Smart Irrigation Month is here, and we’re sharing some practical micro-irrigation tips that can make your job easier, and your installs run smoother. One simple upgrade that delivers big benefits is the Retro Drip Adapter.
If you’re tired of spray heads in landscape beds that waste water, cause runoff, and lead to callbacks, this adapter helps convert outdated spray systems to efficient drip irrigation, which saves you time in the field and reduces maintenance headaches for your clients.
Spray heads are great for lawns, but when you are working with shrubs, garden beds, or anything near sidewalks, they can be a pain. Overspray wastes water, wet walkways, and can cause runoff.
Plus, spray zones in landscape beds also tend to generate more maintenance calls due to clogged heads, broken pipes, and unhappy customers. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots, reducing waste, eliminating dry spots, and promoting healthier plants.
“Converting existing overhead systems to drip systems can immediately save a minimum of 50% water,” says Kelly Keicher, Regional Manager at Landscape Products. “Drip allows for water and fertilizer to be delivered directly to the root zone. It applies water slower, letting it move deeper and encouraging stronger root growth.”
The Retro Drip Adapter makes switching from sprays to drip irrigation simpler and more efficient. It installs quickly without digging or replacing valves, so you can upgrade existing systems with minimal hassle.
To get the most out of this adapter, pair it with the right dripline or emitters based on your planting zones. For dense shrubs, use a dripline with a barbed swivel for easy connection and coverage. For more open areas or sparse plants, compression swivels with polyethylene tubing work well. Don’t forget to seal off unused risers to avoid leaks and wasted water.
By focusing on these practical steps, you can speed up installations, reduce maintenance calls, and deliver a system that saves water and keeps plants healthy.
For dense planting areas like shrubs or tightly spaced perennials, the barb swivel connection paired with EZ-ID CV dripline provides flexible routing and targeted water delivery. The check valve feature in the dripline helps reduce low-point drainage in systems with elevation changes.
For more open or sparsely planted zones, using a compression swivel with 710 PE tubing allows for longer runs and easy emitter placement right where it’s needed. Always cap unused risers with sprinkler shut-off caps to avoid leaks and maintain system efficiency.
Contractors across the country are switching to drip irrigation systems to meet water regulations, reduce labor, and improve landscape performance.
As Kelly Keicher explains, “There are fewer moving parts with drip irrigation. That means less wear and tear and simpler repairs. Maintenance is still required, but usually it’s just replacing a fitting or popping in a new emitter.”
For those upgrading existing spray systems, the Retro Drip Adapter makes the transition easier. It speeds up installation by eliminating the need for new piping or valve replacements while automatically managing pressure and filtration. This helps prevent overspray and reduces callbacks caused by clogs or broken heads.
Smart Irrigation Month is about making smarter choices that benefit your business and your customers. Whether you are a contractor working commercial jobs or a residential contractor updating your customers landscape, this adapter delivers fast returns on water and labor savings.
Find the Retro Drip Adapter and other drip system components at Ewing. Our team can help you design and install more efficient irrigation systems, from retrofits to new projects.