Starting the Season
As the heat begins to come back, it’s time to start thinking about watering your lawn and gardens. If you have an irrigation system, now is the time to start it up and make sure it’s still working properly. However, before you set it (and forget it), there are some common mistakes that homeowners make when setting their irrigation systems that can lead to wasted water and higher bills. Let’s discuss 4 of these common mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Checking The Sprinkler Heads
One of the most common mistakes people make when setting their irrigation systems is not checking the sprinkler heads. Over time, these heads can become clogged or damaged, which can lead to uneven watering or water waste. Before setting your system, walk around your yard and check each sprinkler head. Make sure they’re clean, in good condition, and aimed correctly. And once you start your system, keep a close eye of each of the heads to ensure that none of them has an issue.
2. Watering Too Much
Watering too much is another common mistake homeowners make with their irrigation systems. It’s important to remember that plants only need a certain amount of water, and overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems/diseases. We commonly will have people call us and say that they keep watering their lawn, but the grass is still looking damaged by the sun and dry; but once we come out and take a look, it becomes apparent that the lawn is actually getting TOO much water and that their grass is suffering from a fungus or disease. So make sure you’re following the recommended watering schedule for your area and adjusting it based on weather conditions.
3. Not Adjusting For Changes In Weather
Talking about adjusting due to weather. This is a definite important step that stays important all season long. Make sure you keep track of the weather forecast to ensure that you aren’t needlessly watering your lawn during a thunderstorm, or hardly watering it at all during a dry spell. Of course, there are some great options for smart irrigation systems that will actually keep track of the weather and the moisture levels of the soil for you! But even with these systems, we’d follow the age old saying of, “trust, but verify.”
4. Not Checking For Or Ignoring Leaks
Last, but certainly not least, if you notice leaks or puddles of water around your system, it’s important to address them right away. Ignoring leaks can lead to wasted water, higher bills, and potential damage. Check for leaks during that initial startup of your system, and if you notice any, make sure to repair them before leaving your system running. There are definitely different signs that you are experiencing a leak, for example, if you notice very little to no water coming out of one of your sprinkler heads, then you may have leak. Irrigation systems can be tricky when there are problems under the soil in the piping. Even after setting up your system for the season, do some routine walks around the lawn to ensure that everything is operating as it should be.
Conclusion
Start checking your system now if you haven’t already, and make sure you do a thorough check of your system as you do. Irrigations systems make life incredibly easier when it comes to lawn and landscape maintenance, but they do require a little time and attention to ensure that they are doing their job. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your system is working efficiently and effectively, while also conserving water and saving money. Hope this bit of information helps!
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