5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Your Sprinkler System
Key takeaways
Your sprinkler system is the unsung hero of a lush, green lawn and garden. Unfortunately, many systems only get the attention and care they need until a problem arises.
- Given the vital role sprinklers play in keeping your home’s outdoor spaces looking the way they should, regular maintenance is essential.
- Learn what’s involved in caring for your sprinkler.
- Learn the importance of regular care and the best time of the year to give your system a checkup.
What’s involved in sprinkler system maintenance?
While the degree of care your sprinkler system may need depends on your local climate and the specific needs of your lawn or garden, most checkups involve performing some basic maintenance steps that include:
- Inspecting the system’s control valves
- Checking and cleaning sprinkler heads and visible pipes for signs of damage
- Testing your system’s water pressure and flow
- Looking for leaks at joints between sprinklers and pipes
- Checking water tanks for possible issues
- Adjusting sprinklers that are spraying onto driveways, sidewalks, or walls towards your landscape
When is the best time to give my sprinkler system a checkup?
Most experts suggest giving your sprinkler system a onceover just prior to spring so that it’s in tiptop shape for the growing season. Checking for issues early in the season gives you time to make any necessary repairs or replacements before the warmer weather sets in. Other sources recommend checking systems at the start of every season just before the weather changes, while some advise monthly inspections.
No matter when you decide to schedule your sprinkler systems maintenance, it’s always a good idea to have an irrigation specialist professionally inspect your system at least once a year. This is particularly important when turning on your system before the onset of warmer weather, or when shutting off your system just prior to winter. This helps to ensure that your system can run as efficiently as possible when you need it most.
Why is it important to perform regular maintenance on my sprinkler system?
To keep your sprinkler system working as efficiently and effectively as possible, proper maintenance is key. Most irrigation experts agree that ignoring your system can cause smaller problems to develop into big issues that can cost you time and money and affect the health and appearance of your lawn and garden. The following are key examples of why giving your system regular checkups is so important.
Increased efficiency and longevity. Sprinkler systems have many small moving parts that can become clogged, broken, or malfunction. Regular maintenance can help you to identify and fix issues before they turn into big problems, ensuring that your system is working the way it should.
Improved water conservation. Did you know that a sprinkler system with a leak that is the thickness of a dime can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month? A well-maintained sprinkler system not only keeps your lawn and garden lush and healthy, but also helps to conserve water. Checking your system for optimal water pressure and even distribution can prevent the wasting of water waste due to an overwatering issue.
Greater cost savings. Not only can neglected sprinklers lead to costly repair bills, but undetected leaks in systems can damage your lawn and create muddy areas around your home and affect your foundation. Regular maintenance can help identify potential issues early, sparing you from expensive repair bills. In addition, the timely replacement of faulty system components such as sprinkler valves, can extend the overall lifespan of your sprinkler system, saving you from having to replace it sooner than expected.
Better landscape damage prevention. A well-maintained lawn and garden can enhance the curb appeal of your home and may even increase its value. If you are planning a vacation or putting your home on the market during the spring or summer months, having a reliable sprinkler system to keep your landscape looking its best is an especially important factor.
Greater time savings. Automatic sprinkler systems that are well maintained save time by allowing you to keep your lawn and garden lush and green without all the extra effort. Is your rose garden getting too much water? Does the lawn need additional moisture? A timer allows you to divide your property into different irrigation zones and dispense a precise amount of water to specific targeted areas – without having to move around a hose or sprinkler. If you aren’t sure how much water specific plant beds or areas of your landscape require, ask your local landscaper and sprinkler installer.
It’s not that hard to maintain your sprinklers
The upkeep of your home’s sprinkler systems isn’t just a matter of maintaining a green lawn and garden. It’s about efficiency, conservation, cost savings, and even enhancing the value of your home. Establishing a regular maintenance schedule can help prevent costly repairs, conserve water, and keep your outdoor spaces looking their best. Make this the year that you don’t overlook this crucial aspect of homeownership. Your lawn, your wallet, and the environment will thank you.