I have the same system with very cheap T-tape and I can count on the runs under
wood chip mulch to last several years. I haven't noticed any clogged emitters, but I only usually check one per run per year. The back pressure on draining is very small, and I think anything that would clog would not get sucked in through the same diameter hole. My thin tubing is self collapsing, so I don't even need to drain it - it just goes flat with most of the water out when not pressurized..