Lawn Irrigation Best Practices
Sprinkler systems are a saving grace and one that many homes across the US could not live without. Gone are the days of having to use the hose to spread water across your yard unevenly. Sprinkler systems have utterly revolutionized lawn maintenance, not just for residential houses. Of course, you need to ensure that you are following law irrigation best practices to ensure you are properly caring for your sprinkler system.
Like most things in life, if you don’t look after your sprinkler system properly, it will break. Sprinkler systems don’t come cheap, so naturally, you will want to keep it running like a well-oiled machine for as long as possible. The following read is short, informative, and will give you some of the best lawn irrigation practices to ensure your sprinkler system lives for many years to come.
The Importance of Proper Installation & Repairs
Possibly the most crucial best practice tip for maintaining your sprinkler system is to make sure that it is installed properly in the first place. A lot of the time, sprinkler systems will experience problems early on, and residents can’t figure out why. You must have Tulsa Sprinkler Systems installed by an expert who knows exactly what they are doing. It can be tempting to give it a go yourself, but this can lead to catastrophic consequences.
If your sprinkler system leaks underground, it can raise the surface level and flood your entire yard. Or there might not be a visible leak, but your sprinkler system could be using more water than it needs to, causing your water bill to be far higher than it should. Professionals are professionals for a reason; they know exactly what they are doing when it comes to law irrigation installations. Plus, it could save you a bit of time as well!
Understanding Your Watering Needs
If your sprinkler system is running the way it should be, it should deliver 1 inch of water in around 15 minutes. You can test how much water is being dispersed by placing empty cans in the target zone and leaving the sprinkler running for 15 minutes. When you return, you will see how much water is being dispersed. You will then be able to judge the adjustments needed. If you notice that there is less than an inch of water in the can, it could be a sign that there is a blockage somewhere along with the sprinkler system.
During the winter and rainy seasons, it is important to adjust the amount of water being used and turn it right down. Overusing your sprinkler system during the winter can cause a lot of damage. The pipes often freeze during cold temperatures and are prone to bursting.
The Timing of Your Watering
There’s no need for your sprinkler system to be running every single day or even every few days. If it has been a few days since you last turned on your sprinkler system, wait before turning it on. Take a trip outside and check for any visible signs of drought stress. A common sign is your grass turning a blue/gray color. Or, if you walk over the grass and your footprint remains, that is another common sign.
If you are going to turn your sprinkler system on, make sure you do it as early in the day as possible. It is the best time to water your lawn. It gives the grass enough time to dry out during the day. It is best practice to always check the condition of your lawn and if watering it is necessary.
Regular Inspections
Anything can change overnight, and that is why it is so important to carry out inspections of your sprinkler system as often as you possibly can. From leaks to sprinkler heads that have turned the wrong way, there can be all sorts going wrong that you might not see until you look properly. Leaks and misdirected sprinkler heads cost a lot of wasted money, so it is really important to regularly check your sprinkler systems. It is common for homeowners to miss problems with their water systems because they don’t know what they are looking for. Some tell-tale signs include:
- Patches of dry grass that shouldn’t be dry
- Patches of grass being flooded with water
- Patches of grass that are overgrowing
- Patches of grass that are miscolored
If you notice something during your inspections, it is so vital that you contact a professional to repair the fault for you. They will have the tools and the parts to expertly repair your sprinkler system: and have it working perfectly.
The Various Devices You Can Install
Your lawn irrigation system is made up of many different parts and connecting pipes. Specific parts of your sprinkler system will work far better when additional devices are installed. The risk of the pipes bursting during the winter season due to freezing temperatures has already been mentioned.
There are rain and freezer sensors that not only help you to save more money but also help to protect your pipes from bursting. If you are aware the underground is frozen, you can ensure your sprinkler system doesn’t come on. Similarly, the rain sensor will stop the sprinkler from becoming active when it is raining because obviously, you won’t need to use it when the rainwater is falling.
Another common problem is high pressures running through your lawn irrigation system. When this is happening, you might notice misting around the sprinkler heads. This problem is easily fixed by installing a water pressure device that will help to regulate the pressures being used. Again, always consult a professional to see if either of these installations is the right solution to you and get them to do the work for you if it is!
Conclusion
Hopefully, you can take on board some of the tips that we have mentioned today so that you can properly maintain both your lawn irrigation system and your lawn itself. If you are experiencing an issue, be sure to contact a professional and book an inspection.