Steps to make maintenance of sprinkler system easy

Every homeowner with a beautiful yard would understand the importance of the maintenance of sprinkler system. A good sprinkler system, with optimal watering, can be a great way to keep your lawn green and lush. 

Lawn sprinkler systems have evolved from automatic sprinkler systems that, once you set the timer, can turn on and off every day by themselves. Newer lawn irrigation systems, called smart sprinkler systems, are much more complex. They judge exactly how much water your lawn and garden require on a daily basis.

The average lawn sprinkler system, if taken care of and if you change sprinkler heads after around a decade, can last as many as 20 years.

Regular maintenance of sprinkler system is important if you want the equipment to last long. Moreover, it will also ensure that you don’t waste water – invariably increasing your water bills every month. 

Here are some essential tasks that make the maintenance of sprinkler system easy. If you ever become unsure of any step, you can always hire a professional you trust.

Know how much water your lawn needs

On average, your lawn needs around an inch of water every week. If your sprinkler system is efficient, this should take around 15 minutes. But how do you check if the sprinkler system is fine?

All you need to do is set up empty tuna cans in different watering zones across your lawn and then run the sprinkler for 15 minutes. If the system is working well, you ought to have an inch of water in the empty cans.

If, however, the cans are a quarter-inch or half-inch of water, it is a sign that you may have to check the irrigation system for leaks in the pipes, need to readjust the system, or that your sprinkler head may have a blockage, causing a drop in water pressure and affecting the water flow.

Keep in mind that grass, flower beds, and plants often demand varying levels of water. You could collaborate with an experienced irrigation specialist or landscaping expert to establish the watering zones and water requirements of plants according to variety and seasons.

Set a schedule for your sprinkler system maintenance 

Like any other machine, your lawn irrigation system also has small moving parts that need to function well together. The best way to ensure the maintenance of your sprinkler system is to check it at least once per season as the weather changes.

If you need help maintaining your sprinkler system, Kukun My Maintenance is your go-to app. All you have to do is schedule the task on a personalized home maintenance calendar and relax. You will get a timely reminder every time you need to test your sprinkler system and inspect for breaks. 

Timely upkeep will ensure that your lawn equipment is functioning properly, supplying adequate water coverage, and doesn’t have any leaks that could lead to water waste or damage to your property.

Clean your sprinkler heads annually

Soil particles, mineral buildup from your water supply, and debris from the ground can gradually obstruct your sprinklers. This blockage can lead to uneven watering and discolored grassy patches. To maintain the optimal functioning of the system, it is essential to clean your sprinkler heads thoroughly at least once a year. 

• Detach the heads by turning counterclockwise.
• Soak the head in water or a cleansing solution for 30 minutes. You can choose suitable cleaning agents based on the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Pour some rust remover over the sprinkler head to help break down calcium and other mineral buildup.
• Scrub with a brush.
• Rinse with clean water. 
• Grease the moving parts with a lubricant.
• Replace the sprinkler head. 

Clean your sprinkler filters

A sprinkler system needs biannual cleaning. Especially, when you’re preparing to stow it away for the winter season. Therefore, it’s advisable to schedule two cleaning sessions: one in late fall and another in late spring.

Here’s how to clean your sprinkler filters:

• Grasp the sprinkler tip and pull it out.
• Secure a vice grip onto the shaft of the sprinkler tip to prevent it from falling back.
• Loosen the top to extract the filter.
• Use needle-nose pliers or a straightened paper clip to gently remove the screen.
• Immerse the screen in water to rinse off impurities, and then use a toothbrush to meticulously eliminate sand and debris.
• Once the screen is clean, reinstall the filters.

Check and take care of leaks at the earliest 

Tiny leaks can lead to gradual decline and thereafter significant issues within your irrigation framework. This results in an imbalance where specific lawn areas receive excessive water, while others are dry. In the absence of uniform coverage, your lawn will begin to wither away.

Get a rain sensor installed on the system

Running your sprinklers while it’s raining is not only inefficient but could also saturate your yard. Consider installing a sensor that can automatically turn off programmed irrigation when the soil moisture reaches a certain level. 

Monitor your sprinkler’s water pressure

Should you observe a mist-like emission from your sprinkler heads instead of a proper spray, it could mean that the water pressure is not optimum. You could use a water pressure regulator or a booster pump to achieve the ideal water pressure level.

Make sure the system is getting the right voltage 

Sprinkler systems rely on electrical power to regulate their water distribution. Therefore, it’s essential to periodically assess its voltage, preferably before the commencement of the sprinkler season.

The ideal voltage range for a sprinkler system is between 22 and 28 volts. Use a multimeter to keep the voltage around 24. It’s best to hire a licensed electrician to prevent safety hazards and costly mistakes.

Check pipe valves regularly

Examining the sprinkler pipe valves within your sprinkler system is of equal importance. The primary function of these valves is to lock in the water and ensure the water flow is directed to the correct zones. During a valve inspection, your primary objective is to verify the absence of any water leakage. Keep in mind that leaky valves can result in the wastage of both water and money.

Get professional help

While you can manage most of your sprinkler system’s upkeep on your own, it’s important to arrange periodic inspections by a professional. Skilled technicians possess the expertise to identify specific points of concern and guarantee the proper functionality of your system. They can address any issues and restore your system to optimal performance. 

Maintenance of sprinkler system: Last thoughts

Unlike fire sprinkler systems that have local codes by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) dictating maintenance norms, your lawn sprinkler system is up to you to maintain. Ideally, check for leaks and breakages once every couple of weeks or so. And, make sure to get a professional inspection every spring. 

You never know, water wastage could be happening without your knowledge. The only way to find out is if you inspect your sprinkler system regularly. That way, you will keep your sprinkler system running smoothly and for longer.

Written by Narayan Shrouthy. June 28, 2022

Narayan is a content writer for Kukun. With experience in both content writing and editing, Narayan mixes his writing and love for reading with his passion for music. As an active musician, He aims to be a key player in Kukun's content experience.