Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you have a representative in my area?
Our sales representatives can refer you to one of Antelco’s authorized distributors located in your area. Antelco has representatives serving all territories in the U.S. Please refer to our list of representatives on this site to find a sales representative that serves your area. If you should require additional assistance concerning this matter, please feel free to contact our customer service department.

2. How do I request additional product information? Where can I download your product catalog?
Adobe Acrobat PDF files of product manuals, as well as our catalog, may be downloaded directly from this web site. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact our customer service department.

3. What is your warranty?
Antelco Corporation warrants to its trade customers that its products will be free from original defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of delivery.

4. How do I check water flow and pressure (what pressure does the system operate at most efficiently)?

• Water Flow
Poly Tubing-Flow Rate ¼” = 0-15
gph		 ½” = 15-320 gph ¾” = 320-600 gph
Existing Flow Rate-Maximum Measure the flow rate at the source. With the faucet is completely open, time the seconds it takes to fill a one-gallon container and convert to gallons per hour.
Total Flow Rates When grouping the drippers, sprays or mini sprinklers together, total the flow rates of all on a circuit and compare the total with the maximum flow rate of the water source. If the flow rate of any circuit is more than 75% of the source’s maximum flow, re-group the emitters or add a circuit.
 
Seconds gpm gph
4 15 900
6 10 600
8 7.5 450
10 6 360
12 5 300
14 4.3 257
16 3.75 225
18 3.3 200
20 3 180
 
gpm : Gallons Per Minute
gph :  Gallons Per Hour
• Water Pressure
The operating pressure is most efficient at approximately 15 – 30 psi . Optimal operating pressure is 25 psi. Pressure can be obtained by using a pressure gauge connected to the water source.

5. What are some of the essential components for a drip system?

• Valve (either automatic or manual – the use of an anti-siphon valve that has a built-in backflow preventer can save you money)
• Backflow Preventer (please contact your local water authority for more information)
• In-Line Filter (drip emitters have small openings that can become easily clogged)
• Pressure Regulator (this is a requirement if your water pressure is over 40 psi )
• Emitters  
• Mainline Tubing (usually ½” or larger)
• Drip Tubing (micro tubing of ¼”)
• Adapters &      Fittings  
• End Cap  

6. Can I install different types of sprinklers on the same line?
Yes, assuming that you have enough water flow. The goal is to achieve matched precipitation.

7. Can I hook up to an existing sprinkler head?
Yes, this is done by retrofitting a manifold or adapter to reduce flow.

8. What should I do with my irrigation system during the winter (winterize)?
You can winterize your system by simply blowing air through your system to drain the system for the winter months. In addition, a micro drip system is so flexible that it can be broken down and stored in a garage during the winter.

9. If I punched a hole in the wrong place on my mainline tube, what can I do to fix the problem?
This problem can be easily fixed by simply inserting a Goof Plug to fill an unwanted hole.

10. Do water restrictions apply for drip or low-volume? Will it save me money to use this type of system?
In most counties, drip or low volume irrigation is exempt from water restrictions. Contact your local water authority for more information.

11. What is the difference between the Shrubbler® product and the Spectrum 360™ Jet?

• Shrubbler® The Shrubbler® is a DRIPPER with a patented adjustable flow system. Watering can be varied from a gentle stream pattern to a drip shut off. Suitable for small pots, big tubs, planter boxes, garden beds, landscaped gardens and nurseries.
• Spectrum 360™ Jet The Spectrum 360™ Jet is an adjustable full circle vortex SPRAY jet with fine water droplets. The diameter can be reduced by simply rotating the cap. Suitable for a variety of landscape, nursery, potted plants and garden watering.

12. Why should I use micro irrigation?
There are several reasons for using micro drip irrigation:

• Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of irrigation – while conventional sprinklers are approximately 75-85% efficient, micro drip systems are typically 90% efficient due to much lower levels of water usage (or waste).
• Drip irrigation can provide water savings over conventional sprinkler irrigation.
• Weed growth is significantly reduced due to the fact that drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of the plant, therefore, only a small portion of the soil’s surface around the plant is kept moist with the necessary water requirements.
• Drip systems can easily be installed in any new area, these systems can even replace an existing sprinkler system due to the retrofitting properties of micro drip system components.
• Plant fertilization is made easier by allowing you to apply water soluble plant food directly through the filter and then to the drip system which delivers the fertilizer directly to the plant’s root zone.
• Drip irrigation is a flexible system that allows you the versatility of using the system for a variety of watering applications including, but not limited to: landscaped gardens, garden beds, container plants, shrubs, planter boxes, big tubs, nurseries, street trees, driveways, and hanging baskets.
• The tubing required for a drip irrigation system can either be buried or left above ground (if left above ground, the tubing can be covered with mulch).
• The primary goal of using a drip irrigation system is to have HEALTHIER PLANTS. Plant stress is minimized due to the optimal growing environment that drip irrigation provides for plants. Drip irrigation provides the ideal soil moisture level for the facilitation of faster growing period, as well as healthier, more beautiful plants.