In most cases, sprinklers do not require regular maintenance. However, if you are located in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, you should take special precautions to prevent hard freezes. It is best to consult with San Antonio Sprinkler Repair experts if you are not sure what to do. For more information about sprinkler maintenance, check the following tips:
Leaky sprinklers. Small leaks can cause major problems. Too much water could be directed to the lawn, while too little will be directed to the garden. Both situations would cost you money in the long run. Additionally, a leaking sprinkler could cause water to run down the sides of the property, causing a drying effect. Water running down from the sprinkler may also result in a higher water bill. Leaks can also foster diseases, insects, and weeds.
Visual inspection. Visual inspection is important because it helps identify potential issues in your system. Drop ceilings, for example, could affect sprinklers in ceilings. Record keeping is necessary to ensure that your sprinklers remain operational. You can also check your sprinklers’ performance and make any necessary repairs. Inspect them every month to make sure they are working properly. Keeping a record of your maintenance activities will help you prevent any future issues.
Cleaning the sprinkler controller. You can do this yourself or hire an irrigation specialist to do it for you. Sprinkler heads can become clogged with dirt over time. This will affect how the water is distributed throughout your lawn and can even lead to brown patches. Cleaning the sprinkler heads regularly will help your system run efficiently and prevent costly water bills. And by doing this, you’ll be assured that your lawn will stay safe. You can even hire an irrigation service to inspect and repair any problems that your sprinklers may be having.
In general, sprinkler maintenance is an important part of your lawn maintenance plan. Regular cleaning can help avoid clogged sprinkler heads and trapped debris. It can also help you save time and money when repairing broken sprinkler pipes. And remember that you’ll be happier when you spend more time in nature, so go ahead and enjoy a stroll in your sprinklers. It can make a world of difference. You’ll be glad you did.
Taking readings of the voltage in your sprinkler system is vital. If it’s outside of that range, your sprinkler system may need an electrician’s repair. Remember that electrical work is complex and can be hazardous. If you’re unsure of how to do this work, consult a sprinkler specialist. The cost of a professional electrician’s service will likely exceed the price of a DIY job. In addition, the voltage is often required for the proper functioning of sprinkler systems.
Before turning on the main water valve, you should check the water pressure. It must be within the recommended range, typically 40 to 65 PSI. If water starts misting out of your sprinkler head, it’s likely a leaky valve. It’s also important to check the manual drain valves to make sure they are closed properly. If there are areas of your landscape that are overly wet, you may have a leaky valve. To fix this, try opening the main valve slowly. This way, the water pressure doesn’t increase too much and causes the system to overfill.
If your sprinkler system was installed 20 years ago, you may not have a current code-approved backflow preventer. If so, you should contact a professional sprinkler company that specializes in backflow preventer installation. These professionals can also install the backflow preventer and provide annual service agreements. They are certified by the state to install and maintain backflow preventers. A backflow preventer is essential because irrigation water can backflow into the city water supply.
Check for leaks, breaks in lines, and misdirected sprinkler heads. The latter wastes water and money. If you notice puddles or mud in one area, there’s a problem. Make sure to check your rain sensors to prevent them from shutting off your sprinkler system if it’s raining or freezing. And check for broken sprinkler heads, too. Even if the sprinkler system is working properly, it can still have malfunctioned.