Rain Bird drip irrigation kit retrofit 1/4" – 6-emitter with 30 psi regulator & 200‑mesh filter

This retrofit kit replaces an existing 1800 Series spray head (or other pop-ups with a 1/2" bottom inlet) to deliver water directly to roots via 1/4" tubing and six pressure-compensating outlets. The assembly includes a built-in 30 psi pressure regulator and a 200-mesh filter to protect emitters and ensure even flow, making it a simple solution to reduce water waste, limit surface runoff, and target individual plants in beds and shrub areas.

How does the conversion work and how long does installation take?

Installation is designed for homeowners and pros: unscrew the existing spray head, attach the retrofit head and manifold, run the 1/4" tubing, then insert emitters where needed. Most installations take only a few minutes per head without digging when converting Rain Bird 1800 Series pop-ups.

• Remove old 1800 spray head and screw on retrofit assembly
• Attach manifold and unroll 50' of 1/4" tubing, cut to length
• Push emitters into tubing and secure with stakes near plant roots
• Flush before installing emitters to clear debris from lines

What components are included, and what do they do?

The kit is an all-in-one retrofit set: a pressure-compensating six-port manifold, a 1800-style retrofit head with integrated filter and regulator, a 50-foot roll of 1/4" tubing, six stakes, and six emitters (three 1.0 gph and three 2.0 gph). Together these parts create a low-volume, accurate delivery system for flowerbeds, shrubs, and small landscaped areas.

• 30 psi regulator: maintains consistent flow to each emitter
• 200-mesh filter screen: reduces clogging and maintenance
• Six outlets: three 1.0 gph and three 2.0 gph emitters for mixed-flow needs
• Stakes and tubing: position and secure emitters at the root zone

How much water and maintenance can I expect compared with spray irrigation?

Drip conversion focuses water at the root zone rather than spraying the surrounding surface, which often cuts water use by up to 40% compared to spray heads when other heads in the zone are capped. Because only plant roots are irrigated, you’ll typically see less surface evaporation and fewer weeds, though regular flushes and occasional filter checks are recommended.

• Potential water savings: up to 40% vs. spray irrigation
• Reduced weed growth: less moisture on surrounding soil surface
• Maintenance needs: periodic filter and emitter checks; flush after installation
• Capping unused heads recommended for optimal savings (1800CAPS sold separately)

Will this kit work with my existing sprinkler system and plants?

The retrofit is built for Rain Bird 1800 Series pop-up spray heads and any pop-up with a 1/2" bottom inlet; other head styles may require digging to remove old assemblies. The mix of 1.0 and 2.0 gph emitters suits a variety of plant water needs—use lower-flow emitters for established plants and higher-flow for thirsty specimens or sandy soils.

• Directly compatible with Rain Bird 1800 Series pop-up heads
• Other 1/2" bottom inlet pop-ups can be converted with minor excavation
• Emitter selection supports diverse plant types and soil conditions
• Use stakes to position flow precisely at each plant’s root zone

Who is this for: The Rain Bird CNV182EMS is ideal for homeowners, landscapers, and property managers who want to retrofit existing 1800 Series pop-up spray heads into efficient drip zones without extensive excavation. It suits flower beds, shrub lines, foundation plantings, and mixed landscapes where targeted watering, lower water bills, and reduced weed pressure are priorities. Choose this kit when you want a straightforward, professionally engineered conversion that includes pressure regulation, filtration, tubing, emitters and hardware to get a drip zone running quickly.