Lawn sprinklers have become an integral part of our garden system. It helps keep our lawn grass green and healthy, and it makes for an occasional source of fun for our pets. Maintaining a lawn sprinkler system is not very hard to do, but it must be done properly in order to ensure the longevity of this garden equipment.
Be on the lookout for leaks and sprinkler heads that have been misaligned. This would be pretty easy to detect because the sprinkled water won’t be in its usual pattern. Check as well if the sprinkler pops all the way out. Sometimes, grass can grow over them and prevent the sprinkler head from popping out. You can also use a measuring cup or rain gauge to measure the amount of water given off by the sprinkler on a specific area. From there, you can also gauge if there are clogged or malfunctioning heads.
Another thing that you can do is to remove the sprinkler head and check the filter screen at the bottom end. There are times when soil and debris can cause clogging or decrease the water pressure on the individual sprinkler heads. These tasks can be done on a monthly basis.
Sprinkler systems need to be drained thoroughly before the ground starts freezing. The reason behind this is that water expands when frozen, and this may cause cracks on the water lines. Most systems have self-draining function. However, if this proves unreliable, you can use an air compressor to force the water out of the lines. Do this after turning off the main valve and unplugging the sprinkler system.
After winter months, make sure to check the sprinkler heads and lines for any sign of deterioration. You can do his by turning on the water supply and observing the water flowing out of the sprinkler heads. You can use a screw driver to fix the alignment of the heads and prevent them from spraying over walkways, dry garden areas or roads.
Always consult your sprinkler manual for proper maintenance and precautionary measures that you need to exercise when disassembling your sprinkler system. Make sure that you also adjust the water pressure in accordance to the seasonal needs of your garden. Generally, plants need less water during spring and fall. You can decrease the water pressure during those seasons and adjust the timers in order to save water.
Amy C. Fountain is a work from home blogger and home designer. She uses her talents to help people decorate their homes and gardens with the aid of Candle Lanterns and Japanese Bamboo Fountains.