We know that many of you do all you can to avoid a service call. We understand! We designed our website to help the do-it-yourself folks. We hope the blog entries provide you with education and information to assist you as well.
The hot summer days are sure to show you very quickly where you are having an issue with your system. It is best to catch them before they show on your lawn- or worse - your water bill!
Your system, even if started by a professional in spring, will need to be checked by you at least once a month during the watering season. A weekly walk is even better. A simple check of the following five areas can go a long way toward helping keep your irrigation system running efficiently and your landscape looking great.
1. Misaligned heads: If any sprinkler heads are watering the street, patio, sidewalk or driveway, they’ve probably shifted from their original position and require a simple adjustment.
2. Obstructed heads: Taller grass around sprinkler heads may block your intended spray pattern and prevent water from reaching your lawn or other plants. Make sure you have at least 3- or 4-inch pop-up sprinklers to fully clear taller grass. You may also need to trim back overgrown plant material that could block the spray.
3. Broken parts: Sprinkler parts can sometimes be broken by lawnmowers or foot traffic. Replace any broken parts, being sure to match the spray pattern and distance for peak performance.
4. Clogged nozzles: Dirt, small rocks or other debris can occasionally clog sprinkler heads. Clogged heads will need to be cleaned. For do-it-yourselfers, this involves turning off the zone, unscrewing the nozzle and then rinsing the nozzle and filter screen in some clean water. Once cleared, the nozzle and filter screen should be put back into place, checking to make sure the spray is aligned properly.
5. Head-to-head coverage: For even, efficient watering, each sprinkler’s spray should just reach the next sprinkler head. Under-spray may result in dry spots that can eventually turn brown, while over-spray wastes water. A simple adjustment should take care of this problem.
Understandably, you may not be able to take care of all of these adjustments or repairs yourself, but knowing what to look for is half the battle. Knowing who to call when you are over your head takes care of the other half!
Have a super week!
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