CS Irrigation Accessories
CS Flow Restrictors for Soaker Hoses
Flow-restricting connectors and flow control valves limit the water supply in suitable CS Soaker Hose systems. Learn when flow restriction is useful and why it does not replace a pressure reducer.
Understanding Water Flow
What Does a Flow Restrictor Do?
A flow restrictor reduces the possible water flow through a restricted opening in the connector or through a specially designed flow control valve. It is installed upstream of the relevant CS Soaker Hose run to limit the water supply.
Water Reduction: Under the conditions of one internal test, the measured flow rate decreased from approximately 15 litres per minute without flow restriction to approximately 5 litres per minute with flow restriction. This is a reduction of about two-thirds, leaving approximately one-third of the original flow rate. The actual reduction depends on the water source, inlet pressure and system configuration; these figures are not universal product specifications.
Recommended hose length: When using a flow restrictor, CS recommends a maximum of 50 m per Soaker Hose run, provided the product-specific maximum length does not require a shorter run. Because the porous hose releases water continuously along its length, sufficient water must still reach the end. Depending on the available water supply and installation conditions, a shorter run may be necessary.
Important: A flow restrictor does not regulate the water pressure to a defined operating level. The actual pressure downstream of the restriction depends on factors such as inlet pressure and water demand. When the system is not operating, high static pressure may also be present downstream of the restriction.
- Recommended maximum of 50 m per restricted run, subject to product specifications and sufficient water supply
- Available as a flow-restricting connector or flow control valve
- Consider pressure and flow rate separately
- Ensure sufficient water reaches the end of the irrigation run
Selection Guide
Flow Restrictor or Pressure Reducer?
The right component depends on more than just hose length. The water source, inlet pressure, pipe diameter, filters, elevation differences and the number of irrigation runs operating simultaneously are also important.
Limit Water Flow
Flow Restrictor
Up to 50 m per Restricted Run
Limits the possible flow rate at the inlet. CS recommends no more than 50 m per run with a flow restrictor, provided this does not exceed the permissible length for the specific hose model. A shorter run may be necessary if the available water supply cannot adequately serve the entire hose.
Does not replace the necessary regulation of operating pressure.
Limit Operating Pressure
Pressure Reducer
When Inlet Pressure Is Too High
Regulates the outlet pressure within the operating conditions specified for the particular model. Sufficient water flow is especially important for longer irrigation runs; additional flow restriction may be disadvantageous in these cases.
A pressure reducer does not increase the available water flow.
Connection Options
Which Versions Are Available?
The CS product range includes various flow-restricting connectors. The appropriate version depends on the Soaker Hose product line, the fittings used and the intended system configuration.
Quick Connection
Flow-Restricting Quick Hose Connector
1/2-inch quick hose connectors with integrated water flow restriction. Versions are available for different CS Soaker Hose product lines.
View the Startup Version in the ShopAdjustable Connection
Flow Control Valve with Flow Restriction
An integrated restriction limits the flow rate. The water supply can also be adjusted using the valve. It does not automatically replace a pressure reducer.
View the Flow Control Valve in the ShopDirect Connection
Flow-Restricting Starter Connector
For connecting a suitable Soaker Hose run to an appropriate supply line. Check the connections and compatibility with the respective hose variant before purchasing.
View Starter Connectors in the ShopInstallation and Inspection
Correct Installation in Four Steps
The exact installation position depends on the selected component design. It is important that the restricted water supply is assigned to the intended irrigation run.
Check the Water Flow Path
Determine the water source, inlet pressure, available water flow and number of irrigation runs operating simultaneously.
Select the Components
Choose a flow restrictor, filter, pressure reducer if necessary, and suitable fittings for the respective Soaker Hose product line.
Install at the Water Inlet
Install the intended connector upstream of the relevant Soaker Hose run. Check the seals and, where applicable, the direction of flow.
Check Operation
Connect the entire system, check water delivery along the irrigation run and reconsider the flow restriction if the water supply is insufficient.
Technical Overview
Technical Characteristics of Flow Restrictors
The following information describes how flow restrictors work and their typical designs. Material, opening diameter and connections vary depending on the accessory.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Limits the possible water flow through a restriction or a specially designed valve |
| Pressure Regulation | No reliable regulation to a fixed, defined outlet pressure |
| Typical Designs | Quick hose connector, starter connector, coupling or flow control valve with integrated flow restriction |
| Connection | Model-dependent; various versions for 1/2-inch click-connect systems and compatible CS Soaker Hose product lines |
| Applications | Suitable short Soaker Hose runs with an adequate water supply |
| Internal CS Test | Measured flow rate of approximately 15 L/min without restriction and 5 L/min with restriction in one test setup. This corresponds to about two-thirds less flow. Results vary with the operating conditions. |
| Length Guideline | Recommended maximum: 50 m per Soaker Hose run with flow restriction. A shorter limit specified for the hose model takes precedence; sufficient water supply to the end must be verified. |
| Combination | Select water filters and, if necessary, pressure reducers to suit the entire water flow path |
The test values above describe one internal measurement and are not guaranteed flow rates for every installation. No generally applicable maximum pressure rating can be specified without identifying the exact accessory variant. Observe the specifications of the individual product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About CS Flow Restrictors
Answers about pressure, hose length, installation and combination with other components.
Is a Flow Restrictor the Same as a Pressure Reducer?
No. A flow restrictor limits the possible water flow. A suitable pressure reducer regulates the operating pressure within its specified working range. A restriction alone does not provide reliable protection against excessive static pressure.
What Hose Length Is a Flow Restrictor Suitable For?
CS recommends a maximum of 50 m per Soaker Hose run with flow restriction, unless the specifications of the hose or connector require a shorter length. As the hose releases water along its entire length, the available flow may become insufficient near the end. Water source, operating pressure, supply line and layout must be considered; shorter runs may be necessary.
How Much Can a Flow Restrictor Reduce Water Flow?
In an internal CS test, the measured flow rate decreased from approximately 15 L/min to 5 L/min, or by about two-thirds. This was measured under specific conditions and does not represent a fixed reduction for every installation.
Can I Combine a Flow Restrictor and a Pressure Reducer?
That depends on the water flow path. A pressure reducer may be required if the mains water pressure is high. However, additional flow restriction can limit the water supply and is not generally recommended, especially for longer irrigation runs.
Can I Retrofit a Flow Restrictor?
Retrofitting is possible with suitable connections and an adequate water supply. First, check the Soaker Hose product line, connection size, pressure conditions and the entire water flow path.
Why Does the Hose Release Hardly Any Water at the End?
One possible cause is insufficient available water flow. Check the filter, supply line, connectors, elevation differences and the number of irrigation runs supplied simultaneously. If a flow restrictor is installed, its suitability for the irrigation run should be checked.
Is a Flow Restrictor Suitable for the CS Soaker Hose Pressureless?
Not necessarily. Gravity-fed systems have only low available pressure. Additional flow restriction can further reduce the water supply. Suitability must therefore be assessed individually.
Find Suitable Accessories
Choose the Right Flow Restrictor for Your CS Soaker Hose
Information about the Soaker Hose product line, irrigation run length, water source and inlet pressure helps determine whether a flow restrictor is suitable or a pressure reducer is required.