How To Repair Your Irrigation System In Harsh, Wintery Conditions

The advent of the industrial revolution and its many innovations helped bring about and shape the irrigation systems we depend on today; indeed, automatic sprinkler system have, for a long time now, been a commodity accessible to the typical middle-class homeowner, thereby making lawn care much simpler.

There are a number of benefits that come with owning a functional, automated sprinkler system – not only does it save you time, it’s likely that the rigidity and reliability of automated technology will do a much better job of watering properties evenly than any human could, no matter how skilled. However, there are also a few disadvantages that could potentially jeopardize the whole operation, such as wear-and-tear from seasonal exigencies – luckily, there are a few things that you can do to prepare your sprinkler system for winter and, if need be, repair it for those times when you’d like to put off calling your irrigation system experts and take on a more DIY approach.

For the most part, homeowners prefer to go automatic because it spares them the hands-on labor experience that is often exhausting and time-consuming. Sprinklers allow you to set a tight schedule by which the system will operate. Even when you’re not at home, your grass can easily get its watery nourishment on time. It thus spares you from asking your neighbors the favor of watering your lawn when you’re on a vacation.

Sprinkler systems now come equipped with an eco-friendly technology that ensures water conservation by way of low-flow tops. Advanced automatic sprinkler systems, moreover, feature sensors that are able to detect weather and soil moisture levels in order to deliver the precise amount of water needed. For example, by anticipating the conditions leading up to a rainstorm, such as atmospheric and pressure-related changes, the system will automatically skip daily scheduled sprinkling to prevent your lawn from being over-saturated.

Setting a certain time for the sprinkler to water your lawn is also beneficial, as according to a study at Clemson University, it is recommended to water your lawn during early hours of the day, preferably the morning time. When the sun is down it minimizes evaporation, so the water doesn’t evaporate before it soaks into the ground. A sprinkler system also ensures that the water is applied uniformly throughout the lawn. Watering in the day as opposed to the evening helps prevent the spread of diseases because the lawn doesn’t stay wet for an extended period, such as through the night.

Tips For Sprinkler Maintenance And Irrigation Repairs

During the winter months, the most common problem water freezing from within the pipes, which can quickly compromise a system. Since water tends to expand when it freezes, it causes pipes to crack and leak. Homeowners can manage fixing some of these irrigation problems themselves, but dep ending on the situation they may require hiring irrigation experts. Consider these tips from professionals to manage your sprinkler maintenance and repairs to save yourself from the hefty expense of repairs:

  • During the winter, the frequency of watering the lawn should be reduced as the rate of evaporation slows down and the absorption time increases. Supplying water at the same rate would result in soil erosion hence sustaining unnecessary damage.
  • Insulate the main shut off valve for your irrigation system, so that you can shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. Also, if there are any above ground piping, you must insulate them as well by using self-sticking, foam-insulating tape or foam insulating tubes.
  • Use the manual/automatic drain valve or compressed air blow-out methods to drain out your pipes.
  • In order to repair cracked pipes, you must turn the water off by using either a telescoping repair coupling or a compression coupling and then removing the damaged section of the pipe with a PVC pipe cutter.
  • If the sprinkler head isn’t functioning, unscrew the sprinkler head and remove any debris that has collected inside. In other case, the sprinkler head might be damaged beyond repair and will have to be replaced.

Indeed, it’s vital to winterize your irrigation system before the winter season starts; these small efforts can surely save you from enduring a lot of trouble once the spring thaw begins and you find your sprinklers damaged beyond repair.