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I’m updating my irrigation system by separating zones, replacing some lines, and adjusting the layout. My system pulls water from a canal using a single-speed pump, but the label with the specs is unreadable. I measured 40-45 PSI at an inline faucet right after the pump, and the flow rate is under 25 GPM (5-gallon bucket fills in 13-14 seconds). I have a total of 5 zones - two drip irrigation for garden beds and three rotors for lawn areas.

I’m separated these two drip irrigation zones from the lawn zones, but I’m concerned that the pump output might over-pressurize the system and cause issues. Here’s the setup:

Drip Zone 1:

  • 1” PVC mainline runs 50’ before the valve
  • 25 PSI pressure reducer
  • 80-90’ of ½” poly tubing after the valve - 25x with 2 GPH emitters (total: ~1 GPM)

Drip Zone 2:

  • 1" PVC runs from pump to valve for 3'
  • ¾” PVC line runs 15’ after the valve
  • 25 PSI pressure reducer
  • 80-90’ of ½” poly tubing connects to PVC
  • 25x 2 GPH emitters (total: ~1 GPM)

The drip zones only need 1 GPM, but my pump delivers 23-25 GPM. Is that fine or do I need a pressure relief valve, or some other solution?

isherwood
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1 Answers1

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Your devices care about pressure, not flow rate (as long as it's over the minimum required for operation). Too much pressure could damage devices, but I doubt 25 PSI is too much.

Therefore, assuming that they're all rated for the 25PSI your regulators provide, you're fine.

isherwood
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