A well-maintained sprinkler system saves you time and money. Rather than dragging and placing heavy hoses, your time is freed to spend with your family and hobbies. Instead of paying to water areas that are already saturated, your system is designed for even, economical coverage. When that systems malfunctions due to parts wear of damage, it can take those savings right back out of your pocket or lifestyle.
The cheapest way to avoid costly repair work is to be aware of the warning signs and call a certified professional as soon as a problem is identified. Here’s a few warning signs:
- Rising cost at the meter. While this could signal a leak in any sprinkler system attached to the meter, the first place there is usually a warning sign of a small leak is on your water bill. Even a minor issue that is draining before it can over-saturate the ground can add up to hundreds of dollars a year.
- Wet patches in the lawn. A well-designed sprinkler system should give your landscape an even, sufficient hydration without leaving a swamp behind. If there are patches of standing water hours after the sprinklers have shut of, you may have a drainage issue, sprinkler alignment problem, or a broken pipe.
- Brown, dead patches of grass. On the other side of the coin, a malfunctioning sprinkler system head or blocked pipe could leave some areas dry and burnt in the sweltering summer sun.
- Signs of physical damage. A busted sprinkler head may allow water to shoot into the air, but not all damage is that obvious. Give your system a periodic visible inspection looking for clogged or blocked heads, tire tracks where a car or city equipment may have gone over your pipes, even settling of the soil that exposes the equipment to future damage.
With proactive awareness, you can keep your sprinkler system well-maintained and operational for years without emptying your pocketbook. If you see any warning signs or if it’s time for a regular system check-up, contact American Irrigation, Tampa’s family owned and operated sprinkler experts for over 30 years. Check out our review on Angie’s List and schedule a visit today!