A well-maintained sprinkler system promotes an eco-friendly environment and avoids problems like under and overwatering.
It keeps your grass growing in a healthy way, and the sprinkler system in your lawn should be in the best shape.
So, to preserve a stunning landscape and boost the value of your property, sprinkler system maintenance is essential.
To keep your irrigation system running and converse water, we will help you create a sprinkler system maintenance checklist.
Read More: Sprinkler Installation 101: How to Install an Underground Sprinkler System
Significance of Sprinkler System Maintenance
You should perform regular sprinkler system maintenance at least twice a year.
In this way, you can preserve the health and aesthetic appeal of your landscape while saving time and money by keeping your irrigation system in good working order.
Below, there are several benefits of sprinkler system maintenance:
- To maintain your system current and operating correctly
- Keeping your yard and grass lush and healthy
- Keep your lawn free of puddles and dry patches
- Identify problems beforehand so they don’t lead to larger ones that require costly fixes or replacements
- Avoid water waste by preventing uneven, excessive, and underwater watering
- Maintain low water bills
- Increase the irrigation system’s lifespan
Learn More: Lawn Care Cost: How Much Does Lawn Care Cost In Canada
Sprinkler System Maintenance Checklist: 10 Steps to Follow
Here are the effective sprinkler system maintenance tips:
1. Consistent Inspection
For sprinkler system maintenance, you need to systematically inspect the system.
It allows you to identify possible issues before they become serious.
Some of the important issues that you can spot during sprinkler system maintenance include:
- Misting sprinkler heads
- Misdirected sprinkler heads
- Broken water lines
- Leakage
Any of these issues may cause you to waste water and spend more money than is necessary.
By using water fixtures that work efficiently and are free from leakages, you can use 20 percent less water.
That aside, these problems that may seem minor can worsen with time and require more expensive repairs in the future.
2. Make a Schedule According to Seasons
During different seasons, the watering needs of your grass change.
For instance, your grass and landscaping don’t require as much water in the spring as they do in the middle of July.
In such situations, sprinkler system maintenance ensures that it delivers less water or reduces the watering frequency as the fall temperatures drop.
Furthermore, the requirements for watering different areas of your land will change. The area with maximum sun exposure will have different watering needs as compared to the zone that is fully shaded.
To suit the irrigation requirements of each area, you need to adjust your zones when you proceed with sprinkler system maintenance.
Also Read: New Sod Watering Schedule: How Often To Water New Sod
3. Examine the Valves
During sprinkler system maintenance, you shouldn’t turn a blind eye to the valves. These valves are located on a sprinkler system and on each individual sprinkler head.
The central valve may be buried below or situated above ground depending on the situation. All you have to do to check the valves is make sure that no water is seeping out of them.
These valves are there only to lock in water and make sure it goes to the right places. Your sprinklers won’t function properly if there is a problem in the valves.
Your grass and landscaping require one inch of water every week for optimal health.
Generally, a good system delivers an inch of water in fifteen minutes. To test that, you can place tuna cans in various watering zones.
After that, run your sprinkler system for fifteen minutes. Once the allotted fifteen minutes have passed, measure the amount of water in the zone’s cans using a ruler.
If the water is any less than one inch, you may have to check for leaks, unclog sprinkler heads, or calibrate your system.
4. Unclog the Sprinkler Heads
Short-length grass or soil clumps may affect your irrigation system and congest sprinkler heads.
This may happen after you mow the lawn. So, especially, when you cut the lawn, sprinkler system maintenance becomes mandatory.
Thus, it is important that you periodically examine each sprinkler head to look for blockage.
You can carefully unscrew or remove your sprinklers from the pipe and use a mild cleaning solution if they require a deeper cleaning.
You can use a moist cloth to gently clean any possible filters inside the sprinkler.
If your system receives hard water, the sprinkler system may start to corrode.
Therefore, if you notice rust in the sprinkler heads, you can soak the affected components of the system in household rust remover to break up calcium or mineral buildup.
5. Correctly Align the Sprinkler Heads
Some of your sprinkler heads may be pointing in the incorrect direction. Then, during the sprinkler system maintenance, you should modify them.
The procedures for different types of sprinkler heads vary, such as rotary sprinkler, pop-up heads, pendant heads, sidewall, upright sprinkler heads, and many more.
To make adjustments to a stationary sprinkler head, look for the spray radius adjustment screw located at the top of the nozzle. You can turn the screw clockwise to reduce the water pressure.
You must make adjustments to pop-up sprinkler heads with the screw at the top of the nozzle with a flat-head screwdriver. In this type, you can turn the screw clockwise to reduce the spray’s width.
If you haven’t done it before, follow the instructions in the instruction manual. Normally, you don’t need any specialized tools to adjust the head of the sprinkler system.
6. Find Leakages in the System
Leaks are one of the most common issues that you will come across during sprinkler system maintenance.
Numerous things, including faulty installation, poor connections, and broken pipes or fittings, can result in leaks.
It’s critical to fix any pooling water in your lawn or bubbling water coming from a sprinkler head when your system is off as soon as possible to prevent water waste and potential damage to your lawn.
Each month, hundreds of gallons of water may be wasted due to a single leaking sprinkler. Hence, it shouldn’t go unnoticed.
In the dry summer months, when more irrigation is required for your landscaping, you need to be more careful with leakage inspection.
7. Use Waterproof Connectors
You must waterproof the wire connections to guarantee secure and efficient functioning during sprinkler system maintenance.
Even if you didn’t receive the waterproof connectors on your sprinkler system, it is better to replace them.
Waterproof connections are reasonably priced and available at most home improvement stores.
You can apply a premium sealant to the waterproof connectors of your sprinkler system to offer it an additional layer of defense. Adding this to your sprinkler system maintenance checklist ensures it remains sturdy and safe and supports less moisture exposure.
8. Adjust to the Right Pressure
Different water pressures and volumes may be needed for different areas of your grass. During the sprinkler system maintenance, you have the opportunity to double-check the water pressure.
For example, high-pressure sprinklers are not suitable for small trees, shrubs, or gardens, and places that receive direct sunshine may require additional watering throughout the day.
For gardens or plants that require light soaking, low-volume or drip-watering sprinklers are sufficient.
The kind of soil in your yard should also be taken into account. If your soil is very dry or contains a lot of clay, you will need to change the timing of your sprinklers to provide a deeper soak.
9. Improve Your Sprinkler System
Even though sprinkler system maintenance can help it last for many years, you must understand sprinkler systems aren’t built to last a lifetime.
If your irrigation system is approaching 10, 15, or 20 years old, you should consider modifying it.
Modern designs, such as smart control systems, offer further technical advantages and contribute to increased energy efficiency.
These are the two popular upgrades to consider for your sprinkler system:
Placing a Rain Shut-off Switch
These affordable sensors can be added to practically any irrigation system, helping to compensate for natural rainfall by turning off the system during wet weather.
Integrate Smart Technology Features
Sensor-based controls assess the soil moisture content or the weather in your area and automatically modify the watering schedule to suit your lawn’s unique requirements.
10. Check the Voltage of the System
Sprinkler systems use electricity to control the flow of water. Hence, checking the system’s voltage at least once a year should be added to your sprinkler system maintenance checklist.
The ideal voltage range for your sprinkler system is between 22 and 28 volts. Its voltage should ideally be at 24, but perfection is optional. To measure the voltage you need a multimeter.
If the voltage drops below this range, you should call a professional to handle the issue.
Avoid attempting to resolve this issue on your own at all costs because electrical work is often intricate and hazardous.
By taking a few minutes to stroll around your property, you can’t identify the voltage and insulation problems. So, to maintain the health of your lawn and prevent water and energy wastage, it is better to look for the best sprinkler system maintenance in Westchester.
Top 3 Tips on How to Increase Your Sprinkler System’s Durability
Sprinkler system maintenance will maximize its lifespan and return on investment.
Regular maintenance lowers the risk of system failure by assisting in the early detection of wear and tear and the fast resolution of problems.
When enhancing the system lifespan, keep the following aspects in mind:
1. Winterize Your Sprinkler System
You need to give your sprinkler system some time to winterize as the seasons change.
Doing this, particularly in regions like Canada, may help shield your system from freezing-related damage and ensure it’s ready for the upcoming growth season.
First off, you need to cut off the water supply to your sprinkler system. The next step is to completely empty the water from the sprinkler heads and pipes.
Finally, to prevent freezing, insulate exposed pipes or valves.
2. Prevent Backflow
Backflow preventers shield your water supply from contaminating water in the opposite direction.
By being inspected and tested, backflow preventers can help maintain a clean water supply and guard against sprinkler system damage.
3. Don’t Compromise on Quality
Your sprinkler system’s robustness and lifespan depend on your investment in high-quality parts. Checking and replacing worn-out or subpar parts during sprinkler system maintenance can also increase its longevity and overall performance.
FAQs
How can I keep the sprinkler heads from clogging?
Dust and debris should be routinely removed from sprinkler heads. Installing a filter is another way to avoid system clogs.
When should I change the watering schedule?
Seasonally modifying the timetable includes watering during the hottest months and decreasing during the colder or wet ones to prevent overwatering.
Why do watering patterns get uneven with a sprinkler system?
Low water pressure, clogged heads, and improper nozzle settings can all lead to uneven watering. Cleaning the heads and changing the settings can usually resolve the issue.
Contact Sprinkler System Maintenance Near Me
With proper sprinkler system maintenance, it is less likely for sudden problems to arise. You can prolong the life of your sprinkler system and save money by identifying issues early on.
Therefore, it should only be handled by qualified and certified landscaping experts in Mississauga. These specialists thoroughly evaluate your sprinkler system before winterizing and reopening it in the spring.