When you care about your property’s looks, having a sprinkler system makes that task easy. However, maintaining an installed sprinkler system isn’t always an easy task. Using our 10 tips to maintain your sprinkler system will keep you on track and your system working at peak efficiency. Trust Pro Sprinkler Systems Inc to help you with all your sprinkler system needs!
Why Sprinkler System Maintenance Is Important
The most important reason to maintain your irrigation system is to prolong the life of all the individual components. Proper maintenance helps components last longer and keeps your system running consistently. A well-maintained sprinkler system saves water and component repair/replacement costs.
With any installed sprinkler system, you have invested. On more significant properties, the initial costs can be pretty high. Taking care of the system means that you are actively protecting your investment. It also means that your system will consistently perform well to keep your lawns and gardens looking their best.
Hiring a Contractor to Maintain Your Sprinkler System
If you don’t have the time to perform maintenance on your irrigation system or lack the appropriate technical knowledge, you can always hire a professional contractor to maintain your equipment. When you hire a professional, they can set up a maintenance schedule and take care of everything for you.
PRO Sprinkler Systems, Inc. is a prime example in Somers, New York. The company will provide complete maintenance services for commercial or residential sprinkler systems throughout the year. Their basic Maintenance package (PRO Level 1) includes the minimum, which is a Spring Start-Up check and Winterization to protect your system during the cold months.
The next level (PRO Level 2) includes the Level 1 services and an Early Summer check-up. The highest level (PRO Level 3) includes Level 1 and Level 2 steps while adding a Late Summer check-up. In addition to their regular maintenance plans, PRO Sprinklers can customize a maintenance plan designed around your system and your needs.
Do-It-Yourself Tips to Maintain Your Sprinkler System
That is also fine if you wish to perform do-it-yourself (DIY) sprinkler system maintenance. PRO Sprinklers has compiled a list of suggestions to keep your system operating at peak efficiency. Many people combine a lower-level professional maintenance program with their DIY maintenance practices.
Inspect the Entire System Monthly
Although it may seem tedious, you should check your irrigation system at least once monthly. The basics include checking for proper operation, checking for faulty sprinkler heads, checking for adequate water pressure, and inspecting the system for potential leaks. You want to ensure that the system turns on and off at the correct times, that adequate water pressure is supplied, and that all the sprinkler heads function correctly.
Check the Water Pressure
If you don’t have the means to check the actual pressure within the system, that’s OK. When appropriately pressurized, you can tell how the sprinkler heads activate. If they rise wholly and quickly, your pressure is adequate. When the sprinkler heads seem sluggish while rising, don’t raise ultimately, or are not spraying very far, you should have the system pressure checked by a professional.
Adjust Sprinkler Heads to Maximize Coverage
Depending on the design of your system, you should adjust the sprinkler heads to obtain specific coverage of the entire area. Periodic adjustments may be necessary as the sprinkler heads can shift over time. This check should be part of the monthly system inspection.
Use Smart Technology to Maximize Water Savings
Innovative technology is available for many everyday items around our homes, and sprinkler systems also have intelligent control panels. Innovative technology allows you to control run times automatically and ensure your system is running optimally. You can save money without worry during the rainy season by using smart seasonal settings.
Use a Rain and Freeze Warning Shut-Off Switch
These switches will automatically tell your system not to run during rain as a control panel function. The freeze warning will disable your system when temperatures are too low for proper operation in areas where freezing is possible. You should take additional steps before a freeze to protect your system when you experience an early freeze warning before winterizing your system.
Adjust the Watering Schedule Seasonally
Although you can manually adjust your watering schedule, intelligent control systems are another great feature. You can set your sprinkler system for seasonal changes and never worry.
Repair or Replace Damaged Components
Over time, components may break or become damaged. Reproducing or replacing damaged parts is essential to keep your sprinkler system running great.
Keep Sprinkler Heads Unobstructed
Obstructions include tall grass, overgrown shrubs, or even a soccer ball left out after a child’s playtime. To maintain continuous watering, it is crucial to ensure no obstructions block your sprinkler heads.
Use the “Cycle and Soak” Setting on the Sloping Terrain
If you have sloping terrain, you can use that to your advantage by utilizing a cycle and soak setting on the sprinklers in that zone. This allows more efficient use of water to cover the entire slope area.
Design Irrigation to Utilize Excess Run-Off
Another problem with sloped terrain is water runoff. Landscape designs can use the runoff, such as rock “canals,” to direct the excess water to a specific area. Using runoff saves water and aids in keeping your entire yard looking fantastic.
Evaluating Your Water Usage
Whether you are doing DIY system maintenance or hiring a professional company, evaluating your overall water usage is essential. Knowing how much water you use will help with budgeting. It can also be instrumental during drought conditions where usage is regulated and limited.
There is a rather complex formula for determining your exact irrigation needs for each inch of grass in your lawn. We won’t bore you with the specifics, but you can read about them in this report on irrigation and drainage. The basic premise is to ensure adequate irrigation without drowning your lawn.
If you want to maintain your system, we hope these tips to maintain your sprinkler system have helped. You can still enlist the assistance of a professional company such as PRO Sprinkler Systems.
Have Your System Professionally Audited Yearly
Even if you perform DIY maintenance on your irrigation system, you should contact PRO Sprinkler Systems to conduct an annual audit. Their technicians will thoroughly check your entire system to keep your lawn looking its best.
If you would like to contact PRO Sprinkler Systems, fill in the information on the Contact Form and submit it. You may also call one of our convenient locations:
Phone — 914-277-3827
Dominic DeSanto, the owner of PRO Sprinkler Systems, Inc., has a simple philosophy shared by his entire staff. “Provide a Good Job at a Fair Price.” They will happily help you with tips to maintain your sprinkler system.