Have you been finding that your irrigation system is registering unusual pressure or flow levels? Then chances are that your system has a major maintenance problem that needs to be addressed right away.
When you see an abnormality like this, the first thing to do is shut down the system or shut down the current valve zone and try another one. Most irrigation systems are shut down using what’s called a master valve. The master valve is a single valve located at the water source that can shut off all flow of water into the irrigation system.
If you have a system that is pump-operated, then you will probably want to shut off the pump first. Sometimes, and especially in the case of booster pumps, you’ll need to shut down both the pump and the master valve.
Abnormal pressure might indicate one of several problems. Very low pressure might suggest that:
- the pump is broken (if you have a pump)
- an intake screen is clogged
- a filter is dirty
- a valve failed to open
- a pipe has broken
Very high pressure could be the result of a valve not opening or a dirty filter, especially if the pressure is measured upstream of the filter rather than downstream. It could also mean that some obstruction exists in the pipes.
If the problem is related to flow, low flow could indicate that a valve failed to open, a filter is dirty or that a pump isn’t working as it should. On the other hand, high flow could be a sign of a broken pipe, broken sprinkler or valve that is stuck open. In most cases, you need only monitor flow or pressure as opposed to monitoring both.
South Austin Irrigation can help you locate the source of any abnormal pressure or flow you may be experiencing with your system. We will repair or replace any equipment quickly, efficiently and at a price that’s right for you. When you need expert irrigation system service, contact us!
