Being a homeowner is an all-encompassing task. You’re required to oversee so many aspects of your home to make sure it continues to thrive.
Fortunately, modern-day devices have made it easier than ever for you to do just that!
Things such as an irrigation or sprinkler system for your home will provide the upkeep that you’ve been searching for.
However, that system doesn’t come without the need for proper system maintenance to make sure it continues to run smoothly.
All you need is to keep a watchful eye and understand the system you have in your lawn. Here are a few tips on proper maintenance for your irrigation system.
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- The “1 Inch” Rule
In order to know what you’ll be overseeing, you need to know what to keep an eye out for.
Typically, the rule of thumb for your sprinkler system is to provide an inch of water per week. No more, no less.
It’s vitally important for you to understand how many sprinklers it takes to successfully reach that 1-inch mark of water. Knowing that will help you keep a watchful eye on the production of said sprinkler system.
The system shouldn’t take any longer than 15-minutes to provide 1-inch of water to your lawn.
- Watch for Blockage
There may come times where blockage builds up in front of your sprinklers. It could block the water from coming out or misdirect the water stream.
This is just a natural park of your system being out in the elements, so be sure to watch for any potential build-up.
Take the time each week to perform a quick scan and see that everything is shooting at the appropriate area of your lawn.
- Make Adjustments for the Season You’re In
Keeping your sprinkler system on the same schedule year-round may lead to overwatering or underwatering your lawn.
For instance, the springtime will bring more rain than in the middle of summer. So you’ll want to plan accordingly and lessen the sprinkler system’s run time during the spring months.
Gauge how much rain (or lack thereof) that you’re seeing and make adjustments as necessary.
Depending on the time of the year, nature can help you cut down on your water bill… be sure to take full advantage!
- Pay Attention to Where the Sun Hits
If you haven’t done so already, you’ll want to take a mental note of where the sun hits your lawn the most.
What areas of your lawn are in the shade the longest? How long are they in the shade? Are there spots that are in the sun all day?
The answer to these questions will help you know which spots need more or less water. The shady spots won’t require as much water as the spots that are in direct sunlight for the majority of the day.
- Watch Out for Gutter Blockage
Possibly just as important as the operations of your sprinkler system is going to be the operations of your gutters.
It protects your lawn from being overwhelmed with too much water. A healthy drainage system will help you regulate the amount of water your lawn receives.
Because of that, you want to make sure there’s no blockage to your gutters at any time. Build-up can happen fast, so be diligent with this phase.
- Look Out for Leaks
Leaks can be a detriment to both your water bill and your entire irrigation system.
What’s even worse than that is they can happen almost anywhere. Your sprinklers, your garden hose, or the piping itself.
Needless to say, you’ll want to be studious about what leaks can look like in your system. As soon as you notice a leak, take the proper steps to do so right away.
Holding off on that can compromise your sprinklers, your lawn, and your water bill.
- Be Sure to Winterize
As soon as the weather is looking like it has the potential to reach freezing temperatures, lock down the sprinkler system for the winter.
First, make sure you rid the system of any water within it before you turn it off for the entire season. Be sure to do the same with your drip system to make sure nothing freezes inside it.
Next, insulate any outdoor piping that would be exposed to the harsh winter conditions. Disconnect all garden hoses and store them away for the winter months.
- Build a Relationship with an Expert Service
Some things you’ll notice but may not be able to fix on your own. There will be repairs that lie far beyond the knowledge of a homeowner.
That’s why it’s advantageous to develop a business/client relationship with a trusted irrigation systems expert to help you through it all.
They can provide recommendations and feedback to make sure your system works as efficiently as possible. Anytime you need advice, they’ll be there to lend it to you!
It never hurts to have experience on your side, especially on a subject that’s responsible for keeping your lawn green!
Learn System Maintenance as You Go!
Understanding and learning proper system maintenance techniques doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes months, if not years of learning on the fly.
Just keep an open ear to what your irrigation plumbing company tells you and you’ll have a growing knowledge of it in no time.
Be sure to read this article on the benefits of sprinklers for more helpful insight into how sprinklers can help you achieve a healthier lawn.
For more inquiries, please reach out via our contact page and we’ll be happy to assist you further!
