A sprinkler system is a fantastic investment for homeowners looking for maximum convenience and efficiency when taking care of their yard or garden. However, as with most worthwhile investments, a sprinkler system requires a certain amount of maintenance. Here is a guide to keeping your sprinkler system in tip top condition for many months and years to come.
Know how to inspect the system
Always take a few minutes at the beginning of each new season, as well as in the middle of each season, to inspect your irrigation system thoroughly, checking for potential flaws and any damage. Start by examining the controller and ensuring that it is functioning as it should. It’s often a good idea to replace the back-up battery every few months and to make doubly sure that all sensors and wires are connected. Don’t forget to switch on each individual zone in your yard to check for damage.
Pay special attention to the sprinkler heads and spray heads, as these tend to incur damage the most frequently compared to other parts of your irrigation system. In particular, check for leaks and dirt build-up. It is also important to carefully realign the sprinkler heads as per the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure even watering.
Finally, make sure that you flush the system at the start of each season. This will help to prevent blockages and allow water to flow freely.
Call on the professionals
It is recommended that you have your sprinkler maintained at least every three to six months to ensure that it remains in good working order. However, if you live in an area that sees freezing temperatures, it is also a must to have the system winterized during fall, at least a few weeks before the frosty weather is set to hit. This process involves adequately flushing the sprinkler lines to prevent freezing and damage throughout wintertime.
Finally, if you are ever in doubt regarding the operation of your sprinkler system, do not hesitate to make use of professional sprinkler repair services in Cypress, Texas. The longer that you wait to rectify a problem, the more expensive the fix is likely to be.
Adjust your timers
Your yard will require more water during the spring and summer months and less water during fall and winter in order to thrive, so don’t neglect to adjust your control timers as necessary. Having your irrigation system running as per normal when it’s colder or rainier outside will do more than just waste water—it will result in more significant wear and tear on your system, too.
Know how efficient your sprinkler system actually is
How certain are you that your yard is getting the correct amount of water that it needs to thrive? Generally, your lawn and plants will require about an inch of water on a weekly basis to continue looking its best—although this will vary significantly from plant to plant. The great news, though, is that most sprinkler systems can deliver this amount of water in 15–20 minutes. However, as a system ages, it may become less effective and could require extra maintenance to deliver what it should.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea to lay out a few containers in different zones across your yard and switch the system on for 15 minutes. Next, investigate how much water each container has collected. This should give you a decent idea of how often to turn on your irrigation system and whether or not a bit of additional maintenance is needed. If the containers have collected less water than expected, you could have a leak on your hands, or you might need to rectify a few clogged sprinkler heads.
Install a rain sensor
A rain sensor detects when rain has fallen and automatically stops the sprinkler system from switching on as a result. This is wonderful for keeping the system in tip top condition as it prevents it from operating when it isn’t necessary, thus reducing wear and tear over time. It is also a great way for conserving water in your yard and keeping bills to a minimum.
Ultimately, it is all about generating a good understanding of how your sprinkler system works and what it needs in order to continue operating at its best. Put in the work and rope in the professionals to assist and you can be sure that your sprinkler system will be operating as good as new for a much longer period of time.
