Irrigation Maintenance

Irrigation System Maintenance Introduction

Landscape irrigation uses 50 percent or more of the water provided by many utilities.  A poorly maintained irrigation system means that much of this water never reaches its intended source and is lost to runoff, evaporation and deep watering below the root zone.

Maintaining irrigation systems is one most effective ways to reduce wasted water, reduce pollution from run-off and over-irrigation, and improve plant health by applying the correct amount of water where it can be utilized by the landscape.

At a minimum, a check of the irrigation system should be performed twice seasonally. Once at the beginning of the season when the system is first turned on and again halfway through the season.  Ideally, the system should be checked on a monthly basis.

The basics of irrigation maintenance are:

1.  Inspect the controller and make sure it’s plugged in and functioning:

2.  Update the time and date

3.  Check the connection on all of the wires – make sure that rain, wind, or soil moisture sensors are connected

4.  Replace the back-up battery

5.  Change the schedule to reflect the current season and irrigation needs of the landscape

6.  Turn on each zone and look for system damage

Examples of System Damage and Problems

Leaking valves or pipes

Leaks can occur as a result of weather damage (freezing and thawing), damage from shovels and other sharp tools, vandalism, tree roots, and normal aging of the system.  Leaks from valves and pipes may be large and very obvious.  Smaller leaks may not show up immediately and will require some detective work.  Replace or repair damaged valves and pipes. 

Broken or missing heads

Damage can occur to sprinkler heads from lawn mowers, vandalism, improperly installed heads, and normal wear and tear.  Replace damaged or missing heads immediately.  Installing heads on swing pipe allows the head to “float” in the soil and reduces the damage that can result from lawn mowers and other heavy objects.