When would you typically decide to upgrade to a larger diameter pipe?

Upgrading to a larger diameter pipe is often necessary to reduce pressure loss within an irrigation system. As water flows through a pipe, friction between the water and the interior surface of the pipe causes a drop in pressure. This is known as head loss. The larger the diameter of the pipe, the less frictional surface area there is for the water to encounter, which minimizes the pressure drop over distance.

When system flow rates are high, a smaller diameter pipe may become insufficient, leading to increased pressure losses. By opting for a larger diameter pipe, the system can maintain better pressure, allowing for more efficient water delivery and reducing the likelihood of issues such as inadequate distribution to plants.

While consistent low pressure could suggest the need for an upgrade, the focus should be on determining the root cause of this issue, which often relates to pressure loss due to inadequate pipe sizing. Thus, the decision to upgrade to a larger pipe is primarily motivated by the desire to improve system efficiency and performance through reduced pressure loss.