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Maintaining your lawn sprinkler system is essential for a prolonged life span and proper operation. A system in good working order will ensure your lawn gets the right amount of water throughout the year. Here’s a guide to help you with seasonal maintenance:
Spring: Start-Up
1. Inspect the System: Before turning on your system, visually inspect all components, including sprinkler heads, valves, and hoses. Look for any signs of damage or leaks.
2. Check for Leaks: Turn on the water supply slowly and check for leaks at various points in the system.
3. Clean Sprinkler Heads: Ensure that sprinkler heads are not clogged. Remove any debris or dirt that might obstruct the water flow.
4. Adjust Sprinkler Heads: Make sure the sprinkler heads are properly aligned to cover the desired area without overshooting onto sidewalks or driveways.
5. Test the System: Run the system through a complete cycle to check for proper operation and coverage. Adjust spray patterns and distances as needed.
6. Check the Controller: Set the watering schedule according to the current weather and lawn needs. Replace battery on controller to retain programming if power outage occurs.
Summer: Maintenance
1. Monitor Watering: Regularly check the system’s performance and adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions (increase watering during hot / dry periods).
2. Inspect for Problems: Look for any broken or misaligned sprinkler heads and check for signs of water waste.
3. Adjust the Controller: Modify the system’s timer settings as needed to match the season’s requirements and avoid overwatering.
4. Keep an Eye on Coverage: Ensure that your sprinklers are covering the lawn evenly and not watering non-lawn areas like driveways or sidewalks.
Fall: Preparation for Winter
1. Turn Off the System: Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system.
2. Drain the System: Drain all the water from the system to prevent freezing and potential damage. This can involve using an air compressor to blow out the lines or manually draining them.
3. Winterize Components: Remove and store any above-ground components like hoses and sprinklers. Ensure that all valves are in the closed position.
4. Check for Repairs: Use this time to make any necessary repairs or replacements of broken parts before winter.
5. RPZ / Backflow Device: Remove RPZ if designed to be removed. Recommend storing inside in heated space.
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By keeping up with this maintenance schedule, you’ll help ensure that your lawn sprinkler system remains efficient and effective throughout the year.
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