irrigation repair Archives - South Austin Irrigation

How Do I Know I Need My Sprinkler Repaired?

June 6, 2023 By Matt Sorenson

As we head into summer, it is important to ensure that your sprinkler system is working properly, which requires vigilance and regular maintenance. When a sprinkler is not working properly and you need irrigation repair services, you should not delay, lest it lead to more serious and expensive problems down the line. It is crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid being caught off guard when temperatures rise and your garden requires more water.

Here are several things to look out for to determine if your sprinkler system requires repairs:

Uneven Watering

One of the most obvious signs that something is amiss with your irrigation system is uneven watering, where some areas of your garden or lawn may receive too much water and become saturated while other areas remain somewhat dry. Under watered plants can suffer and die, as can waterlogged plants and lawns.

If you notice uneven watering, call in the experts to assess the reason for it so that it can be rectified before it causes significant harm.

The cause of uneven watering could be that your sprinkler heads are not functioning correctly. This could be due to clogged or broken sprinkler heads, preventing them from spraying properly. They can become clogged with debris like dirt, grass, or leaves. In other cases, foot traffic, lawnmowers, or gardening tools can also damage sprinkler heads, causing them to leak, spray in the wrong direction, or not function at all.

Uneven watering could also be a result of a sprinkler system that needs to be reprogrammed. It’s possible that, at some point, your system programming has been altered, resulting in inefficient water distribution that is ineffective for your particular landscape.

To ensure that uneven watering is not taking place, inspect your garden for any potential dry spots, as well as puddles and pools that have formed around the garden or on paths and walkways. These are telltale signs that uneven watering is occurring and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can indicate a problem with your sprinkler system. In some cases, low water pressure might simply be due to a lower pressure than usual coming from the utility.

However, in most cases, the occurrence of low water pressure in your sprinkler system is usually a sign that there is a problem in your system somewhere. Low water pressure can indicate one of two critical problems: clogged lines or leaks, both of which are potentially serious.

When lines are clogged, this can lead to a pressure buildup in the lines, which could result in a rupture and a leak. If left unattended, clogged lines will result in an ineffective irrigation system and uneven watering. When low water pressure is a result of a leak, it can lead to higher-than-normal water bills, as well as a garden that is not getting watered evenly and effectively.

Water leaks can sometimes be hard to detect because they often occur underground. If you notice low pressure in your irrigation system, it is important that you call in the experts to do a thorough test on all of the lines to find the leak so that it can be repaired. Take note of the spray’s usual expected reach so that you can quickly and easily detect any potential pressure problems as and when they occur.

High Water Bills

High water bills are almost always a sign that something is amiss in your irrigation system. If your water bills have suddenly increased without any rational explanation or any corresponding increase in water use, it is very likely that there is a leak in your system. This should be a red flag that something is wrong with your irrigation system, and it should be addressed immediately.

How South Austin Irrigation Can Help

We at South Austin Irrigation offer a range of services that can ensure your irrigation system is well-maintained and in good repair ahead of summer. Our consultation services can assist you in identifying and addressing any issues that you may have with your sprinkler system. Our main and lateral line repair services can ensure that we fix any leaks and other problems encountered in your irrigation lines.

We can also repair any broken pop-up heads and rotor heads, as well as damaged PVC and copper pipes. Our services also include troubleshooting electrical issues associated with your irrigation system. We can replace and repair, locate, and replace any faulty valves or sensors.

Additionally, we offer system reroutes for mature trees and patio additions, as well as controller replacements and upgrades to ensure your system is in keeping with the latest technologies. Our experts can also assist you with custom scheduling designed to meet your unique gardening needs.

We will ensure that your lawn irrigation is properly taken care of, along with whatever other system adjustments are required, including sprinkler head replacements, underground sprinkler weatherization, and the unclogging and adjusting of heads and nozzles.

Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience needed to diagnose and repair a wide variety of irrigation system issues, both quickly and efficiently. Our high-quality parts and reliable equipment will further ensure that your system is running at peak performance over the summer.

Keep your sprinkler system in good condition, save money on water bills, and help conserve water in the drought-prone Austin area by contacting us at South Austin Irrigation today. Our sprinkler system repair services are second to none!

Smart Advances in Sprinkler System Technology: 2023

February 15, 2023 By Matt Sorenson

In 2023, smart technological updates are making our lives easier across all industries. The irrigation industry is no different, with irrigation and sprinkler technology exponentially improving as each year passes, benefiting homeowners and large operations alike.

The first few generations of sprinkler and irrigation systems operated at specific times of the day on a set schedule. Today, sprinkler system upgrades are a lot smarter and more efficient. Some of the common advances to date include:

Smart sensors and Wi-Fi controllers
Smart monitoring via smartphone applications
Rain and freeze smart-sensors
Leak and error detection
High efficiency nozzles

All of these devices are geared towards improving water conservation, reducing runoff, getting the right amount of water to the right place for healthier grass and gardens, and ‒ of course ‒ saving on water bills.

Whether you’re looking for sprinkler system upgrades for your private residential properties or your large scale farming operation, this blog will help you become more familiar with the smart advances in sprinkler system technology and make the choice best suited for your specific circumstances.

Smart Sensors & Wi-Fi Controllers

One of the most significant changes in irrigation and sprinkler system technology is the smart sensors that are now available. This new technology will actually monitor the levels of moisture in your soil as well as upcoming weather conditions to modify your watering schedule accordingly.

This means that instead of needing to adjust your watering schedule manually when there is an upcoming drought or rainfall, your smart sensor sprinkler system will automatically complete this task for you. If you do want to manually adjust the system to your preferences, you’re now able to do this from the comfort of your smartphone ‒ no matter your location.

Smart Monitoring Via Smartphone Applications

Speaking of being able to monitor and control your irrigation or sprinkler systems via an application on your smartphone, you’ll also be able to control your systems with other integrated application technology such as Google, Alexa and other smart-home speakers. This is great for people who prefer a hands-free approach to their irrigation management.

When using the smart monitoring smartphone application, you’ll have access to real-time information and data about your system, soil, and water usage. By having access to this valuable information, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your approach to reducing costs, saving water, and improving the quality of your lawn, flora or crops.

Rain & Freeze Smart Sensors

When it comes to sprinkler and irrigation systems, knowing about rain and any freezing temperatures is highly important. A frozen sprinkler head can cause hazards or severely damage your system overall, resulting in a costly repair job. Adjusting your settings immediately for upcoming or unexpected rain can prevent overwatering.

Thanks to the rain and freeze smart sensors that are now available, all of this is monitored for you. You can count on the smart system to monitor upcoming weather and current soil conditions and adjust your system schedule accordingly. This will reduce around 35% of water usage, saving you both water and money, and maintain the right amount of moisture for your grass and garden. It will also help you avoid costly accidents.

Leak & Error Detection

Locating leaks and errors in your sprinkler or irrigation systems in earlier editions of the technology was a lot less efficient. It was usually a case of there already being major damage that had taken place by the time the issue was detected. By the time of discovery, the problem would be much larger than if it was noticed more quickly, resulting in a costly repair job.

The new leak and error detection technology on the market has done a great job at providing peace of mind to sprinkler and irrigation system owners. These sensors are able to determine when you have a blockage, leakage, low or high pressure, valve issues, pump issues, and more. With quick detection and action, you can solve the issue in a timely and cost effective manner.

High-efficiency Nozzles

There are new high-efficiency nozzles on the market for your sprinkler and irrigation systems that can greatly improve your water efficiency, reduce water waste, and ultimately save you money. And the best part is that these nozzles are highly accessible and affordable to obtain!

The way that these nozzles deliver these superior results in comparison to the old nozzles is through the mechanism that allows them to water more slowly over a more precise area delegation.

The water droplets delivered by high-efficiency nozzles are actually even slightly bigger and heavier than those from old nozzles, making them less likely to be blown away by the wind. It allows time for the water to be absorbed into the soil and reach the roots of the plant.

Choosing The Right Solution For You

The sprinkler or irrigation system and features you decide to upgrade to depend on numerous factors such as whether you’re on a private or commercial property, the size of the area you’d like the system to cover, whether you want the system to be underground or aboveground, the primary use and need of the system, and many more factors.

Based on the above information, it’s quite likely that you’re familiar with which features you’ll require for your irrigation and sprinkler system upgrades. However, there are various practical aspects that also need to be considered when it comes to making an informed and final decision.

If you’re interested in learning more about the best irrigation and sprinkler system upgrades for your specific requirements, please reach out to our team at South Austin Irrigation. We serve clients in Austin, Lakeway, Spicewood, Horseshoe Bay, Dripping Springs, and Wimberly. Our team of professionals would be more than happy to help you take your next step forward.

Common Irrigation/Sprinkler System Repairs

August 17, 2022 By Matt Sorenson

Having an irrigation/sprinkler system to water your landscape can be incredibly convenient. It can save you time that you would otherwise have to spend walking about with a hosepipe in hand, and it can also ensure that your landscape is watered evenly on a regular basis.

However, these systems tend to be rather sensitive, with many parts requiring regular maintenance and repair.

Let us take a look at some of the most common irrigation/sprinkler system repairs that are required.

System Restorations

Overall system restorations are often required when a system has been in disuse for an extended period or has not received sufficient maintenance or repairs in a while. Such a system restoration may require the replacement of various components to ensure that the system functions as it should.

Alterations to Existing Systems

In many cases, landscapes change as new beds are dug and planted or lawns are extended or retracted. As homeowners make changes to their gardens’ layout, so does the existing irrigation system need to be altered to ensure that the right areas are watered.

Sometimes the alterations might involve upgrades or changes to how the system works to provide a different kind of water pressure, more automation or a different sprinkler head design. This might be because technology has improved since the original system was installed, or perhaps a new owner wants to do some upgrades.

Field Wiring Problems

When the wiring in your sprinkler/irrigation system is damaged, faulty or poorly done, various problems could ensue. Not only will the automated functions of the system not work as designed, but there could potentially be danger of electrocution if wires are exposed.

Field wiring problems could result in valves not functioning as they should, resulting in pressure problems and potential backflow issues.

Valve Replacements and Backflow Replacement

Your sprinkler/irrigation system’s valves are integral to the system functioning as it should. The valves regulate how much water is distributed to different parts of the garden. Modern irrigation system valves often have automation functionality, allowing you to set timers.

These components will endure much wear and tear. While good quality valves can last as much as 10 to 15 years if well looked after, they can fail due to a lack of maintenance. Moreover, faulty wiring can cause valves to fail due to short circuits.

Backflow valves also need replacement periodically, particularly if an ageing valve fails to pass a safety inspection. Backflow is a critical issue that cannot be allowed to happen. Thus the replacement of backflow valves is often necessary to ensure that the integrity of the water supply is not compromised.

Spray Heads

Sprinkler spray heads commonly need replacing or repairing because they are typically the most exposed part of the system and are therefore the most likely to get damaged from lawnmowers or being stepped on, for example. They also often get clogged up and stop functioning as intended.

Rotors

Like spray heads, rotor sprinklers also often need repairing since they are the most exposed part of the system. Moreover, they contain various moving parts to ensure that they rotate effectively. This constant rotation is prone to wear and tear, so regular repairs are often required to ensure that they spray water properly.

Controllers

Sprinkler/irrigation systems need controllers to control the system. These devices allow users to determine the timing of the irrigation and, depending on the type of controller, various other parameters as well.

Sometimes these controllers suffer from faults, short circuits or other electrical problems, causing the entire irrigation system to fail or to function irrationally. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary either to replace an old, dysfunctional controller with a new one or to have the wiring looked at and repairs effected.

Rain and Freeze Sensors

Rain and freeze sensors can wear out after a few years and need replacing. If these sensors start to fail, then the sprinklers will either fail to turn on as scheduled or might continue to consume water for irrigation even when raining, thereby wasting water.

It is important to ensure that these sensors are working and that they be replaced if not.

Leaks

Leaks are extremely common problems. These can occur due to bad seals on joins and connections or perished or cracked piping, among other things. Naturally, leaks are a problem for a sprinkler/irrigation system because they lead to a loss of water and pressure and can result in excessive water bills and an unevenly watered landscape.

Any leaks should be detected and repaired as soon as possible.

At South Austin Irrigation, we can do all kinds of sprinkler/irrigation system repairs to ensure that your system is running optimally. Contact us online today to find out more or call us at (512) 534-7449.

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