5/16 tubing life

[randomseeker]

I am running 5/16 lateral tubing connected to 20 to 50 trees each run (gravity and lunchbox vacuum) and wondering when to replace the tubing. What is the normal life of the tubing when it is advisable to replace it?

[DrTimPerkins]

It depends. Lateral line tubing is often warrantied for a given lifespan....some for 5, 10, or 15 yrs. Check with the company you purchased from to determine what you bought. Generally it will reach or exceed the stated limit unless there is a defect of some sort. Semi-rigid tubing will last quite a while. Rigid tubing will typically last longer, however you may find that fittings start to lose their grip on it after 10 yrs or so.

This is a totally different question than how long should you have droplines in the woods, which will depend upon your choice of sanitation regime.

50 taps is probably too many for a vacuum line unless you have some decent amount of slope. It'll work for most of the season, but may be insufficient to carry the load during peak flows.

[ennismaple]

Bob - we replace ours on a 10 year cycle. Regardless if you leave it up or take down and re-stretch every spring you will find that at 10 years it is due for replacement!

[randomseeker]

Thanks guys. Appreciate it.