Have you ever wondered how to dewinterize sprinkler systems? When spring is right around the corner, homeowners must prepare their irrigation systems for the change of seasons. Many homeowners fail to properly care for their sprinkler systems and must deal with the resulting annoyance, repairs, and maintenance of their irrigation systems.
Sprinkler systems help support healthy plant life and eliminate needing to individually water plants by hand. Technological advancements have made sprinkler systems incredibly affordable, effective, and long-lasting. Contact your local landscaping professionals for help installing and maintaining state-of-the-art sprinkler systems.
Please continue reading if you have a sprinkler system but wish to understand more about how sprinkler systems function and the best way to dewinterize your irrigation systems. Proper cleaning techniques and troubleshooting of your sprinkler system significantly reduce the risks of cracked pipes, malfunctioning sprinkler heads, and filtration issues. Read more below to learn everything you need to know about sprinkler systems.
Importance of Dewinterizing Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems remain popular among Sacramento County residents due to their low cost, infrequent maintenance requirements, and effectiveness. However, as the winter winds subside and the camellia flowers flourish, professionals must inspect sprinkler systems for signs of damage. Consider hiring landscaping experts to inspect your irrigation system bi-annually.
Poorly functioning sprinkler systems leak water, spray water erratically, and fail to water plants thoroughly. Ignoring your irrigation system inevitably leads to costly repair and replacement services. Signs of a damaged sprinkler system needing repairs include the following:
- Sprinkler heads are not popping up
- Low water pressure
- Misdirected spraying of water
- Malfunctioning control panel
- Poor water quality
Cold winter days put tremendous pressure on sprinkler systems. Dirt submerged in sprinkler nozzles, frozen PVC pipes, and grass overgrowth may impact the efficiency of sprinkler systems. Dewinterization techniques ensure your sprinkler system functions correctly and lasts for many years.
How to Dewinterize Sprinkler System
You don’t have to be an expert to treat your sprinkler system with loving care. Homeowners have many options for guaranteeing the timely function of their irrigation systems. Consider the following tips for how to turn on sprinkler system after winter:
Inspection
Before turning on the controller or twisting any sprinkler valves, perform a visual inspection of your entire system. Dirt, dust, and debris accumulation on valve boxes and sprinkler heads frequently cause malfunctioning sprinkler systems. If you notice signs of dirt, mold, or cobwebs on your sprinkler system’s components, use warm water and a mild pH cleaner to wash away obstructions from nozzles, valves, manifolds, and the controller.
Ensure the ground around your property remains unfrozen and thawed. Turning on an irrigation system while the ground remains frozen often leads to damaged tubing, leaks, and broken sprinkler nozzles. If you have trouble digging into frozen soil, wait another week or two before turning on your irrigation system.
Restart Sprinkler System
Start by slowly turning on the main water line connected to your sprinkler system. Releasing pressure and water into your irrigation system too fast may lead to cracked piping, broken sprinkler heads, and water hammering. Water hammering refers to the thumping noise emitted from irrigation system pipes when pressure rapidly changes.
Once your water main successfully sends water to your irrigation system, follow up by turning on the remaining station valves. Inspect each watering zone to ensure the sprinkler heads water your lawn correctly. Feel free to adjust sprinkler heads by turning the top of sprinkler heads clockwise or counterclockwise to increase and decrease the arc of water.
Reset Control Panel
Reset the watering schedule on your control panel. Cutting-edge sprinkler system control panels allow you to adjust the exact time or day the sprinklers water your landscape. Consider investing in additional drip systems and weather sensors that further improve the efficiency of irrigation systems.
Understanding Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems require far less maintenance than HVAC systems. But, homeowners should always inspect the components of sprinkler systems bi-annually. Regularly inspected sprinkler systems can last up to 30 years.
But how exactly do sprinkler systems work? Understanding the individual components of sprinkler systems helps homeowners maintain these essential systems. Continue reading to learn the most important parts of a sprinkler system.
Sprinkler Valves
Sprinkler valves control the water directed to your watering zones and sprinkler heads. Learning how to dewinterize sprinkler systems requires a thorough understanding of properly functioning sprinkler valves. You may have one, two, three, or more sprinkler valves depending on the size of your lawn and irrigation system.
Backflow Protector
Backflow protectors prevent contaminated water from flowing back into your main water supply. Water exposed to planting soils, chemical weed killers, and harmful bacteria reduces your home’s water quality and requires a backflow protector to ensure proper filtration. The backflow protector connects directly to the main water line of your home.
Irrigation Pipes
Irrigation pipes run underground from the sprinkler valves to the sprinkler nozzles. Irrigation pipes constructed of PVC piping help direct water flow and prove essential for all irrigation systems. Inspect irrigation pipes regularly for signs of cracks, corrosion damage, and obstructions to keep your sprinkler system functioning properly.
Best Sprinkler Systems
Homeowners have countless choices when seeking high-quality sprinkler systems for their lawns, flower beds, gardens, and much more. Fixed, rotating, shrub, and pop-up sprinkler systems help homeowners care for various flora and fauna. The most popular sprinkler systems in 2023 include the following:
- Dramm Duty 9-Pattern Turret Sprinkler
- Gilmour Spot Sprinkler
- Melnor Oscillating Sprinkler
- GARDENA ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler
Speak to your local lawn care experts for assistance finding the best sprinkler system to meet your needs. Lawn care professionals regularly teach homeowners how to dewinterize sprinkler systems, design stunning landscapes, and much more. Ditch the watering can and experience the benefits of professionally installed irrigation systems.
Trust Lawnman for All Your Sprinkler System Needs
Lawnman proudly serves the Greater Sacramento area. Our excellent staff approaches all irrigation system installations, repairs, and maintenance services with care, compassion, and attention to detail. Call Lawnman Landscaping Company at (916) 758-9534 to schedule your appointment today!
