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How Controllers Determine Watering Time

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Seasonal irrigation system control
Smart controllers can adjust irrigation operation by the season. Find out more from South Austin Irrigation Repair.
If you are new to automatic irrigation systems, you may be wondering how controllers—and specifically, smart controllers—are able to determine seasonal increases or decreases in watering times. There are actually several ways in which different controllers make these “judgments.” And where some controllers use just one method, others use a combination of several different methods.

Analyzing the historical and weather use data is one common way a smart controller figures out how much water a particular area requires. While this method doesn’t tell the whole story and is sometimes imperfect, it still works well in most cases and results in significant water savings for users. During times that fall out of the historical norm—for example, the current drought—you need to manually override the automatic settings with the appropriate information.

Another way controllers make their watering determinations is through water and/or weather data they obtain via a remote provider. A smart controller will use an Internet, telephone or radio connection to gather data from a remote provider or, in some cases, a local weather station. The accuracy of the system is dependent upon the actual source of information. You would therefore be wise to ask the provider where the controller is picking up its data.

Some controllers come with their own installable weather stations. This allows them to use actual, real time data to decide how much water and area needs. This method is highly dependent on the quality of the weather station. If it’s good, then you’re in luck; if it isn’t, you could be in a bit of trouble.

Other smart controllers will use moisture sensors to tell them how much moisture is present in the soil. They then use that information to determine irrigation times. While this system can be very accurate, moisture sensors are not known for their reliability over time. You will also have to spend time calibrating and adjusting the sensors when you first get them.

South Austin Irrigation can help you determine the best method to control your landscaping needs. We can also help with controller set-up, maintenance and repair. Don’t leave your watering needs to chance—or to  unfamiliar technology: call us for an assessment today.

Call South Austin Irrigation at (512) 534-7449 for more information.

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Landscape Irrigation Scheduling

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sprinkler schedule
Sprinkler scheduling is a key part of a healthy lawn and landscaping.

Every year, poor irrigation scheduling leads to a huge loss of plant materials on new landscape projects. Inattention to this crucial element of landscape maintenance can lead to a host of problems including turf grass and landscape shrub diseases.

If your system is not hooked into a smart controller, successful irrigation scheduling requires two basic things: observation and dedication. You can begin by looking carefully at the plants that need to be watered. Some plants can grow directly in water; others, especially those drought-tolerant ones now favored in drought-stricken Texas, will die if their roots are wet for longer than a day.

The first thing to remember when dealing with drought-tolerant plants is to never water when the soil is still wet. Wilting is often a sign that a drought tolerant plant has had too much water. It can also mean that the plant has been stricken by disease or insect damage. On hot afternoons, some drought-intolerant plants will fold their leaves to conserve water. So just because a plant looks wilted, don’t assume that is because it needs water.

When you do water, be sure to saturate the soil around the plant. The primary feeder roots for are located in the top six or so inches of soil, particularly if the plant is in a pot. The feeder roots are very small, unlike the plants lower roots, which exist to support the plant, although they, too, can absorb water if necessary.

If you use sprinklers as your primary method of irrigation, water will likely begin to collect in a low spot or gutter before the soil has been watered to a depth of six inches. When this starts to happen, turn off the sprinklers, wait for an hour for the water to soak in, then turn the sprinklers on again until more runoff occurs. Continue doing this  until you are satisfied with the soil has been properly saturated.

Landscape irrigation scheduling is especially important in times of drought. With less water to go around, you have to make the most of every drop you get.

Call South Austin Irrigation for maintenance or repairs. Call us at (512) 534-7449.

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Winterizing Your Irrigation System

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winter sprinkler system tips
Freezes like this are pretty rare around Austin, but knowing how to winterize your sprinkler system is still a smart idea.
Texas is considered a “good weather state” where snow is unusual and freezes quickly melt in the morning.  Nevertheless, now that winter for many areas has arrived (or is just around the corner), it’s still very important that you get your irrigation system ready for the cold months ahead.

The first thing to do is to freeze-proof the main shutoff valve for your irrigation system. Temporarily shut off the water supply then make sure that the valve itself is below the frost line, inside a heated room, or wrapped in appropriate insulation. If you don’t have a main shutoff valve for your irrigation system, then you’ll have to install one.

If you have an automatic system, then you will also need to temporarily shut off the controller (also known as the timer). Most controllers have what’s called a rain mode which shuts off all signals to the valves. An alternative to making use of the rain mode is to switch off all power to the controller. Be aware, however that if you do this, you’ll need to reprogram the controller when warm weather returns.

Gear-drive rotor sprinklers that are installed above ground need to have any water remaining in them drained out. If you don’t do this, they may freeze and rupture. If the water doesn’t drain out by itself, you’ll need to install a drain valve somewhere on the pipe that supplies the sprinkler so you can remove the water.

Also take stock of all pipes that are located above the ground, as these, too must also be insulated to protect against costly breakages. Insulating pipework is not as difficult as it sounds: you can purchase self-sticking foam insulating tape to wrap around the pipe or you can use foam insulating tubes. Be sure to also insulate above ground backflow preventers and valves if you don’t remove and store them.

Too much to do and not enough time? South Austin Irrigation can help you make the necessary adjustments now and assist with the all-important pre-season maintenance that you’ll also need to do in the spring. Give us a call: we’re there for you! Call (512) 534-7449.

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Tune-up Tips for your Sprinkler System

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sprinkler repair tips
Playing in sprinklers is fun. Having sprinklers that aren’t working is not. Find out how to make quick fixes, but call us for professional assistance.

Water conservation—and in some areas, water restriction—is a fact of life for all Texans. So it’s probably a good time to check your sprinkler system to make sure that it’s working in as energy and water efficient a way as possible.

The first thing you should do is turn on each valve in your irrigation system one at a time. As you do so, look for telltale wet spots that could indicate the presence of a leaking irrigation pipe. If you find any leaks at all, get them repaired immediately.

Next, check your irrigation controller battery which is typically of the 9-volt alkaline variety. If it’s not fully charged or if it’s more than two years old, replace it. The battery is typically located behind the front panel of the controller: you may find that you will need to remove some screws or open the panel to reach it.

Inspect all sprinkler heads and straighten any that are leaning to the side. They need to be at a 90° angle to the ground to work properly: the same holds true for sprinkler heads positioned on a slope.  If they lean to one side or the other, they may create dry spots and worst of all, waste precious water.

Broken or malfunctioning sprinklers should be replaced. Make sure that you buy the same brand and model of sprinkler as the ones that are on the same valve circuit. You may find that some sprinklers are already mismatched, so you need to replace those as well.

While it’s true that many sprinkler models are now compatible with other models, mixing sprinklers on the same valve circuit can result in needless water loss. However, it is possible to use different sprinkler models if they are on different valve circuits.

Whether you need help with irrigation system advice or repair, South Austin Irrigation can make the job of landscape maintenance easier and more efficient. Call today for service. You’ll be glad you did!

Call (512) 534 7449 for fast service, call or fill out the form on this page.

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Drought Water Conservation and Irrigation

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water conservation south austin
Though there is drought, watering a lawn is possible, particularly with a properly set-up and maintained irrigation system.
2011 has been a year of fires and record-setting drought all over Texas. Currently, 70% of the state is experiencing what climatologists are calling exceptionally dry conditions: this has meant hardship for ranchers and farmers and water restrictions for many Texas cities and counties.

It’s now become imperative for Texans to watch how much water they use each day, especially if they are homeowners.  Conservation, however, doesn’t mean having to live with desiccated vegetation.  Here are a few suggestions from the North Texas Municipal Water District on how to make the most of every drop of water:

  • If water restrictions are not already in place, water winter lawns every fifth day and summer lawns every third day. Use sprinklers that cast large droplets close to the ground to water large areas of grass. For smaller areas, water by hand to avoid waste.
  • Do all watering early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the winds lighter.
  • Install a rain shut-off device on automatic sprinkler systems to eliminate unnecessary watering.
  • Adjust lawnmower settings so that cut grass is longer rather than shorter. This way, root systems will receive more shade and your lawn will hold more moisture.
  • Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb water. Focus on watering more deeply and less frequently.
  • Weed lawns and gardens regularly: weeds compete with other vegetation for water, light and nutrients.
  • Sweep driveways or sidewalks to clean them.  Hosing down these areas can use 80 gallons or more of water.

Minimizing water usage in times of drought is everyone’s responsibility. South Austin Irrigation can help homeowners and businesses make adjustments, repairs or enhancements to sprinkler systems that save water and money and conserve one of the state’s most precious resources.

To find out how our irrigation system experts can help you, call (512) 534-7449.

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Our sprinkler repair service areas include:

  • Austin, TX
  • Lakeway, TX
  • Spicewood, TX
  • Horseshoe Bay, TX
  • Dripping Springs, TX
  • Wimberly, TX

Give us a call for sprinkler repair and service in your area: (512) 534-7449

We Service Many Irrigation Brands:

  • Toro
  • Nelson Turf
  • KRain
  • HydroRain
  • Berkeley
  • Irritrol
  • Rain Bird
  • Rachio
  • Hunter

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