Sprinkler Maintenance Tips

Sprinkler systems require regular inspection and maintenance every season to work as efficiently as possible. In the fall, your lawn is heading toward winter dormancy. When its summer vibrance starts fading, it needs extra maintenance with proper irrigation to look best. Owning a sprinkler irrigation system means you must do maintenance whenever the season changes. It helps keep your sprinklers working effectively and prevents them from freezing in cold weather. Failure to maintain your sprinklers can affect their performance and longevity. You can do multiple things to improve the performance and lifespan of your sprinkler system.

In this post, our irrigation experts share the top five tips for maintaining a well-functioning sprinkler system till the next season.

Inspect Your Sprinkler System Thoroughly

The first and foremost fall maintenance practice is to inspect your sprinkler system completely to know its overall condition. Check each system component to spot problems early and identify the areas that need improvement. Some of the problems to watch out for include broken sprinkler heads, clogged nozzles, broken pipes, and leaks. These issues can result in water wastage and cost you a lot of money in terms of high-water bills and expensive repairs over time.

The more attention you give to your sprinkler system, the less risk there is that these unwanted problems will arise. By identifying problems early, you can save money and prolong the life and performance of your sprinklers.

1. Check All Your Valves

Valves are among the most important components of a sprinkler system and should be checked regularly. Check each valve on your sprinkler system one by one by turning it clockwise until the water comes out, and then turn counterclockwise to check that the water stops flowing completely. The central valve on the sprinkler system can be located above ground or underground. Make sure the valves are not leaking and not dripping water on pipes or wires.

If there are any leaks, repair or replace the valve immediately to prevent more damage to your sprinkler system and property. With leaking valves, your sprinklers will not work optimally, leading to water wastage, high bills, and damage to the lawn.

2. Thoroughly Clean Sprinkler System Components

A clean irrigation system is an efficient and well-performing system. Thoroughly cleaning your sprinkler system is one of the water-wise maintenance tips.

Clean Filters

Check and clean the filters regularly twice a year to avoid clogging and maintain optimal water flow. You should also clean the filters before winter sets in to protect them against mold growth and keep sprinklers running smoothly all year.

Clean Sprinkler heads and Valves

Remove the sprinkler heads and put them in a solution of water and vinegar to remove mineral deposits. Rinse them completely with water before reinstalling. Moreover, flush your valves to make them debris-free. This will help prevent leakage and malfunctions.

3. Winterize Your Sprinkler System

Winterization is turning off your sprinkler system, draining all the pipes, and removing heads from their locations to prevent ice buildup on heads during the cold season. In freezing weather, the remaining water in pipes can cause serious problems, such as breaking the pipe or damaging the head. As you don’t have to do this in early fall, you can shut off your sprinkler system once the temperature drops.

Winterize your sprinkler system by emptying it and turning it off. Insulate outdoor pipes and other above-ground components to protect them from freezing. Empty your garden hoses, disconnect them from outdoor faucets, and put them away for the season. Learn how to winterize a sprinkler system in this complete guide.

4. Adjust Your Sprinklers and Flow Settings According to Season

When the weather starts getting colder and wetter, adjust your sprinklers accordingly. During summer, your grass and plants may need more water to stay lush and healthy. However, your yard will need less water in the fall season, so adjust your sprinkler heads and controller settings to the changing weather.

Adjusting settings based on the season will improve the sprinkler system’s performance, prevent overwatering plants, and save money on water bills. Rain sensors also contribute to water and cost savings during the fall. They will turn off your sprinklers when they detect rain.

5. Repair or Replace Sprinkler Parts Necessary

If you find any issues with your sprinkler system during the inspection, repair them promptly. Leaving such issues for long can make problems worse and prevent you from utilizing your sprinkler system to its full efficiency.

Some signs that indicate your sprinkler system needs repairs include:

• Poor water distribution
• Visible dry or extra wet patches on the lawn
• Unusual sounds like hissing or sputtering
• Broken sprinkler heads
• Low water pressure

Look for ways to make your sprinkler system more efficient. This could include fixing leaky parts, adjusting sprinkler spray patterns, repairing broken components, cleaning clogged nozzles, or upgrading to new, more efficient ones. You can handle the repairs yourself or hire a professional. DIY repairs are cost-effective, especially for problems like clogged nozzles, uneven water distribution, or low water pressure.