As the warmer Spring weather begins to roll in, many people are returning to the outdoors. Biking, swimming, hiking, and backyard barbecues are beginning to take the focus once again. In order to truly enjoy that backyard cookout, you first need to spend some time getting your lawn looking its best. And one of the key elements of that is watering. But did you know that Spring cleaning is not just for your house? In fact, there are some Spring cleaning needs for your irrigation system as well. If you want to keep your system running in tip-top shape and help it to last for season and season, then Spring maintenance should be a top priority. Below are some of our tips for keeping your irrigation system running at its best.
Control Panel
The first thing to do is to prep and clean the control panel. Typically, this is in your garage or on the side of the house. Once the control panel has been located, give it a good wipe down to remove any dirt, buildup, or even cobwebs that may be on it. You do not want any of that buildup to get down into the inner mechanisms and cause the system to malfunction. Now is also the time to install new batteries if your system uses a backup battery. For all the nooks and crannies, you can use an old toothbrush or other small bristle brush to scrub in the crevices.
Sprinkler Heads
The next step is to check your sprinkler heads one by one and ensure they are not damaged. If you do notice any broken sprinkler heads, you will need to replace them before starting up your system for the season. This prevents any overuse of water, keeping your water bill low, while also preventing further damage to your irrigation system. Any heads that are not intact will simply need a quick scrub to remove any buildup. This is especially true if you have hard water as the excess minerals can clog the spouts and blocking any water flow to that sprinkler region.
Adjustments
Once these cleanings and checks are completed, it is time to make any adjustments to your watering schedule. With that completed, turn on the system and make note of any sprinkler heads that need to be redirected to ensure maximum water coverage for your yard and garden. It is best to observe all zones and write down which heads need to be adjusted beforehand, so that you are not making multiple trips to and from the control panel to check each zone or each sprinkler head individually. With it written down, you can make all of your adjustments at once.
Final Thoughts
In Florida, it is not always necessary to turn off your sprinkler system for winter as we generally do not get cold enough to worry about frozen pipes. However, if your system has been turned off for a season, it is a good idea to check for air in the lines before turning the system on fully. Of course, to simplify the whole process, call American Irrigation to inspect your sprinkler system, ensure proper maintenance, and to get it running its very best.