System maintenance

Poorly Maintained/Designed Systems/Out-dated Systems

Leaking Sprinklers

Leaking Zone Valves

Backflow Preventers

• Poorly maintained systems will account for most of your water losses. Leaking sprinklers, valves and backflow preventers are commonly brushed off as little things that will cost you time, money, and result in high water bills. Watering with a well can cause problems also. It is possible to run your water table below normal levels. Wells going “dry” can cost more with loss of landscapes, burning well pumps out and more. Also see “Well Water 101”.

  Repair broken or damaged components at the beginning of each season. Schedule a professional service call for peace of mind.

• Poorly designed /Out dated Irrigation systems add up in inefficacies. Many limit your potential to irrigate areas of your yard. It never hurts to ask what updates can be made to better utilize your system to achieve the best optimal coverage. Newer model sprinklers have been designed with more efficient spray patterns. Mist and very small water partials are a tell-tale sign of old and out dated components. this results in longer run durations to get the adequate water saturation, and coverage. the adverse can be said if system wasn’t designed with higher water pressure then the sprinkler was rated for.

  Also, Exceeding water pressure specifications also can cause a mist-type spray condition and excess damage and wear to the sprinkler head. It is important to make sure your sprinkler heads are rated for the correct water pressure.

• Leaking sprinklers may only puddle around the head of the sprinkler head but should never be ignored for these following reasons: 1. Location- the leaking sprinkler could be located near foundation of a dwelling and cause possible water damage. 2. Complete failure of a sprinkler can and will cause a entire section known as a “Zone” not function. 3. Loss of pressure. Areas that flood will become muddy, plants and grass can get moldy. Also See “ Longer life of Sprinklers” section for additional information.

  This results in losses and in some cases more costly repairs. It is likely that most of your sprinklers were installed all at once or likely near the same time and will have similar life expectancy. Maintaining through replacing damaged heads when needed is the easiest way to avoid unexpected costs.

• Leaking zone valves need to be addressed as soon possible. A small dripping valve will lead to a large water bill. In most cases your local town will notify you your water usage is high. A larger leak can lead to flooding, costly repairs property damage.

• Backflow preventers in most cases are near your dwellings foundation or in basements. Leaks can and will likely cause water damage or possible flooding. Always address and repair as soon as possible.

  Summary

• Addressing small issues can save money and prevent larger repairs and maintenance bills.

• Leaks are serious and service should never be put off.

• System design and age may limit potential coverage and efficiency.

Rain Sensors and Common Sensors

Rain Sensors

Flow Sensors

Moisture Sensors

There are many types of sensors that can be added or used to save water. Below are the benefits and details of the most commonly used sensors.

• Rain sensors These sensors have a big impact on your water bill and the over-all health of your yard. These devices can be installed on almost all irrigations systems no mater the age of the system. They work by stopping or pausing the irrigation system once the appropriate amount of rainfall has been detected. Rain sensors also can prevent fungus and other unwanted over watering related issues. They do this by allowing the sensor to dry out completely. Rain sensors are affected by rain, cooler temps and cloud cover conditions similar to your plants. These sensors are very helpful and are often recommended. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, but should be checked to make sure they are functioning and clean.

• Flow sensors aren’t as common. Generally they require system to be compatible. Systems that are compatible will benefit by the sensor detecting a leak and alerting you to a problem. This gives you the ability to repair issues before damage occurs or shutting the system off.

  Flow sensors also give you water usages in real time.

• Moisture sensors aren’t as common. These best benefit indoor gardens. They are rarely necessary and not as reliable.

  Summary

• Rain sensors have highest benefit/impact for water saving.

Smart Controllers

Smart Controller Benefits

Navigation and Programming

• Smart irrigation controllers have had highest impact on water bills and water usage. These controller use your home wifi access point. They communicate in real time based on local weather forecasts and updates to automatically adjust system run times and cancel/stop controller pre-set cycles.

• Easy to navigate Smart phone apps. Older controllers and older navigation systems are displayed on a single screen. This can lead to programing confusion and wrong settings.

• Offsite programming, adjustments and error alerts can be added and made easily.

  Summary

• Smart controllers are an easy way to water responsibly and are user-friendly.

Longer life of sprinklers

Modern Sprinklers

Freezing Temperatures

High Water Pressure

Quality of Water

Salt and Sand

Tree Roots

Blunt/Heavy Trauma

• Sprinkler failure Modern sprinklers are now made of plastic. The benefit of a plastic sprinkler results in a much more flexible and forgiving product. A flexible plastic like ABS deforms and will flex instead of cracking. Being made from plastic provides you with a more affordable, easily produced and cost effective upgradeable platform.

• Freezing temperatures will lead to cracking and deforming resulting in leaks. Being made of plastic gives the sprinkler better odds of reforming but getting your system winterized is the easiest way to prevent cracking and deforming caused by freezing water. Winterizing will prolong your sprinkler systems life. See “Winterizing 101” for more information.

• High water pressures can drastically reduce a sprinkler heads life and cause excess wear. When a sprinkler head isn’t correctly rated to the water pressure it will result in a slower spinning head or can create a fine mist which reduces watering efficiency.

• Quality of water Clean water is very important. Water with a high mineral content will likely result in early failure. Well water can contain a high iron content which will clog up a sprinkler head. It will build up on the interior of sprinkler gears and restrict flow moment. Sand and rocks will also make a sprinkler fail more rapidly. Most water supplies are not something to worry about. Well water issues can normally be remedied by installing a well filter.

• Salt and sand New England winters…

  Sprinklers along roads and driveways will have a much shorter lifespan. Sand and salt will grind down the sprinkler sealing faces and create leaks or cause it to become stuck. Avoiding this can be done by using a leaf blower or garden hose to remove any extra debris on the surface of your sprinkler heads.

• Tree roots gravitate towards water excess water around leaking heads. They can constrict and squeeze the sprinkler causing it to leak more. Avoid this by replacing leaking sprinklers. Digging up roots can make it a more difficult and time consuming repair.

• Blunt or heavy trauma Heavy machinery and lawn mowers can result in trauma to sprinkler heads. To avoid this lower the sprinkler to grade level. When altering your landscaping or lawn near sprinklers always use flags or mark locations so then can be avoided when possible.

  Summary

• It is important to winterize your system before it freezes.

• Make sure your sprinkler heads are rated to the appropriate water pressure.

• Ensure clean water supply

• Tree roots gravitate towards water and can cause more timely and more expensive repairs.

• Locate or mark/flag sprinkler heads before construction/excavation.

Sprinkler gravity Drainage

• Gravity Drainage results from slopes and varied grades in a yard. This happens when residual water in a sprinkler line seeks the lowest point of drainage. This can build up over time and cause water pooling, mold and muddy areas. This can be remedied this by installing sprinklers with built in Check valves. A check valve prevents residual water from draining towards a lower lying sprinkler head.

Well Water 101

Well Water basics

Most common well issues

Testing your water/water filters

• Well water is a great way to water your lawn. Keeping a healthy well water supply starts with only using what you need. It is important to be aware of the limitations of your well. A dry well can take a along time to recover and could cause your well pump to burn out as well as system failure.

• Running wells dry can be avoided easily by being responsible. A properly functioning rain sensor can prevent over usage and prevent strain on your well and system. Keeping up on and replacing leaking sprinklers and programing an irrigation controller will also reduce excess water consumption. Dry wells can result in debris in sprinkler components.

• Getting a water sample is a good way to test for water quality and excessive minerals. This can also tell you if a water filter is needed. Most often with well water a filter is highly recommended.

  Summary

• Responsible well watering prevents most well related issues

• Using sensors and filters can significantly extend the life of all irrigation components and are highly recommended.

Winterizing 101

Winterizing Importance

When/How/General Knowledge

• Winterizing is done to prevent expensive damage and repairs. Winterizing typically starts in early fall. It is incredibly important to winterize your system. Failure to get this done can and will lead to flooding or burst pipes in a home, cracked heads and valves. Significant home damage can result from a system not properly being winterized. Contacting a professional for this service will ensure it is done properly.

• When? Generally starts late September and should be done before November 1st.

• System Knowledge It is always good to know where your water shut valve is located. Most valves are labeled with a shut off tags or labels. Never force valves to shut or open if you can’t turn them by hand Always try to open or close a valvee slowly.

  Summary

• Always winterize your irrigation system to prevent severe damage

• Plan ahead- Winterizing start in early September

• Understand the basic components of your system.