What it does and which one to buy
A pressure regulator lowers the pressure coming from the faucet to the pressure drip parts are made for. Rain Bird gives a minimum of 15 psi and a maximum of 25 to 30 psi for a drip system; Raindrip designs its drip parts for 25 to 35 psi and says pressure over 35 psi will damage the system over time. Choose a regulator whose output suits your dripline and whose inlet rating covers your faucet’s pressure.
Why drip needs one
DIG says pressure above the drip range can pop emitters off the tubing, and high flow can damage emitters and micro sprinklers. Rain Bird’s Faucet Connection Kit, for example, includes a 25 to 30 psi regulator to reduce higher pressures.
What the makers publish
| Regulator | Outlet | Inlet and flow | Maker |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIG D46, 3/4 in. FHT x MHT | 25 psi preset | Up to 100 psi inlet, up to 10 gpm | DIG Corp |
| Regulator in Rain Bird’s Faucet Connection Kit | 25 to 30 psi | Inlet not stated | Rain Bird |
| Regulator in the Rain Bird GARDENKIT | 25 psi | Inlet not stated | Rain Bird |
An outlet rating is not an inlet limit. A 25 psi regulator delivers about 25 psi downstream; what it can accept from the faucet is a separate figure, and several makers do not publish it.
Where it goes
DripWorks says its regulators must go downstream of valves or timers, so they are not under constant pressure. The full order of backflow preventer, timer, filter and regulator differs between makers; follow the manual for your kit rather than a general diagram.
When it isn’t working
Water dripping from the small hole in the regulator. DIG gives four causes: the regulator sits before the timer or valve instead of after it, the line has too few drippers, dirt has collected under the regulator’s washer, or the faucet’s static pressure is above 100 psi. Start by taking out the washer and rinsing the regulator under running water.
Drippers popping off the tubing. Fit a pressure gauge at the far end of the line. If it reads more than the pressure the regulator is set to (25 psi for DIG’s), the regulator is at fault, DIG says; if not, look at the punch tool, since a worn or wrong one leaves holes that do not grip.
Kits that include one
The Rain Bird GARDENKIT includes a 25 psi regulator and the Epic Garden Watering System Starter Kit includes a regulator. The Vego Irrigation Kit has none; Vego gives a working range of 20 to 80 psi for it. The fit checker compares your faucet pressure with each kit’s published range.