Keys to Lawn Maintenance: Sprinkler Care
There are many components that are involved in keeping a healthy, beautiful lawn throughout the growing season. If you live in an area where a sprinkler is necessary, your lawn maintenance will include your sprinkler system as well. Many of these systems are large and complex, with many stations to keep track of and many pipes and heads that can get damaged without proper care. To keep your sprinkler system in top-notch condition, you will need to practice regular maintenance from the time that you turn it on in the spring until you are ready to shut it down in the fall.
In the Spring
Begin your annual lawn maintenance with a sprinkler turn on and check. Try to do this during the day, so that you can easily see if there are any sprinkler heads that are not working properly or any pipes that are leaking. First, you can check for any heads that are broken or are not shooting in the right directions. You can make adjustments or replacements as necessary. Pay special attention to your pop-up heads to make sure that they are coming up properly and spraying in the appropriate area. Heads that do not pop up sufficiently could be an indication that your water pressure needs to be adjusted. If you see any leaky valves or pipes, try to repair them as soon as possible to avoid any water damage in the area of the leak. By practicing this lawn and sprinkler maintenance at the beginning of the season, you will be ready for the warmer months ahead.
In the Fall
When the temperatures begin to drop, it is important to ensure that there is no water left inside of your sprinkler pipes. Even the smallest bit of water can expand when it freezes and crack a perfectly good sprinkler pipe, leaving you with repair problems the next spring. When the temperatures begin to get down to the freezing level, part of your lawn and sprinkler maintenance will be to drain the water out of your system. You can do this by following the instructions that your sprinkler installer gave you, or by calling a professional to come and do the job. When you hire a sprinkler company to drain your system in the fall, you can rest assured that they will be using a compressor to blow every tiny drop of water out of your sprinkler system. This will go far in your lawn and sprinkler maintenance by preventing possible leaks and cracks during the cold months of winter.
By following proper lawn and sprinkler maintenance, you will be able to enjoy a lush lawn and a working sprinkler system from spring until fall. There are few things more beautiful than a green lawn in the summertime, and your sprinkler system will help you get it.
