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How to use a dripping hose

Irrigation through a drip system enables you to achieve maximum yield and quality with a minimum use of water and fertilizers. However, it is important to handle the dripping hose correctly. That is why we have drawn up a user recommendation for the dripping hose.
Ben Peters
Technical Account Manager | July 1, 2021 | 3 min. reading time
Dripping hose

Receipt of the dripping hose

  • A sticker with instructions for use is attached to each pallet with dripping hoses. Read it carefully and follow the instructions. 
  • Check the quality of the dripping hose immediately upon receipt. If you notice any deviations, please state this directly on the delivery note. 
  • The dripping hose must be stored out of the sun (inside) to prevent damage from excessive temperatures. 
  • After receipt, the dripping hose must be unrolled within 3 weeks to prevent unnecessary leaks or deformation. 
  • Avoid throwing or rough handling the hose. Doing so may cause damage. 
  • There is a production sticker on the hose. Leave the sticker on the hose. In the event of a complaint, this production data may be required. 

Rolling out the dripping hose

  • Before unrolling, the drip irrigation hose must be at the correct temperature for at least 24 hours: a minimum of 15 °C and a maximum of 25 °C. 
  • It is strongly recommended to roll the hose out from a vertical reel on a pipe rail trolley. 
  • Make sure that polyethylene has elongation and shrinkage. For safety, keep 1-2% extra length if hoses are attached during hot weather (expansion of polyethylene is 0.02%: 2 cm per degree Celsius temperature difference per 100 meters). 
  • Hoses are equipped with at least 0.5 m extra blind hose (without drippers) before and after the drippers. 
  • Start by inserting the connectors into the centre of the hose and work to two sides. This minimizes the need for trimming. 
  • Additional drippers can easily be added with a hand punch. In Cobra drippers the hole can be cleaned up with the supplied brass wider.  

Starting up the dripping hose

  • Polyethylene is resistant to a variety of chemicals such as acid, chlorine and fertilizers, but it is not resistant to soapy products. Please take this into account. 
  • When installing couplings, use only water as a lubricant. Make sure that the PE is correctly pushed through the rubber ring in the coupling. 
  • After assembly, rinse the tube thoroughly to remove any dirt in the tube. 
  • PE tube has a 'memory', which means that it wants to keep the form in which it has been for a long time. The combination of temperature and time also influences this. Normally, after a few weeks, kinks and bends in the tube will go away. Curved microtubes don’t cause reduced release. By heating the hose, kinks can easily be removed. 
  • Even small leaks around the punched hole normally close again. If Cobra drippers have become too hot during storage, constriction of the microtube may occur. By pushing the microtube a few millimetres deeper into the hose, a good seal is created again.

Remove drippers

  • If drippers need to be replaced, cut them off just above the main tube and do not pull them out of the hose, but push the remainder of the dripper into the hole. 
  • Seal the hole with a dummy.
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Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Ben Peters will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.

How to use a dripping hose

Irrigation by means of a drip system enables you to achieve maximum yield and quality with a minimum use of water and fertilizers. However, it is important that you handle the dripping hose correctly. That is why we have drawn up a user recommendation for the dripping hose.
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Ben Peters, Technical account manager
Ben Peters
Technical Account Manager | July 1, 2021 | 3 min. reading time
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Dripping hose

Receipt of the dripping hose

  • A sticker with instructions for use is attached to each pallet with dripping hoses. Read it carefully and follow the instructions. 
  • Check the quality of the dripping hose immediately upon receipt. If you notice any deviations, please state this directly on the delivery note. 
  • The dripping hose must be stored out of the sun (inside) to prevent damage from excessive temperatures. 
  • After receipt, the dripping hose must be unrolled within 3 weeks to prevent unnecessary leaks or deformation. 
  • Avoid throwing or rough handling the hose. Doing so may cause damage. 
  • There is a production sticker on the hose. Leave the sticker on the hose. In the event of a complaint, this production data may be required. 

Rolling out the dripping hose

  • Before unrolling, the drip irrigation hose must be at the correct temperature for at least 24 hours: a minimum of 15 °C and a maximum of 25 °C. 
  • It is strongly recommended to roll the hose out from a vertical reel on a pipe rail trolley. 
  • Make sure that polyethylene has elongation and shrinkage. For safety, keep 1-2% extra length if hoses are attached during hot weather (expansion of polyethylene is 0.02%: 2 cm per degree Celsius temperature difference per 100 meters). 
  • Hoses are equipped with at least 0.5 m extra blind hose (without drippers) before and after the drippers. 
  • Start by inserting the connectors into the centre of the hose and work to two sides. This minimizes the need for trimming. 
  • Additional drippers can easily be added with a hand punch. In Cobra drippers the hole can be cleaned up with the supplied brass wider.  

Starting up the dripping hose

  • Polyethylene is resistant to a variety of chemicals such as acid, chlorine and fertilizers, but it is not resistant to soapy products. Please take this into account. 
  • When installing couplings, use only water as a lubricant. Make sure that the PE is correctly pushed through the rubber ring in the coupling. 
  • After assembly, rinse the tube thoroughly to remove any dirt in the tube. 
  • PE tube has a 'memory', which means that it wants to keep the form in which it has been for a long time. The combination of temperature and time also influences this. Normally, after a few weeks, kinks and bends in the tube will go away. Curved microtubes don’t cause reduced release. By heating the hose, kinks can easily be removed. 
  • Even small leaks around the punched hole normally close again. If Cobra drippers have become too hot during storage, constriction of the microtube may occur. By pushing the microtube a few millimetres deeper into the hose, a good seal is created again.

Remove drippers

  • If drippers need to be replaced, cut them off just above the main tube and do not pull them out of the hose, but push the remainder of the dripper into the hole. 
  • Seal the hole with a dummy.
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Ben Peters will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Ben Peters Technical account manager
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Feedwater is administered to the substrate by means of a plug. This plug is part of a drop set and is always used in combination with a dripper and microtube.

How do you clean the drip system after cultivation?
The drip system ensures precise water delivery to your crops. Contamination with waterborne pathogens, germs, and algae can lead to biofilm formation, which is harmful to your crops. Regular cleaning is crucial.