Helpful Information
Is your sprinkler system not performing as well as you hoped this season? The right sprinkler control box settings and drainage practices can make a difference.
As trusted irrigation specialists in Austin and Leander, our team at American Irrigation Repair is trained to know how to keep lawns green and lush. Keep reading for a few handy sprinkler tips.
Water Only As Needed
Some people prefer to stick to a strict watering schedule. It’s more convenient, yes, but not the best long-term approach for sprinkler system longevity.
Why not wait until you see the signs of drought stress in your grass? That might look like the following:
- Grass blades turn bluish-gray.
- Footprint impressions become visible after walking across the lawn.
- Grass blades curl or wilt.
- The soil feels dry to the touch a few inches down.
Irrigation experts will tell you it’s actually good to let your lawn dry out a bit. A short period of water stress encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the lawn more drought-resistant over time.
Inspect the Irrigation Control Box & Settings
Does your lawn seem too dry or soggy? Look at your sprinkler control box’s settings. You could have set the wrong schedule by mistake. During the wintertime, it’s common to water far too frequently. A little goes a long way when temperatures are mild.
The controller box settings can sometimes revert to default after a power outage or maintenance, so double-check the start times, run times, and days. If the settings seem fine, your control box might have a bigger issue. Worn wiring or faulty components can disrupt performance, so you’ll need to bring in a sprinkler system care specialist for an inspection.
Ensure Your Heads are Clean – You May Need to Flush Any Clogged Screens.
Sprinkler systems should drain automatically after each cycle. Sometimes the nozzles can back-siphon debris into them causing the screens to plug. Ensuring the heads are set at grade correctly will help prevent debris from entering the system. Removing and flushing the debris from the screens may be necessary if you see clogs.
- Clogs and debris: Small particles, like dirt or sand, can impede the flow and create pressure and coverage issues.
Drain Your Sprinkler System During Freezing Weather
During cold weather, you will want to drain your backflow valve. Leaving water in the system during freezing temps may cause the backflow to split or crack causing leaks.
- Backflow: The backflow preventer’s purpose is to prevent dirty water from entering your home drinking water supply. Backflow is caused when your system has negative pressure or when water changes direction in the pipes. Usually, this is from an open hydrant, a nearby pump, or a damaged water main.
- Backflow devices with the highest risk of freezing damage: Some devices are required to be above ground. Most commonly these are installed on homes that have septic systems. If you have a device that is above ground, ensure the backflow is insulated and wrapped well.
The safest bet is to use unions and remove the entire valve during freezing weather. This allows you to store the device indoors where it will not freeze. When draining your system to prepare for freezing weather, our team will usually drain or remove the valve to prevent component damage. We turn off the water supply valve, open all inlet and outlet drains by moving the handles to a 45° angle, and lastly, open the drain valve and let it empty.
Assess the Sprinklers
Does one spot seem to get too much water? The best water drainage solutions are the simplest. First, look for misaligned sprinkler heads – they sometimes shift due to foot traffic, mowing, or weather.
A clogged sprinkler head won’t dispense water evenly, either. Unscrew the nozzle and rinse it under running water.
Get Professional Sprinkler Maintenance in Austin and Leander
Do the sprinkler control box and heads need more than a quick fix? American Irrigation Repair can calibrate them, replace damaged parts, and incorporate proper drainage methods. Dial (512) 943-6080 to book a checkup or find out more sprinkler drainage practices or sprinkler maintenance tips in Austin and Leander!
