Sprinkler to Drip Irrigation Conversion (DIY Guide)

If you already have a sprinkler system, you don’t always need to rebuild your irrigation from scratch.
In many residential gardens, especially in West and North Vancouver, you can convert an existing sprinkler zone into an efficient drip irrigation system with a few key components and a simple layout change.
This guide walks you through the exact process step by step so you can understand how a sprinkler system is converted into drip irrigation—and whether it’s a DIY job or something that needs adjustments.

DIY sprinkler to drip irrigation conversion using Rain Bird tubing in a North Vancouver garden.

✅ “No need to dig up your whole yard — convert an existing sprinkler zone in one afternoon.”

Should You DIY or Call a Pro?

FactorDIY ✅Call a Pro 🔧
Zone sizeSmall garden bedLarge or complex areas
Existing sprinkler SystemExisting system works wellExisting system has problems
Pressure regulationEasy add-onComplex manifold systems
Slope drainageMinimal slopeSevere slope (West and North Van)

What You Will Need (Parts List)

To convert a sprinkler zone into drip irrigation, you typically need:

  • Essential components:
    • Pressure regulator (25–30 PSI for drip)
    • Inline filter (prevents clogging)
    • Drip conversion adapter (sprinkler riser to pipe connection)
    • 17mm dripline
    • Fittings:
      • drip barbed couplings
      • tees
      • elbows
      • end caps or flush valves
    • Landscape staples (to secure tubing)
17mm barbed elbow fitting for drip irrigation system installation.
17mm barbed tee fitting for branching drip irrigation lines.
Figure-8 end closure for 17mm drip irrigation tubing.
Landscape staples used to secure drip irrigation tubing to the ground.

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Step 1: Turn off irrigation system

Shut off the controller and water supply to the zone you are converting.

Step 2: Access a sprinkler head

Choose a sprinkler head in the zone (usually near the garden bed edge).

Remove the sprinkler head and expose the riser or pipe connection.

Step 3: Install drip conversion assembly

Replace the sprinkler head with:

  • Pressure regulator
  • Inline filter
  • Drip adapter fitting

This is the most important step—drip systems fail without pressure control and filtration.

Step 4: Connect drip tubing

Attach 17mm dripline or drip tubing to the adapter.

Run tubing along planting areas, keeping it close to plants and root zones.

Step 5: Lay out drip system

  • Loop or branch tubing through garden beds
  • Space emitters or use built-in dripline spacing (15–30 cm typical)
  • Avoid sharp bends or kinks

Step 6: Flush and test system

Before closing ends:

  • Flush water through tubing for 30–60 seconds
  • Check for leaks
  • Confirm even water distribution

Step 7: Secure and finish installation

  • Pin tubing with landscape staples
  • Cover lightly with mulch if needed (do not bury deep)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. No filter installed
    • causes emitter clogging
  2. No pressure regulation
    • fittings pop off or system leaks
  3. Mixing sprinkler + drip on same zone
    • uneven watering and pressure issues
  4. Overcomplicating layout
    • keep drip simple and logical

System Limitations (Important Reality Check)

A sprinkler-to-drip conversion works best when:

  • The zone is dedicated to planting beds
  • You are not trying to water lawns and shrubs together
  • Water pressure is stable and consistent

If you have multiple planting areas or complex layouts, a full redesign of irrigation zones is usually more efficient.

Need a proper drip system design?

If you’re not sure how many zones, fittings, or dripline layout you need, you can use our planning tool:

👉 Drip Irrigation Planner Tool (design + parts list generator)

Or contact us for a professional irrigation upgrade.