Keep Your Landscape Thriving: A Guide to Irrigation System Maintenance

An automatic sprinkler system is one of your best landscaping investments. A properly designed, installed, and programmed sprinkler system doesn’t just help your landscape thrive, it saves you time, money, energy, and water. To keep your irrigation system running smoothly, regular maintenance is essential. Here’s what you need to know.

Winterization

Winterization is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can perform. Without it, water in the pipes can freeze, expand, and break parts of your system. The process, often called a sprinkler blowout, involves connecting a large air compressor and blowing all the water out of the lines. It’s best to winterize in the fall before the first hard freeze. Remember, it’s always better to winterize too early than too late.

Backflow Prevention

If your system is connected to city water or a well, it likely has a backflow prevention device. This crucial part stops irrigation water from flowing backward and contaminating your home’s drinking water. It’s important to have these devices tested regularly. Most cities, including Twin Falls, require an annual test by a certified technician.

Sprinkler Heads

The primary workhorses of your system are the sprinkler heads. It’s important to check them often to make sure they’re spraying correctly.

• Debris can clog the heads or jam the gears.
• Mowing equipment can strike the heads, requiring adjustment.
• Maturing landscapes may require heads to be raised or adjusted.

It’s a good idea to do a quick checkup at least monthly. Just run each zone for a minute or two and watch for any issues.

Pressurized Irrigation (PI) System Filters

For systems using pressurized irrigation water, a filter is installed to catch debris. This filter needs frequent cleaning. A clogged filter will significantly reduce water pressure, leading to poor coverage. Depending on the amount of silt in your water, the filter might need cleaning anywhere from once a year to every week.

Valve Boxes

Your system’s valve boxes need to be easy to find for service and troubleshooting. Keep the lawn trimmed around the lid and avoid covering the boxes with bark, mulch, or rocks.

Time Clocks (Controllers)

The controller, or time clock, is the brain of your sprinkler system. While it’s set up correctly on installation, you’ll need to make adjustments as your landscape matures and as the seasons change. Only adjust the clock if you’re comfortable with how the settings work. After the system is winterized, the clock should stay plugged in but be switched to the “OFF” position. Don’t forget to replace the 9-volt backup battery every spring; this saves your settings during a power outage.

Above-Ground Pipes & Devices

Early spring and late fall can bring freezing temperatures that damage exposed parts like pumps, filters, and backflow devices. It’s a good practice to wrap these components in burlap or an old blanket to protect them. This is only a temporary fix. If a hard freeze persists before your system is winterized, you may need to drain these parts to prevent damage.

A well-maintained sprinkler system is a low-hassle way to keep your landscape healthy. If you need help with maintenance or sprinkler repairs, give us a call. Our certified irrigation technicians are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maintenance of an irrigation system?

A: It’s a series of regular checks and seasonal tasks to keep your irrigation system working efficiently. This includes inspecting sprinkler heads, cleaning filters, managing the time clock, and performing a professional fall winterization.

Q: How do you keep an irrigation system properly maintained?

A: Through a simple, proactive routine:

• Monthly: Visually inspect sprinkler heads while they are running.
• Seasonally: Replace the controller’s backup battery in the spring and have the system professionally winterized in the fall.
• As Needed: Clean the PI filter and ensure valve boxes are uncovered.
• Annually: Have your backflow device tested by a certified technician.

Q: What is the most common issue with an irrigation system?

A: The most common problems are clogged or damaged sprinkler heads, reduced water pressure from a dirty filter, and freeze damage from not performing a sprinkler blowout correctly.

Q: What maintenance do sprinkler systems require?

A: They require five key tasks:

1. Sprinkler Head Adjustments: Regular cleaning and adjusting.
2. Filter Cleaning: Periodic cleaning to maintain water pressure.
3. Time Clock Management: Seasonal adjustments and an annual battery change.
4. Seasonal Winterization: A professional sprinkler blowout in the fall is essential.

Professional Inspections: Annual backflow testing and periodic check-ups.