Summer is in full swing, and many of us have been feeling the heat. There’s no better time to make sure that your sprinkler is in tip top shape.
Why does it matter if your sprinkler isn’t working? For one, if there’s a leak somewhere, you’ll be wasting a lot of water. If you’re not sure how much a leak is worth, take a quick look at our drip calculator. Another reason to consider is any standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. We’re pretty sure that there’s no many people out there wishing they had a few more mosquitoes in their garden.
Sprinkler Maintenance Tips
First check your outdoor spigot and make sure that it’s working correctly. If there’s no leaks, drips, or broken handles it’s time to check out the rest.
If you have an automatic sprinkler system, check the individual zones one by one. If not, then just follow your garden hose. If you’re using a hose, also check for any kinks or twists that might slow down your water flow. Make sure that your sprinkler heads aren’t blocked and are directed to the plants you would like them to water. Be sure to keep an eye out for damp spots along your landscape that might be the telltale signs of a leak or a broken line.
If it looks like you have signs of leakage, repair and replace as needed.
Don’t forget that automatic sprinkler systems aren’t completely automatic. Yes, you set the time, but they don’t self adjust when the weather gets hotter or colder. A good idea is to set a base schedule that provides 1 inch per week in your lawn areas (less for shrub and tree zones) and then adjust according to the current weather trends.
Last, but not least check your gutters and downspouts. By clearing the debris, this will help prevent overflow and keep the water from your roof directed to where it’s suppose to go.
If you have any questions, please feel free to let us know either in comments or via our contact form.