Our irrigation systems are the keys to keeping our lawns healthy, lush, and vibrant. However, just because our sprinkles do the watering for us doesn’t mean we can neglect them. Let’s explore some best practices for maintaining an irrigation system so you can keep your sprinklers running and your lawn green as summer rolls in.
Routinely Check Water Pressure
Water pressure plays a big role in the condition of your irrigation system. Too much pressure can result in undue stress on the system’s components, leading to leaks over time. On the other hand, too little pressure might not provide sufficient water, causing dry spots and unhealthy growth around your property.
Ideally, a residential irrigation system with sprinkler heads should operate between 30 and 50 psi. If yours is stuck with low water pressure, this could be a sign you need to replace your irrigation system altogether.
Clean the Sprinkler Heads
Dirt, grass clippings, and other natural elements can clog or obstruct sprinkler heads over time. As you can imagine, this can lead to inefficient watering and potentially cause patches of your lawn to brown and wither.
Cleaning sprinkler heads is simple; all you need to do is gently remove debris by hand or with a small brush. At the same time, you can check the sprinklers for damage. If you notice wear and tear, replacing the nozzle or the entire sprinkler head can help to maintain the system’s efficiency.
Flush the System
Flushing your irrigation systems is a great way to get a deeper clean on your sprinkler heads and remove clogs you can’t remove with brushing. Small particles and sediments can build up in the pipes, causing blockages or reducing water flow to sprinkler heads.
Flushing the system at the beginning of the watering season is ideal for clearing out accumulated debris. To do this, open the end caps of the drip irrigation lines or the main valve of sprinkler systems, and let the water run for a few minutes.
Change the Schedule According to the Season
Your lawn requires more frequent watering to combat the intense heat of warm weather. Conversely, overwatering in cooler seasons can lead to soggy soil and root rot, jeopardizing the health of your lawn.
By customizing the watering timetable to match the seasons, you can prevent over- or underwatering mishaps. The good news is modern irrigation systems often have programmable timers that can simplify this process.
Conduct Regular Inspections
It may take time, but regularly inspecting your sprinklers is another best practice for maintaining your irrigation system. Examining the setup can prevent minor issues from escalating.
During these inspections, look for signs of leaks, inspect the condition of the sprinkler heads, and check for obstructions. Also, observe your system in action in order to spot uneven coverage or misdirected sprinklers that might water the pavement more than your lawn.
A little effort in maintaining your irrigation system keeps your outdoor space lush, vibrant, and flourishing. Roll up your sleeves, and give your irrigation system the care it deserves—it’ll pay off in the form of a beautiful, healthy lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
