When spring arrives and freezing temperatures cease, it’s time to turn on irrigation systems and start watering again. It’s always best to hire a professional contractor, but use this guide for springtime sprinkler maintenance and get the blooming season off to a great start.
1. Check the Soil
All signs may point to the arrival of spring, but the soil under than landscape is always the last to thaw. Starting your irrigation system while the ground is still frozen can result in damage to the pipes. Using a shovel, ensure the soil has thawed to a depth of at least 12 inches.
2. Inspect the Controller
Check your controller by dusting away any cobwebs, making sure the time and date are correct, checking settings for your watering needs, replacing the backup battery in the times/controller every 6 months, and keeping a copy of the watering schedule nearby.
3. Check for Obstructions
Remove any rocks, dirt, sand, or other debris types that may block water flow from the sprinkler heads.
4. Check for Wear and Tear
Check and replace cracked, chipped, or worn components, such as sprinkler heads, nozzles, valves, or pipes. Broken sprinklers can cost you water bills and damage lawns if left unresolved.
5. Closely Inspect the Valves
Inspect each valve to ensure they’re operating correctly and no leaks. Leaky valves will waste water and increase your water bill. And before turning the system back on, ensure all manual drain valves are closed. If you notice any overly wet areas, it could be due to a leaky valve.
6. Check for Surge
When restoring water to your sprinkler system, open the main valve slowly to allow the pipes to fill with water in a gradual and controlled manner to avoid system damage from a water pressure surge.
7. Water Pressure Check
Check the water pressure within the suggested operating range, typically 40-65 PSI. One way to detect if the pressure is too high is if the water is “misting” out of your sprinkler heads.
Springtime Sprinkler Maintenance
Ensure your automatic sprinkler system is ready for another season of lawn and garden watering with these 7 springtime sprinkler maintenance steps. It will go a long way toward saving water and money and preventing mid-summer landscaping problems.
Nichols Lawncare professionals provide quality lawn care and maintenance services in the Fayetteville and Springdale area of Arkansas. We offer various services, from basic lawn mowing, landscape maintenance, and sprinkler maintenance to more extensive lawn care projects. Call us today at 479.502.2192 and leave your lawn in the best hands.