Quick verdict
A small valve for the end of a drip line that opens whenever pressure drops below about 2.5 PSI, so every watering cycle finishes by flushing sediment out and draining the line against freezing. Fitting it is a two-minute job, and it replaces the manual end-of-line flushing most people never do. DripWorks is an established drip specialist, which matters for a part you will forget about.
Strengths
- Opens automatically below about 2.5 PSI to flush and drain the line after each cycle
- Removes the sediment that would otherwise reach the last emitters
- Drains lines so trapped water cannot freeze and split tubing
- Available with female hose thread or 3/4 inch female pipe thread inlets
- Works with Easy Loc fittings on 1/2 and 3/4 inch mainline
Weaknesses
- Wastes a small amount of water at the end of every cycle
- Needs the line end accessible and somewhere the flush can drain
- One valve per line end; large systems need several
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
The Maintenance Step Nobody Does
Every drip manual says to open the end of each line a few times a season and flush the sediment out. Almost nobody does. DripWorks’ automatic flush valve does it for you. Fitted to the end of a line, it stays shut while the system runs and opens when pressure falls below about 2.5 PSI as the timer closes, so the last few seconds of every cycle push sediment out and the line drains. DripWorks has specialised in drip irrigation for decades, which is reassuring for a component you install and forget.
This review is based on DripWorks’ specifications and on how automatic flush valves work in drip systems generally. We have not run this valve ourselves.
What It Prevents
Three things. Sediment that settles at the end of a line and gradually blocks the last emitters is flushed each cycle. Post-cycle dripping, where a line slowly empties through the lowest emitter and overwaters one plant, stops because the valve drains the line instead. And water left standing in the tubing over a cold night cannot freeze and split it, because the line is empty.
Installation
Choose the inlet to match your line end: female hose thread for lines terminated in hose fittings, or 3/4 inch female pipe thread for Easy Loc adapters on 1/2 or 3/4 inch mainline. Thread it on by hand, point it somewhere the flush water can drain harmlessly and you are done. No tools, no cutting.
Water Use
The flush empties only the water standing in the tubing, a few cups on a typical bed line. Against the water saved by emitters that keep flowing evenly, it is negligible.
System Design
One valve per line end. A system with four runs needs four valves, or a loop that brings all ends to one point. For large systems that adds up, but the cost of a valve is still less than replacing clogged emitters along a run.
Winter
The valve drains the lines it serves, which prevents the most common freeze damage. Filters, regulators, timers and backflow devices at the tap still need to come indoors before a hard freeze.
Who Should Buy It
- Anyone with hard water or a well whose last emitters keep clogging.
- Cold-climate gardeners tired of split tubing each spring.
- Owners of timed systems who want maintenance to happen automatically.
Common Owner Complaints
The small puddle at each line end after a cycle, and systems with many line ends needing many valves. Both are inherent to the design.
Alternatives to Consider
A manual figure-eight end closure costs less but relies on you to flush. Rain Bird sells a similar automatic flush valve for its systems. Looping lines back to a single flush point reduces the number of valves needed.
Verdict
For a few dollars per line, this valve does the flushing and draining that keeps a drip system running evenly and protects it from frost, without anyone remembering to do it. For hard water, well water or cold winters it should be standard equipment.
Full specifications
DripWorks Automatic Flush Valve for Drip Irrigation FAQs
A spring holds it shut whenever the line is pressurised. When the timer closes and pressure falls below about 2.5 PSI, the spring opens the valve and the line drains.
Only what is in the tubing at the end of a cycle, a few cups on a typical bed line.
It drains the line it is fitted to, which prevents most freeze splits. Filters, regulators and timers still need removing before a hard freeze.
Hose thread if your line ends in a hose-thread fitting; 3/4 inch pipe thread for Easy Loc adapters on mainline.
