A cool sprinkler system can be a fantastic addition to your beautiful home. However, when you start experiencing issues with it, you might decide to be your own handyman and fix the problem yourself. To help you out, we want to talk about the dos and don’ts of sprinkler maintenance. If you don’t know what you are doing, you might end up damaging your sprinkler system, which will only create additional expenses.
Dos of sprinkler maintenance
There is a reason why cleaning sprinklers can be a bit tricky. When people want to purchase a new place, and they start inspecting plumbing before moving in, sprinklers are very high on this list. While they are a great addition to your home, the cost can be really high, especially if you have an advanced sprinkler system.
The first of the dos is to inspect your sprinklers regularly. If it’s a hot summer and they work every day, do a weekly checkup to see if everything is functioning correctly. If the sprinklers were stored during winter, you need to check if everything works fine after moving them out of the storage. Sometimes the mechanical parts inside can freeze due to low temperatures, or the hose might be damaged if you did not store it properly.
Check sprinkler heads
One of the most common issues with sprinklers is if the head gets clogged with dirt. If you leave it working when the water distribution is not equal, you might end up destroying your lawn. Some parts will be too wet, and you will also have dry patches of grass. Remind yourself to check this once a month if you constantly use sprinklers.
Inspect the valves
Sprinklers have plastic valves that direct water to the entire system. These can often break, which will result in leaks. If you notice irregular water pressure, a faulty valve is the most common reason for the problem. You can find valves in the central system and the sprinkler heads. Any crack or a rip is a good indication that these valves need replacement.
Are you moving? It is wise to inspect the sprinklers before packing.
When people start packing for the relocation, they often want to finish the process as quickly as possible. If you are too hasty, you might overlook some important things. When you start packing the garden items, there are a couple of essential rules to follow.
When it comes to packing sprinklers, inspect them thoroughly before you pack them. If they do not work, it is a good idea to call a plumber to fix them. Furthermore, be sure to pack everything in the appropriate box and protect the hoses and small parts from potential damage during transport.
Regarding garden tools, be careful when handling sharp items. A toolbox is the best way to pack them safely. As for the garden furniture, remember to ensure that outdoor furniture is handled with care. Patio furniture can be costly, so treat it the way it deserves.
What are the don’ts of sprinkler maintenance?
Mainly, the don’ts of sprinkler maintenance are grouped in two sections:
- things you never do;
- things you never do without professional assistance.
We will cover a couple of bad practices and talk about the reasons for hiring a professional plumber.
Bad practices to avoid when doing sprinkler maintenance
All of the bad practices you should avoid are pretty much very logical. First of all, do not ignore any leaks. If you see a small hole on your hose where the water is leaking or one of the valves is dripping, but the sprinklers are working fine, the worst thing you can do is ignore it, thinking everything is fine. It’s just a tiny leak.
Well, a small leak can quickly burst a hose and flood your garden. This can turn into a disaster if you leave the sprinkler system on and leave the house.
Another thing to keep in mind is the way you treat your sprinklers. Handle them with care, do not throw away anything on the ground. Read the manual and learn the proper way to handle all parts of your sprinklers. If you are not careful, you might end up accidentally breaking something.
Finally, be aware of where you keep your sprinklers when not in use. Are they cramped up in the corner of your garage? Or are they safely stored in a box on a shelf?
Do not attempt to fix these sprinkler issues on your own
There are many cases with faulty sprinklers where it is a good idea to call a plumber. The first thing that comes to mind is a broken pipe in your yard. This does not mean there is anything wrong with the sprinklers, but the system not working will indicate a potential problem with something. If sprinklers do not seem damaged, call a plumber to inspect the pipes.
Furthermore, testing the voltage of the sprinklers and inspecting the transformers requires professional assistance. Do not mess with electricity on your own. First, you might not even know if something is wrong. And second, even if you do, fixing it is not easy if you don’t know what you are doing.
Another common situation when you want to call a professional is if you see any disconnected or damaged wires on the sprinklers. If you are not careful, you might cause even more damage.
Finally, sometimes the sprinkler system needs solenoid replaced. This electromagnet communicates with the controller, and it closes and opens the valves. It is yet another situation where you want to call a professional plumber.
Dos and don’ts of sprinkler maintenance explained
And there you have it. We hope that these dos and don’ts of sprinkler maintenance will help you in making the right decision. Take good care of your sprinklers, and know when to call a professional. Neglecting them will only lead to replacing more parts or even purchasing a new set of sprinklers.
