A sprinkler system is the most
important part of your landscape irrigation plan, and it should incorporate
effective conservation methods as well. These systems are no longer the “set and
forget” systems that were once so prevalent. Proper and timely maintenance is
essential.
Below are some general guidelines
for caring for and maintaining your irrigation system during spring startup,
summer maintenance, and fall shutdown.
Spring is the time to start
checking your sprinkler system for peak summer performance—one of the most
important things you can do to keep your system operating efficiently.
Here’s what to
do:
·
Close
all manual drains. (They were probably left open when the sprinkler system was
drained last fall.)
·
Slowly
open the main valve, allowing the piping between it and the cross connection
(backflow) prevention assembly to fill with water.
·
Pressurize
the mainline from the backflow prevention assembly to the control valves. Have
one of the control valves open while you do this, so air trapped in the piping
can escape through the sprinkler heads as the pipes fill with water.
·
Have
the cross connection assembly tested by a state-certified tester. Contact
your local water provider for specific information on rules and
regulations—be
sure to ask for the cross connection or backflow
specialist.
Run the entire sprinkler system,
one zone at a time. As you do this, check the following:
·
Signs
of leakage, especially damage to sprinkler heads or piping which could have
occurred over the winter. Repair and replace as needed.
·
Accurate
spray patterns. Adjust your sprinkler heads so they water your landscape and not
sidewalks or pavement. Also make sure their spray isn’t blocked by plants
or other materials.
·
Clean clogged
nozzles and sprinkler heads.
Summer
Maintenance Checklist
·
Set
it, but don’t forget it. Automatic sprinkler systems aren’t completely
automatic. For example, they don’t adjust themselves when the weather gets
hotter or when it rains. Set a base schedule that
provides 1 inch per week in lawn areas (less for shrub and tree zones) and
adjust that schedule regularly according to weekly weather trends.
Most controllers have a “water budget” or “percent adjustment” feature that
makes adjusting your schedule a very easy process.
·
Check
for broken or misguided heads.
Fall
Shut-down Checklist
Each fall, you should winterize
your irrigation system to keep it in prime condition for the next spring
and summer.
To do this:
·
Turn off the
system and empty it of water.
·
You also may want
to set up an appointment with your water provider to get your backflow checked. (Did you know this is
required by law?)
For
more information, go to www.conserveh20.org
www.waterec.net