Irrigation System Maintenance: Efficient Watering
An automatic irrigation system is a fantastic tool for maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape while conserving water. However, it's not a "set-and-forget" system. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure it's operating efficiently, delivering water where it's needed, and not wasting it through leaks or misaligned heads. A seasonal check-up can save you water, money, and your landscape.
🌸 Spring Start-Up Checklist
Before you turn your system on for the season, perform these important checks.
🔍 What to Look For During Inspection
As each zone runs, you are looking for common problems:
Leaking or Broken Heads
Look for water gushing from the base of a sprinkler head, which indicates a broken seal or casing.
Clogged Nozzles
A head that sprays unevenly or in a distorted pattern is likely clogged with dirt. The nozzle can often be removed and cleaned.
Misaligned Heads
Heads can get knocked out of alignment. Adjust them so they are spraying the lawn or garden, not the sidewalk, driveway, or house.
Low Pressure
If a whole zone seems to have low pressure, it could indicate a hidden leak in the underground pipe or a problem with the zone valve.
🍂 Fall Winterization
Before the first freeze, your system must be properly winterized to prevent pipes from bursting.
This process, known as a "blow-out," involves shutting off the water supply and using a large air compressor to force all the water out of the pipes and sprinkler heads. Due to the high pressure required, this is a job best left to a professional to avoid damaging the system or causing injury.
An efficient irrigation system is key to a healthy landscape. The Box Advantage Group offers professional irrigation system start-up, maintenance, repair, and winterization services. Contact our groundskeeping team to schedule your seasonal service.
