As the weather warms up in Collinsville, IL, it’s time to prepare your sprinkler system for spring. This maintenance routine will help identify and address any issues that may have arisen during the winter, ensuring that your sprinklers perform optimally throughout the summer.
Here’s a checklist for your spring irrigation system tune-up in Collinsville, IL to maintain a healthy lawn and prevent high water bills:
Sprinkler Heads:
- Conduct a visual inspection of all your sprinkler heads for potential obstructions, such as rocks, dirt, mulch, or overgrown grass. Ensure that shrubs or bushes haven’t grown to obstruct water flow.
- Check for cracked or broken sprinkler heads and replace them with the same model and brand in each zone.
- Adjust sprinkler heights as needed and straighten any leaning ones.
- Verify that the sprinkler heads are angled correctly for the lawn’s slope.
- If your system hasn’t been used during the winter, remove the sprinkler head at the end of each zone for a flush to clear any debris and insects when the system is activated.
Valve Boxes:
- Locate the valve boxes and keep them clear of debris and overgrown grass.
- Check the valve assemblies for any damage, including broken or loose wires, or cracked valves.
Backflow Prevention Assembly:
- Examine the above-ground backflow prevention assembly (BPA) for damage, even if you irrigated during the winter.
- Slowly open the isolation valve to prevent water hammer if it was closed.
- Ensure the test cocks are fully open, and tighten the bolts on RPZs’ relief covers if necessary.
Controllers:
- Verify that the controller displays the correct time and date.
- Replace the backup battery if your controller has one, ideally every six months, in spring and fall.
Sensors:
- Check the sensors for proper operation and correct positioning.
- Inspect rain or rain/freeze sensors for debris inside the housing and clean them.
- Examine the condition of the discs and replace them if they are moldy or misshapen.
System Flush:
- If your system wasn’t used during the winter, run each zone separately to flush out debris and insects from the pipes.
- Ensure water flows out of the flush points created during your earlier inspection.
- Reinstall the sprinklers removed at the end of each zone.
System Operation:
- Manually activate each zone to identify any operating problems, such as leaks or malfunctioning sprinkler heads.
- Address issues as needed, including cleaning, adjusting, or replacing parts.
Once you’ve completed the inspection and any necessary repairs, program the controller with appropriate irrigation times based on the season and local watering schedules.
If you lack the expertise for a spring tune-up in Collinsville, IL, consider hiring a licensed irrigator like the professionals at Diversified Services. They can provide a comprehensive inspection and offer services such as consultation, repairs, replacements, and upgrades to ensure your irrigation system’s optimal performance and water conservation.