tubing Do You Need? 

The drip irrigation system uses polyethylene tubing to carry water from the source to the plants. Then, water is dispersed by either soaker drip tubing, emitters, sprinklers or sprayers. To help you find the right solution for your yard, learn about the differences between the two most basic types of drip tubes.

Emitter Drip Tubing for Spaced Out Plants

If your plants are evenly spaced, emitter drip tubing may be ideal since it offers uniform water delivery. This irrigation hose has pre-punched holes along the tubing at regular intervals, allowing for uniform water distribution. It is easy to install, too—simply insert the emitter directly into the mainline drip irrigation hose and you're ready to go. Gardeners generally prefer emitter drip tubing for use with flowers, shrubs and vegetable or fruit gardens. Find drip irrigation emitters at Ace.  

Soaker Drip Tubing for Deep Watering

Soaker drip tubing is ideal for densely planted areas. Unlike emitter tubing, which releases water at specific points, soaker tubing “sweats” water along its length, gradually soaking the surrounding soil. This allows for deep root watering and reduced evaporation. Soaker driplines have emitters pre-installed every 6, 9 or 12 inches. You can use this flexible material in planter boxes, larger garden beds or large containers.

For even more watering options, check out our underground sprinklers, above-ground sprinklers and accessories.

Poly Vs. Vinyl Drip Tubing: Which Should You Choose?

Both poly drip tubing and vinyl drip tubing can be used in drip irrigation, but they have distinct characteristics:

• Poly drip tubing is more rigid than vinyl but durable, resistant to UV rays and less prone to expansion in hot weather, which reduces the chance of fittings These plastic irrigation tubes are ideal for a warmer climate where durability is essential.
• Vinyl drip tubing is softer than poly and more flexible, making it easier to handle and install. However, it can be more susceptible to UV damage and expansion, potentially affecting longevity.

Choosing the right tubing depends on your climate and irrigation setup. If you need flexibility for small garden projects, vinyl might work best. For long-term durability, poly tubing is superior.

Shop Irrigation Tubing Near You at Ace Hardware

Protect the longevity and livelihood of your plants by shopping the collection of drip irrigation hoses and tubing near you in the lawn and gardening department at Ace Hardware. Purchase individual drip hoses, or take the guesswork out of installing your system by opting for our complete drip irrigation kits. You can also shop online for fast shipping to your door.