Filter Buying Guide

Does every system need a filter? Yes! Placing a filter on your system is the same as adding insurance to your home. Installing a filter at the start of your irrigation system is an inexpensive way to add a layer of protection from dirt and debris entering your system and causing clogs. Knowing the correct type of filter to use for the type of water source you have is essential. Different water sources will have different types of debris that can clog your irrigation lines and wreak havoc on your system.

DripWorks carries two types of filters: Screen and Disk.

Screen Filters

A Screen Filter has a mesh screen inside the body that captures dirt and debris from your water source. This type of filter works best from relatively clean water sources such as municipal, well, or spring water.

DripWorks offers two types of screen filters.

Home Garden Screen Filters

Home Garden Screen Filters are inexpensive options for the homeowner with a municipal water source. These filters are made from polypropylene and come in a 3/4" hose thread version or a 3/4" to 1" pipe thread version. The maximum flow rate for these filters is 22 GPM, depending on the model, with a maximum pressure rating of 120 PSI. These home garden filters are not rated for constant pressure and must be placed after a timer or valve.

Heavy Duty Screen Filters

Heavy Duty Screen Filters are available for larger systems or when you need to place a filter before your timer. Options in this category are available from 3/4" pipe thread up to 2" pipe thread inlet and outlet. Depending on the unit, the maximum incoming static pressure these filters can withstand is 140 PSI. Flow rates range from 13 GPM to 66 GPM depending on the size filter being used.

Disk Filters

A Disk Filter uses a stack of ridged discs to capture algae and other organic matter that would very quickly clog a fine openings of a mesh screened filter. This type of filter is best suited for water sources such as ponds, irrigation ditches, or creeks and rivers.

Disk Filters are a great solution for dirtier water sources such as ponds or irrigation ditches. The grooved stacked disks that make up the filtering cartridge for these filters grab algae and other organic matter while still allowing the clean water to pass through. Disk filters come in a range of inlet and out sizes starting at 3/4" pipe and going up to 2" pipe thread. The maximum static pressure for a disk filter is 140 PSI. Flow ranges start at 12 GPM for a 3/4" filter and up to 110 GPM for a 2" filter. The larger filters have pressure gauge ports to place pressure gauges on the inlet and outlet of the filter as an indicator of when to clean the cartridge.

Filter Type	Water Source	Brand
Disk	Pond, Irrigation Ditch	Arkal
Screen	Municipal, Well	Irritec, Netafim

How much filtration is needed for the product you are using is the next piece to the puzzle.

Emission Device	Minimum Mesh Filtration	Micron Size
Rotors, Sprinkler Spray Nozzles	80 mesh	177
Micro Sprayers	120 mesh	125
Misters, Foggers	200 mesh	74
Drip Tape	120 mesh	125
Drip Tubing (Emitter Tubing, Soaker Dripline) Drip emitters	120 Mesh	125

Getting the right filter for your system can be easy. Are you using city water or a residential well? If you are getting water from a municipal source, chances are it is relatively clean, and the only thing you might find in that water would be some dirt, sand, or similar types of debris. A screen filter will be a perfect match for this type of water source. Do you pull your irrigation from a pond or creek? You will be battling different types of organic matter, such as algae and leaves, for this water source. The grooved disks quickly collect this type of material and keep it out of your irrigation system.

DripWorks customer support is available on our website at dripworks.com on chat or by phone Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm PST to answer any of your questions about making the right filter choice for your system. Our number is 1-800-522-3747 to speak with one of our trained customer service agents.