A lawn irrigation system is the most efficient way to keep your Toronto home’s greenery healthy and beautiful, as they allow your plants/lawn to grow without wasting water. You can even program it to automatically water your garden on a schedule. Some even have rain detection sensors so they hold off on watering when it isn’t needed.
But lawn irrigation systems have to be maintained to function effectively.
To know how to repair and maintain your system, our lawn sprinkler experts in Toronto have provided this guide. Let’s look at their advice.
Dos & Don’ts of Maintaining Your Irrigation System
A great irrigation system is the secret to a healthy, luscious lawn. Replacing or fixing a broken system can be extremely expensive and may require digging up your lawn. That’s why it’s essential to maintain your irrigation system all year round. We at Green Valley Irrigation always get asked how to repair and maintain lawn irrigation systems to make them last longer. That is why we’ve shared some of the dos and don’ts of sprinkler maintenance. Let’s get started!
What to Do
Here are some of the best practices for lawn irrigation system maintenance.
1. Inspect the Valves
Sprinklers have plastic valves that direct water from the main supply to your lawn’s various areas. But they can break, which is the reason behind most sprinkler leaks, so make sure to check them. Problems in the valves are indicated by inconsistent or irregular water pressure, which will result in unusually wet or dry areas in the yard. A faulty valve is the most common reason for the problem.
Check valves in the central valve assembly and individual sprinkler heads, as well as their coordinating areas of the grass. You will find the central assembly either above or below ground, usually close to the house. Look for cracks, rips, or other signs of disrepair in each valve. Any rip or crack is an indication that these valves need replacing.
2. Repair Faulty Pipes
Efficient water flow relies mostly on pipes. But water leaks can happen if the pipes are exposed to wear & tear, or any other unfortunate accidents. These can include a burst because of increased water pressure or if it gets hit by a garden spade or shovel.
To maintain an uninterrupted flow of water, you need to find out if there is any unwanted leakage of the pipe. If you find any damaged pipe, contact our irrigation sprinkler installation experts as soon as possible.
3. Check the Sprinkler Heads
Another important task is to check the sprinkler heads and keep them clean. This is because they tend to get easily clogged with dirt and debris, leading to uneven water distribution. Leaving it like this can cause irregular development of the lawn, with dry patches that mar its overall appearance. So, remind yourself to check and clean the sprinkler heads once a month to ensure even water distribution in your garden.
Take good care of the sprinkler heads by following these steps:
- Check your sprinkler head water pressure regularly. Irrigation systems are set for 40 to 65 PSI for most lawns. If that number fluctuates, find out if there are any broken sprinkler heads. If you can’t find any, call the experts.
- Because the amount of water you will need during rainy spring or fall periods is not the same as during the hotter summer months, you will need to adjust your sprinkler schedule. You can install rain or freeze sensors that will shut off automatically when the weather changes.
- Clean the sprinkler heads for build-up of water or rust. If this is visible, soak them in rust remover to break up the calcium or mineral build-up.
- Sprinkler heads can become dislodged by foot traffic, lawnmowers, animals, or even strong gusts of wind, which can severely damage the heads. You can correct the sprinkler head angles by scooping out some of the dirt beneath, lifting it out, and putting it back in straight.
4. Consider Upgrading Your Irrigation System
You can optimize your irrigation system by upgrading it with the latest technology and newer designs. This will improve its energy efficiency via technical benefits like smart control systems. Other upgrades include:
- Safeguarding the wiring and connections to ensure longevity and smooth functionality.
- Using waterproof connectors to safeguard the wiring.
- Protecting electrical parts from moisture to avoid wear & tear.
- Check the controllers, transformers, and solenoids on a timely basis.
- Using a multimeter to take voltage readings.
- Winterizing your irrigation system to protect it from freezing water and snowfall.
What Not to Do
The list of don’ts can be classified into two parts: things you never do and things you never do without professional assistance. Here, we explain a couple of don’ts and discuss why you should hire a professional to help.
1. Never Ignore a Leaking Sprinkler
If you find a tiny hole in a hose or a dripping valve but the sprinkler is working fine, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. This is because that tiny hole can burst the hose and flood your garden.
Another thing to consider is the way you treat your sprinkler. Always handle them with care and do not throw away anything onto the ground. Keep an eye on the whole sprinkler system’s water flow to make sure the water pressure is consistent. If you find any leakage or an uneven distribution of water, refer to a sprinkler installation guide for sprinkler repair steps, or contact an irrigation specialist.
2. Don’t Leave Damaged or Detached Wires
Your sprinkler system’s wiring is responsible for the system starting and stopping on schedule, but wear & tear can cause wire deterioration. If you notice this, do not leave it unattended, as damaged/detached wires can interrupt a sprinkler system by causing a failure in communication between the controller and valves. Take immediate steps to repair the wire or replace it.
3. Don’t Neglect the Transformers
Without a working transformer, the pipes, valves, sprinkler heads, and water can’t do anything for the lawn, so don’t neglect this electrical part. Instead, test it with a quality multimeter to see if it is operational or needs to be replaced. Our experts can give you some suggestions on how to repair or replace the system.
There are many things you can do to keep your sprinkler system operating optimally to avoid expensive repairs. Follow this maintenance protocol to keep your system working properly. If you are considering an upgrade or looking for large irrigation sprinklers in Toronto, contact our trusted local experts.