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Keeping your lawn and landscape healthy requires an efficient irrigation system. However, many homeowners need to pay more attention to the need for regular maintenance to ensure that their systems work correctly. The good news is that many of the things that can indicate a need for an irrigation repair are relatively subtle. This makes it even more essential to closely examine your system a few times during the growing season.
Inspect the Sprinkler Heads
A sound lawn irrigation system is essential for keeping your grass and plants healthy and vibrant. It can also help you save water and reduce your bill. A few simple checks distinguish between an efficient system and one that wastes valuable resources. Whether watering your lawn or hiring a professional, inspecting the sprinkler heads and nozzles is a good idea. The first step is to determine which heads spray water or mist and which aren’t. This will help you find any clogged or broken heads. Another critical step is to check the valves that distribute water throughout your yard. The valves, located above ground and underground, direct water from the main supply to individual sprinkler heads and coordinating areas of your grass. Valves that are damaged, leaking, or missing can cause irregular water pressure and wetter or drier areas of your yard. Check them regularly and look for any signs of disrepair, such as cracks, rips, or other marks.
Check the Pressure
If you have an irrigation system in place for your landscaping, it is a good idea to check the pressure in your sprinkler heads now and then to ensure that they are working efficiently. You can use a pressure gauge attached to the hose faucet near your water meter. You can also call your local water company and ask them for a reading of the pressure. They should be able to give you a more accurate reading based on the location of your home, the type of water your system uses, and any fluctuations in the city’s water supply. Another possible cause of low pressure is a leak in your sprinkler line. This can happen if your water line gets blocked by debris or the valve that controls the bar is closed or not functioning correctly. Other signs that you might leak into your system include persistently wet spots on the lawn or unusually green grass areas in one place.
Adjust the Schedule
One of the best ways to maintain an efficient lawn irrigation system is to set a schedule. This will buy back time for other projects and keep your lawn and garden healthy. First, figure out how much water your property and plants need. This can be done by placing a few empty tuna cans around your yard and measuring how long it takes for the sprinkler to fill each can. Next, create a watering schedule that applies the most water to your lawn and garden in the least amount of time. To ensure the best possible results, adjust your schedule according to a few factors, such as rainfall, weather, and soil type. The best time to water is early morning when there is less evaporation. A good watering schedule should include two or more start times to ensure that every zone gets the water it needs. Also, include a cycle/soak setting to allow the water to flow into your soil and prevent runoff.
