Many New Jersey homeowners have a love/hate relationship with their landscaping. They love the look of a beautiful, well kept lawn, but hate having to water it on a regular basis. Purchasing and installing a lawn irrigation system provides the best of both worlds. An irrigation system supplies the right amount of water at the right time, encouraging healthy growth and establishing a deep root system.
If you’re considering having a system installed in your home, choose your contractor wisely and select someone with experience that can also look after your irrigation system maintenance. Read on to find out more about the type and frequency of upkeep is required.
Spring Maintenance
Spring is the perfect time to have a thorough check performed on your irrigation system, to ensure its performance for the upcoming season. This type of annual maintenance is necessary in order to catch any minor issues that may become costly repairs mid-summer, and prepare your system to run properly and efficiently. At this important spring check-up your contractor will:
- Verify the connection to the main water supply
- Prime the main water line
- Test system controls
- Run the sprinkler system, confirming operation in all areas
- Adjust, replace or repair sprinkler heads when needed to ensure proper coverage and performance
- Check for leakage
- Clear the area around each head of any debris or growth that may hamper its operation
- Adjust the system for springtime weather conditions
- Check the rain sensor
- Perform any necessary repairs or adjustments
Mid-Season Check-Ups or Repairs
As the temperatures rise throughout the summer, irrigation system maintenance or adjustments may be required to ensure your lawn is receiving the right amount of water. Sprinkler heads should also be checked periodically for breaks or leaks.
Winterization
Preparing your system for winter is vital, as the cold weather can wreak havoc on its components, reducing its lifespan and resulting in costly repairs. Keep in mind that if your system is still under warranty, winterization is required to keep it valid. Your winter service should include:
- Turning off the main water supply to your irrigation system, ensuring it is protected from the elements and from freezing
- A blowout of all the water from the system including valves, rotors, heads and lines zone by zone
Irrigation system maintenance is necessary to ensure proper operation and to protect your investment. Having a thorough inspection performed twice a year, as well as periodic checks throughout the summer will go a long way towards keeping your system functioning and your lawn looking great.