Rain Bird XFS dripline 1.6 l/h - 33 cm emitter spacing - 100 m - subsurface

Subsurface dripline for garden irrigation

Rain Bird XFS is a flexible, pressure-compensating dripline specifically designed for subsurface irrigation. It is suitable for lawns, planting beds, hedges, shrubs, ground cover and other landscaped areas where the irrigation tubing should remain hidden below the surface.

This version combines pressure-compensating emitters with a flow rate of 1.6 l/h, 33 cm emitter spacing and a 100 m coil. Water is delivered directly into the soil close to the plant root zone.

Copper Shield protects against root intrusion

The key difference compared with XFD on-surface dripline is Rain Bird Copper Shield technology. It protects the integrated emitters against root intrusion, allowing the dripline to be permanently installed below the soil surface.

No additional chemicals need to be routinely added to prevent root intrusion. This makes XFS particularly suitable for permanent irrigation systems where the dripline should remain hidden after installation.

Pressure-compensating 1.6 l/h emitters

The integrated emitters are pressure compensating and help maintain consistent water delivery along the dripline. This is particularly beneficial for longer lateral runs and installations with moderate elevation changes.

Each emitter delivers 1.6 litres of water per hour. With emitters positioned every 33 cm, there are approximately three emitters per metre, resulting in a calculated water delivery of approximately 4.8 l/h per metre.

33 cm spacing for uniform irrigation

The 33 cm emitter spacing provides closely positioned watering points below the soil surface. Moisture can spread through the surrounding soil to create a continuous irrigated zone along the dripline.

The actual distribution of water also depends on soil type. Water tends to spread further sideways in heavier soils, while it moves more quickly downward through sandy soils. Dripline row spacing should therefore be adapted to the soil, plants and irrigation requirements.

Suitable for subsurface lawn irrigation

XFS can be used not only below planting beds but also for subsurface irrigation of lawn areas. Water is delivered directly into the soil while the surface remains free from visible irrigation tubing.

Subsurface drip irrigation can also reduce unwanted watering of paths and areas outside the intended irrigation zone. This makes XFS particularly useful for narrow, irregular or difficult-to-irrigate areas.

Durable 16 mm dripline

Rain Bird XFS has an outside diameter of approximately 16 mm and an inside diameter of 13.6 mm. The wall thickness is 1.2 mm. Its dual-layer construction provides resistance to UV exposure, chemicals and algae growth.

The emitter design combines a wide flow path with self-flushing action, helping improve resistance to small particles and potential clogging.

Operating pressure and filtration

Rain Bird specifies an operating pressure range of 0.58 to 4.14 bar for XFS. Suitable filtration is required for reliable operation, with Rain Bird specifying 120 mesh, equivalent to approximately 125 microns.

Maximum water temperature is approximately 38 °C and maximum ambient temperature is approximately 52 °C. Rain Bird specifies that XF Dripline insert fittings should be used for subsurface XFS installations.

Long lateral runs possible

The maximum lateral length depends on the available inlet pressure and the specific XFS configuration. For this 1.6 l/h version with 33 cm emitter spacing, Rain Bird specifies a maximum lateral length of 104 m at 1.0 bar.

Maximum lateral length increases to 131 m at 1.7 bar, 144 m at 2.4 bar, 150 m at 3.1 bar and 175 m at 3.8 bar. Elevation changes and total available water flow must also be considered when designing the irrigation system.

Technical data and dimensions

• Manufacturer: Rain Bird
• Series: XF / XFS
• Model: XFS1633100
• Rain Bird part number: X48301
• Product type: Pressure-compensating dripline
• Installation: Subsurface
• Technology: Copper Shield
• Coil length: 100 m
• Emitter flow: 1.6 l/h per emitter
• Emitter spacing: 33 cm
• Emitters per metre: approx. 3
• Water delivery per metre: approx. 4.8 l/h
• Outside diameter: approx. 16 mm
• Inside diameter: 13.6 mm
• Wall thickness: 1.2 mm
• Operating pressure: 0.58 to 4.14 bar
• Required filtration: 120 mesh / approx. 125 microns
• Maximum water temperature: approx. 38 °C
• Maximum ambient temperature: approx. 52 °C
• Colour: Copper brown
• Pressure-compensating emitters
• Self-flushing emitter design
• Copper Shield root intrusion protection
• Compatible fittings: Rain Bird XF insert fittings
• Suitable for lawns, beds, hedges, shrubs and ground cover

Frequently asked questions about Rain Bird XFS

What is the difference between XFS and XFD?

XFS is specifically designed for subsurface installation and features Rain Bird Copper Shield technology to protect the emitters against root intrusion. XFD is primarily designed for on-surface irrigation of beds and landscaped areas.

How does XFS protect against root intrusion?

Rain Bird uses Copper Shield technology at the emitter to protect against root intrusion without requiring the routine addition or replacement of chemicals for root protection.

Can XFS be installed below a lawn?

Yes. Rain Bird specifically designed XFS for subsurface lawn irrigation as well as subsurface irrigation of shrubs, ground cover and other landscaped areas.

How much water does XFS deliver per metre?

Each emitter delivers 1.6 l/h. With emitters positioned every 33 cm, there are approximately three emitters per metre, resulting in approximately 4.8 l/h of water delivery per metre.

What diameter is XFS dripline?

Rain Bird XFS has an outside diameter of approximately 16 mm, an inside diameter of 13.6 mm and a wall thickness of 1.2 mm.

Which fittings should be used underground?

Rain Bird specifies XF Dripline insert fittings for subsurface applications. These fittings are designed for use with the XF dripline system.

Does XFS require filtration?

Yes. Rain Bird specifies 120 mesh filtration, equivalent to approximately 125 microns. Suitable filtration helps protect the integrated emitters and supports reliable long-term operation.

What is the maximum lateral length?

For this 1.6 l/h version with 33 cm emitter spacing, Rain Bird specifies up to 104 m at 1.0 bar, 131 m at 1.7 bar, 144 m at 2.4 bar, 150 m at 3.1 bar and 175 m at 3.8 bar inlet pressure.