Spring will be arriving soon in Austin, Texas, which means it’s time to bring the sprinkler systems back to life after running them minimally during the autumn and winter months.
If you’ve looked after your sprinkler system during the cold months, then you might be able to avoid sprinkler repairs before the warmer seasons.
If you didn’t do proper sprinkler maintenance, there are a few things you should check to ensure your system is in top shape for the growing season.
How to Inspect and Repair Sprinkler Components
Before you turn the water back on full blast, you should perform a thorough inspection of your system to see if there’s any damage from the winter season.
Check for damaged sprinkler heads, pipes and valves, as freezing temperatures could have caused cracks or leaks in the system. Also, look out for any cracked or worn drip tubing, as these can cause leaks, leading to wasted water.
Clean out or replace the filter screen, as a clogged screen can restrict water flow and reduce your system’s efficiency. Critically, you should check the system for leaks. According to the EPA, a single broken sprinkler head can waste up to 1,000 gallons of water a week.
Also, replace or repair any other damaged components, as early identification can help you avoid bigger problems later on.
How to Adjust Your Sprinkler Heads
Before you fire your sprinklers up, ensure that the sprinkler heads are correctly positioned. The heads should be upright and level with the ground to optimize spray coverage. This means ensuring that the heads don’t spray onto sidewalks, driveways, or walls. Inefficient sprinkler setups can waste a lot of water.
Also, choose the right nozzle, as high-efficiency nozzles can reduce runoff and improve coverage. When you use a high-efficiency nozzle, you can potentially reduce your water consumption by 30%.
Step by Step Approach to Getting Your System Started:
Reprograming Your Watering Schedule
You no doubt programmed your watering schedule to accommodate less irrigation during the winter period, so it’s important to reassess your watering schedule and reprogram it for spring.
If your system timer runs on batteries, make sure that fresh batteries are installed to prevent malfunctions that could disrupt the irrigation of your lawn and garden.
Depending on the type of grass you have, you might want to adjust your programming to accommodate it. Bermuda grass requires about 1 inch of water a week, while St. Augustine grass needs about 1.2 inches of water a week.
In Austin, it’s important that you follow the water restrictions. As of 2024, Austin Water limits automatic irrigation to one day per week owing to ongoing drought concerns. It’s also recommended that you water between 4 am and 8 am to minimize evaporation loss, which can exceed 30% on a hot and windy day.
Pressurize Your System – Opening the Main Valve
Once you have sorted out your system and reprogrammed it, it’s time to restore the water flow. However, doing it correctly is critical to preventing damage.
When you open the main valve, do it slowly, as a sudden rush of water can cause a pressure surge that can crack the pipes and fittings. It’s best to start with the zone that’s farthest from the main water source, as it allows gradual pressure to build up in the system.
Test Your Irrigation Zones
With the system now fully pressurized, test each zone to confirm that they are operating as expected. Each zone should turn on and off correctly. If a zone is malfunctioning, this should be addressed immediately.
Make sure that there is uniform coverage and that some areas don’t get too much or too little water. If you notice that the coverage is not uniform, adjust the heads accordingly.
Now would also be a good time to look out for any clogged nozzles. Sometimes, hard water can cause a mineral buildup, which can block the nozzles and reduce their efficiency. A little bit of vinegar solution can help to clean this out if necessary.
Final Step: Schedule An Annual Maintenance Service
Even if your system appears to be running smoothly, it can still be a great idea to schedule an annual professional inspection to make sure that the system is operating at full efficiency.
A professional inspection will include a full system overview and adjustment that identifies inefficiencies costing you money, checking for any hidden leaks you may have missed. Sometimes, leaks are located underground, where thousands of gallons of water are wasted without you even realizing it.
Your system inspection will also ensure that it is fully compliant with Austin’s water conservation rules and that it is up to date with the latest irrigation guidelines. Having a sprinkler service technician inspect your system gives you the opportunity to go over any questions you may have on how to best operate your sprinkler.
Smart Irrigation And Water Conservation Considerations
Due to the fact that Austin has faced multiple years of drought, it’s important to be cognizant of water conservation.
There are several ways that you can upgrade your system to improve its efficiency. This could include the use of smart irrigation controllers, which can adjust water usage based on real-time weather data and reduce water consumption by up to 50%.
Drip irrigation for flower beds is another good idea, as it can reduce evaporation losses by up to 95%.
Rain sensors are also essential, as they automatically shut off irrigation during rain events to prevent overwatering. This is a requirement in Austin.
If you need sprinkler maintenance or sprinkler repair after the winter period, Starting Your Sprinkler System Up for Spring in Austin, Texas today. Our experts will help you maximize your sprinkler system’s performance.
