The summer season means that your sprinklers might be working double time. Because of the heat and dry air, you may need to adjust your sprinklers accordingly. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that they are in good condition to keep your garden lush and beautiful. So how do you prepare your sprinkler system for the summer? Here are some steps you can follow to ensure working sprinklers through the hottest months of the year:
1. Inspect the Soil
The transition from spring to summer can cause your soil to become compacted. It makes it difficult for the water to penetrate the area surrounding the pipes. To avoid problems with your sprinkler system, inspect the soil around your sprinkler system. You must also make sure you have enough space between the pipes so that the water will flow freely without clogging up the lines. If there isn’t sufficient room for the water to move, reposition them.
2. Check for Any Obstructions
The next step is checking for any obstructions or debris near the pipes. Any leaves or twigs could block the water flow and prevent your system from functioning correctly. You don’t want this to happen when trying to get a head start on your lawn. It’s better to find these blocks before the hot weather hits than to wait until after and deal with an emergency.
In addition, make sure to remove anything that could potentially damage the pipes, and remember to clean out your sprinkler heads. If you see any signs of rusting or corrosion, you should either replace it or at least patch it up.
3. Test Your Sprinkler System
Once you’ve cleaned out all the debris and inspected the pipes, test your system to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Start by turning the main valve on and off at low pressure. Don’t worry about getting too much water out of your sprinklers yet; just check that the water flows freely throughout the entire system.
After everything is in order, turn the valves back on for high pressure. This way, if there are any leaks or other issues, you’ll be able to identify them right away.
4. Go Over Your Sprinkler System Accessories
After testing your sprinkler system, go over the following accessories to ensure that they are all working correctly:
- The timer: Set your sprinkler timer to the correct time (preferably early in the morning). You don’t want to forget about your timers and leave your grass and plants dehydrated.
- Backflow prevention device: Backflow preventers prevent contaminated water from flowing into your pipes. These devices are designed to stop bacteria and other contaminants from entering your home.
- Zone controller: Zone controllers allow you to control multiple zones in your yard. Each zone has its setting, which will enable you to easily regulate the flow of water throughout different areas of your property.
Sprinkler Maintenance at Texas Rainmakers
We offer professional sprinkler system installation and maintenance services for residential and commercial customers at Texas Rainmakers. Our irrigation specialists help you keep your sprinklers operating efficiently and effectively every time. Contact us today at (281) 852-4331 to know more.