What it does and which one to buy
A filter catches sand and grit before they block the tiny outlets in drip emitters. Makers use screens of about 150 to 200 mesh: Rain Bird’s faucet kits use 150 to 200 mesh, DIG’s D57A uses 155 mesh and Orbit’s hose-faucet filter uses 150 mesh. A higher mesh number means a finer screen.
What the makers publish
| Filter | Screen | Ratings | Maker |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIG D57A, 3/4 in. hose thread | 155 mesh | Up to 13 gpm, up to 100 psi | DIG Corp |
| Orbit 67735 hose faucet drip filter | 150 mesh stainless steel | Not stated on the page | Orbit |
| Filter in Rain Bird’s faucet and riser kits | 150 to 200 mesh | Not stated | Rain Bird |
| DripWorks hose-thread Y filters | 155 or 200 mesh | 120 psi maximum, not for constant pressure | DripWorks |
Where it goes
Put the filter before the dripline so every emitter gets filtered water. DripWorks says its hose-thread Y filters are not rated for constant pressure and must go after a timer or valve. Some emitters name the filtration they need: Rain Bird’s Xeri-Bug pressure-compensating emitters call for 150 mesh.
A filter is not backflow protection
A filter removes particles; it does nothing to stop garden water flowing back into the drinking supply. That is the job of a backflow preventer.
When it isn’t working
Drippers that have stopped. DIG’s fix: fit a filter of at least 150 mesh, open the end of the line and flush it, then turn the water on and hold a finger over the blocked dripper’s outlet for a few seconds to back-flush it. Rain Bird pries a dripper that stays blocked out of the tubing with its emitter tool and plugs the hole or fits a new dripper, and suggests flushing the system now and then to clear the sediment.
Kits that include one
The Rain Bird GARDENKIT includes a filter washer, the Epic kits include an inline sediment filter, and the Vego Irrigation Kit includes a stainless steel filter washer.