Originally Posted by
Super Sapper
I would use the 5/16 drop as it gives you more options and will not hinder the vacuum with the elevation drop you have. It will also lesson the pull back into the hole. Use an inexpensive spout the first year and then go to the CV the next year. I would plan on changing the drops every 2 to 3 years also.
I used 3/16 drops on 3/16 laterals when I started 3 years ago. in 2018 I replaced them all with 5/16 drops and used cv spouts. This year I used economy spouts since I never did see sap pull more than 10-12 inches back up the drop lines at night. I DID have cv spouts plug up here & there, but that's not why I stopped using them. My decision is based solely on price. All of my drops started at 36". I'm also in southernmost Ohio and our season is shorter anyway due to latitude (38ish) and altitude (600 ish).
'12 15 jugs - Steam pans
'17 125 3/16 - 18" x 72" drop flue on homemade arch
'18 240 3/16 - Deer Run 125
'19 450 3/16 - Converted RO to electric/added a membrane
'20 600 3/16 - Maple Pro 2x6 Raised Flue, added AOF/AUF
'21 570 3/16 - Built steam hood, Smoky Lake filter press
'22 800 3/16 - Upgraded RO to 4 4x40
'23 500 3/16 - Re-plumbed RO, new "Guzzler"
'24 500 3/16 - Steam Away, DIY 8x40 RO