Maintain your irrigation system & consider high-value upgrades: Why & how often?
By The Irrigation Association
Irrigation systems need regular maintenance to keep them working efficiently year after year. The desert heat can take a toll on drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Here are a few checks to perform on a monthly basis to make sure you’re maximizing your investment.
Monthly Adjust sprinkler heads. Remove or correct obstructions that prevent sprinklers from distributing water evenly. Adjust sprinkler head positions and spray patterns to avoid watering sidewalks or structures and to provide necessary clearance over growing plants. Check the pressure. Pressure can change over time and negatively affect your system’s efficiency. Too high of pressure can result in too much water applied too quickly, causing runoff.
Inspect your system for leaks. Leaks are a huge water waster. A good contractor can perform regular maintenance checks for leaks, broken or clogged spray heads, and other problems. Ask your contractor to show you common problems to watch for between visits.
High-value upgrades Rain sensors. These inexpensive sensors can be retrofitted to almost any system and help save water by turning your system off in rainy weather. This is especially helpful during our monsoon season.
“Smart” controllers. Weather- or soil moisture-based controllers evaluate weather or soil moisture conditions and then automatically adjust the irrigation schedule to meet the specific needs of the landscape. These controllers take the guesswork out of watering your landscape, thus saving water over time.
Before you upgrade, look for savings. Many water utilities offer rebates for certain water-efficient products. Before upgrading your new system, consult with your local water provider to take advantage of any rebates in your area.
Give us a call at (520) 370-5697 if we can help you with your irrigation needs.