Sprinkler system issues Archives - South Austin Irrigation

Spring has arrived, and we are nearing summer. While we are lucky to have moderate winters here in Austin, the reduction in rainfall and low temperatures have still put our lawns through trying times.

If you properly winterize your lawn and maintain your irrigation system, you should have a fairly green lawn as we go into spring, and hopefully not too much repair work will be needed. In this blog, we give you some useful tips on how to use your sprinkler system in the spring & summer as we make the transition through the seasons.

Why Caring For Your Irrigation System Is a Must

Irrigation is probably the most important part of lawn care. Having a beautiful lawn requires attending to your flora, preparing optimal conditions for healthy grass, and it may mean seeking professional advice to help you keep pests and fungus at bay.

No matter what brand you use, from Toro to Nelson Turf to Rain Bird, all sprinkler systems need upkeep and prompt repairs in order for them to help you achieve the best lawn.

Turning Your Sprinkler System Back On For Spring & Summer

If you haven’t used your sprinkler system during the winter, it’s important to know when and how to turn it back on. The process is not complicated, and many people can manage a sprinkler startup on their own, but it does require some careful attention to avoid damage. The best time to start using your sprinkler for the spring is when temperatures are consistently higher through the night and there is no frost. Typically, April or mid-May is a good time. It’s also recommended to use the sprinkler in the early hours of the morning before the air gets too warm, or any water dispersed will quickly evaporate.

To turn your sprinkler on, first make sure the water spigot on the backflow section is closed. Next, turn on the main water valve, which is most likely in the basement. You may hear some noises as the water pressure returns after a long period of being dormant. You could also open and close the water a few times to help the pressure build up steadily. Once that’s done, you can manually activate each zone for your sprinkler system.

What To Do If You Notice A Need For Repairs

Check that your irrigation system is working well by conducting a thorough inspection to make sure that no damage has incurred during the colder months. If you notice any need for repairs, don’t panic ‒ help is just a call away. Get a professional sprinkler system repair company in Austin to help so your lawn can quench its thirst with a quality sprinkler system.

Healthy Sprinkler Means Happy Spring Days

Spring is a great time of year to get your home’s exterior looking really attractive for passersby and future investment prospects or buyers in the property market.

A well-irrigated landscape will lift your mood as well, so make sure your sprinkler system goes through a smooth startup this spring and use it wisely with care and regular maintenance for the best lawn to match the season.

If you have a sprinkler system, it’s essential to ensure that it’s working properly and efficiently.

Tips For Maintaining Your Sprinkler System Before The Summer Heat Hits:

Check for leaks: Inspect your sprinkler system for leaks or broken sprinkler heads. Leaks can waste water and cause damage to your lawn.

Adjust sprinkler heads: Make sure that your sprinkler heads are adjusted correctly to water your lawn and not the pavement or sidewalks.

Set the timer: Adjust the timer on your sprinkler system to ensure that your lawn is receiving the right amount of water. This can vary depending on the type of grass you have and the amount of rainfall you’re receiving.

Test the system: Test your sprinkler system by running it for a few minutes to check for any issues. This can help you identify any problems before they become more significant.

Consider upgrading: If you have an older sprinkler system, you may want to consider upgrading to a more efficient model. Newer systems can save water and help lower your water bill. Smart controllers have sensors for moisture levels and some can connect to a weather channel to predict rainfall. These can help you stick to your Austin watering schedule and keep your lawn healthy.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your sprinkler system is working efficiently and effectively, keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Call The Experts For Your Spring Sprinkler System Startup

While most sprinkler startups can be done on your own, if you have any doubts or simply don’t have the time to get it done yourself, you can rely on the professional team at South Austin Irrigation. We assist homeowners throughout Austin to manage and maintain their sprinkler systems in the spring and beyond because we thoroughly understand the importance of having a well-maintained lawn all year round.

Contact South Austin Irrigation for expert maintenance and repairs of your home sprinkler. Knowing how to keep your sprinkler system functional all year round is essential for water conservation, lawn care, and minimal repairs. Contact us online or call us at (512) 534-7449.

Ongoing Maintenance

Maintaining a garden irrigation system takes time, effort and dedication, but it doesn’t have to be as stressful as you might think. By practicing a few regular habits, you can maintain your system easily and reduce any future sprinkler system issues. Keep your sprinkler clean and avoid dropping it on a hard surface to avoid cracks or breakages. Also, perform a monthly inspection to identify the need for repairs early.

Quality Repairs

Stay on top of repairs and get them attended to as soon as possible to keep your sprinkler in optimum running order. Austin lawns require regular irrigation in healthy, steady quantities to keep the greenery looking lush and growing their best in the right conditions. If you notice a broken head, dry spots or puddles exposing the water lines, you may need quality repairs immediately, so don’t delay!

Watch Out For Signs Of Leaks

A leaking sprinkler is not one that is in prime condition. Leaks in your sprinkler system could mean a cracked nozzle or damaged pipe. These should be addressed as soon as you notice them because leaks mean that water is being wasted in the irrigation process. It will also affect the pressure of water coming out of the sprinkler, and your lawn won’t be watered properly.

To avoid running up an unnecessarily high water bill, get your leaks fixed urgently by a specialist sprinkler system repair company in South Austin.

Fix Broken Valves

The most common type of leak in a sprinkler system is in the valve box, and this occurs when the rubber gets worn out and water seeps through. As the seal in the valve breaks, debris can get in and prevent the box from closing, which will allow water to gush through all day. This will lead to soggy areas in your lawn, not to mention huge water wastage. Broken valves can be identified with regular maintenance checks and should be seen to by a professional at the first sign of damage.

Address Poor Water Pressure

Pressure is critical to the functioning of your irrigation system. It requires just the right amount of water pressure to be able to send sufficient water throughout your entire lawn adequately. You can identify low water pressure if water is not reaching its full radius. You will notice brown areas and uneven irrigation in your landscape and the head of the sprinkler will not pop up during the irrigation process. This is usually caused by maintenance issues, leaks or breakages, and should be fixed by a sprinkler specialist.

Correct Too Much Water Pressure

Water pressure can also vary depending on your location; however, irrigation system pressure should not be overlooked and should be tested during installation to prevent sprinkler system issues down the line. Too much pressure in your sprinkler system will lead to misting and inefficient irrigation.

The spray distribution will be uneven and you may find wet spots and puddles in certain areas due to high-pressure systems. To avoid costly sprinkler system repair and the added headache of redoing your lawn, have your pressure checked at the first sign of too much pressure.

Be Mindful of Irrigation Frequency

Speak to an expert about how often to water your lawn during the day and for how long. New plants may need a little extra watering, but overuse of your sprinkler system will lead to increased wear and tear. Set your controller or timer to go on and off at specified times to save water and to practice best care habits for your sprinkler system.

When rainfall in your area is scarce or irregular, high-functioning sprinkler systems are essential! Contact South Austin Irrigation for expert maintenance and repairs of your home sprinkler. We service a wide range of irrigation system brands, including Toro, KRain, Hydro Rain, Nelson Turf, Hunter and more, and we also provide friendly advice on how to care for your irrigation system.

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Getting your Irrigation System Back Up and Running