Your irrigation system keeps your lawn lush and healthy.

It also protects the investment you make in your landscape.

Save money, save water and keep your system humming with these important tips.

An ounce of prevention

The adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, applies to irrigation. Like your automobile or your teeth, regular inspection and maintenance is essential to keep your irrigation system running smoothly.

And discovering issues quickly stops water waste and saves money, because regular inspections and minor repairs ultimately cost less than the major repairs necessitated by years of neglect.

These are the things an inspection covers:

Identifies issues which waste water

  • Sprinkler heads damaged, clogged, or misaligned
  • Leaks in the lines – which waste a lot of water
  • Broken valves
  • High or low pressure – high pressure quickly wears a system and low pressure can signal a leak

Performs regular maintenance

  • Flushing the system to clear out debris which damages heads, valves and clogs lines
  • Replacing filters to prevent build-up of sediment in the system

Evaluates and corrects inefficiencies in the system

  • Correcting inefficient spray patterns which overspray or do not reach intended areas
  • Refining the program to deliver the right amount of water to each zone
  • Eliminate mixed zones which waste water

If you are knowledgeable, a monthly review of your system is ideal.

If not, a quarterly or, at least bi-annual inspection with a professional should suffice.

Timing is everything – Be efficient and $ave

A well-designed and thoughtfully programmed irrigation system can save you both time and money.

Water early in the morning 1 to 3 hours before sunrise.

Water infrequently, but deeply (no more than 2-3 times a week).

Program each zone independently to match its specific needs.

To best understand the needs of your plants and how best to water, review the Water Use It Wisely site for details. You can also work with your irrigation specialist.  https://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/landscape-care/principles-of-xeriscape-design/efficient-irrigation/

Update and improve

If your system is old or has not been updated to reflect landscape changes, this is a good time to consider updating your system.

  • Reprogram zones to meet the specific needs of plants or if you have converted an area to patio or native plants
  • Add zones to your system to refine your water distribution for efficiency
  • Add technology to your system to improve performance. For example, a rain sensor will automatically turn off your system and prevent water waste
  • And don’t forget your lawn. Dethatch and aerate regularly, because compacted soil cannot absorb water converting irrigation efforts into runoff

SAVE with Rebates

Austin will give you up to $400 to improve the efficiency of your system by adding efficiencies like a rain sensor. They also provide a free evaluation of your system