Not all sprinklers are created equal. In fact, some are better suited for particular tasks than others. And, some use water much more efficiently than others. Find out more about types of sprinklers or watch this Garden Time segment. Regardless of the type of sprinkler that you use, there are simple things you can do to ensure that the right amount of water gets where it is needed.
One of the most important things you can do to conserve water outdoors is to keep your watering system operating efficiently, whether it's a hose with a nozzle or a sophisticated underground irrigation system. Watch this segment from KATU's AM Northwest to see how to test out your hand-watering or in-ground sprinkler system in the springtime.
Seasonal Sprinkler System Maintenance
Spring Sprinkler Maintenance
- Close all manual drains (they were probably left open when sprinkler system was drained last fall).
- Slowly open the main valve, allowing the piping between it and the cross connection (backflow) prevention assembly to fill with water.
- Pressurize the mainline from the backflow prevention assembly to the control valves. Have one of the control valves open while you do this, so air trapped in the piping can escape through the sprinkler heads as the pipes fill with water.
- Have the cross-connection assembly, or back flow, tested by a state-certified tester. Contact your water provider for specific information on rules and regulations - be sure to ask for the cross connection or back flow specialist.
- Run the entire sprinkler system, one zone at a time. As you do this,
- Check for signs of leakage, especially damage to sprinkler heads or piping which could have occurred over the winter. Repair and replace as needed.
- Check for accurate spray patterns. Adjust your sprinkler heads so they water your landscape and not sidewalks or pavement.
- Make sure their spray isn’t blocked by plants or other materials.
- Clean clogged nozzles and sprinkler heads
- Install a rain sensor. Rain sensors are designed to shut off sprinkler systems when rainfall reaches a preset amount, usually 1/4 inch. Once the moisture level subsides, the sensor re-enables the sprinkler system, resuming the previous watering schedule. Rain sensors should be mounted in an unobstructed area exposed to open sky - minimizing the potential for fallen leaves or other debris from blocking the sensor.
Summer Sprinkler Maintenance
- Know how long it takes your sprinkler to water an inch. Use a tuna can to measure your sprinkler's water use.
- Regularly check your watering system for leaks, broken lines, or misdirected sprinkler heads. Taking a few minutes once a month to make sure your sprinkler and/or hoses are working correctly is a crucial step to ensuring efficient water use outdoors. Be sure to run your entire system zone by zone and check the following:
- Signs of leakage, especially damage to sprinkler heads or piping. Repair and replace as needed. Look for perpetual damp spots in your landscape as these might indicate a leak or broken line that will have to be fixed.
- Accurate spray patterns. Adjust your sprinkler heads so they water your landscape and not sidewalks or pavement. Make sure their spray isn’t blocked by plants or other materials as well.
- Get your backflow checked. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, chances are that you have a backflow connection that is required by law to be checked annually. Have the cross connection assembly, or back flow, tested by a state-certified tester. Contact your water provider for specific information on rules and regulations - be sure to ask for the cross connection or backflow specialist.
- Install a rain sensor. Rain sensors are designed to shut off sprinkler systems when rainfall reaches a preset amount, usually 1/4 inch. Once the moisture level subsides, the sensor re-enables the sprinkler system, resuming the previous watering schedule. Rain sensors should be mounted in an unobstructed area exposed to open sky, minimizing the potential for fallen leaves or other debris from blocking the sensor.
Fall Sprinkler Maintenance
Each fall, you should winterize your irrigation system to keep it in prime condition for next spring and summer. Get ready for the rainy season and keep your pipes safe with these tips:
- Check to see that your sprinkler system is functioning correctly. Make sure that your sprinkler heads aren't blocked and are directed to the plants you would like them to water.
- Look for perpetual damp spots in your landscape as these might indicate a leak or broken line that will have to be fixed.
- Get your backflow checked. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, chances are that you have a backflow connection that is required by law to be checked annually.
- Winterize your automatic sprinkler system by emptying it of water and turning it off for the season (this includes drip systems too!)
- Put garden hoses away for the season and insulate outdoor pipes. Empty and disconnect your garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Also be sure to insulate your outdoor faucets and any exposed pipes for the winter.
- Clear debris from your gutters and downspouts. This will prevent overflow and keep the water from your roof directed where you want it to go during the winter rains.