Using an automatic sprinkler system is a popular way to water a lawn. For the most part, all one has to do is set the timer, and the system will take care of the rest.

However, some maintenance is required to reduce water waste, prolong the life of the equipment, and keep your lawn healthy. One of the most important times to do this is the fall, right as the watering season winds down.

Hire a Professional Service

You’ll want to winterize your irrigation system to prevent damaging winter freezes and all the costly repairs that can come with the cold. Compressed air forces the remaining water out of the system once the water source is shut off. With all of the water blown out, there isn’t any left in your irrigation system to freeze and cause pipes to burst.

Blowing out a sprinkler system can be difficult. You might want to consider hiring a professional lawn sprinkler service to take care of this step. They can also look into all the maintenance-related tasks mentioned here and carry out necessary repairs, troubleshoot issues, and make programming adjustments. If you’re more of a do-it-yourself person, the family handyman has a handy guide.

Detect Leaks

Be on the lookout for signs of leaks in your sprinkler system. You’ll want to check connections and keep an eye out for areas with puddling water, especially if another area is completely dry. 

Common areas where sprinkler systems see leaks:

• Water lines
• Valves
• Fittings
• Spray heads
• Rotors

In some situations, tightening a connection might be all that’s required to fix a leak. However, if it’s a more sizeable leak, you might need to replace hoses, lines and gaskets to fix it.

Check Backflow

Sprinkler systems contain a backflow preventer to protect your drinking water. Inspect the backflow preventer during the fall to ensure that it can maintain water flow. Remember to inspect the preventer annually to avoid costly repairs.

Rain Sensor

A rain sensor can be a great upgrade to your sprinkler system if you don’t already have one with rainy fall weather. Installing one can help you save money and water in your home. The sensor will shut off once an adequate amount of rain has accumulated, reducing unnecessary water waste, perfect for the fall season, when it rains more often.

Clear Debris

Make sure to inspect your property and clean up any debris from gutters and spouts before winter. Clogged debris can cause overflow and divert water from where it’s needed most. Keep your gutters clear to enable better irrigation for your lawn.

Inspecting your sprinkler at regular intervals is essential to ensure minor problems don’t become big disasters. Plus, an efficient and well-maintained lawn sprinkler will help your lawn thrive. Whether you tackle minor repairs on your own or leave everything to the professionals, it’s usually best to get some help to ensure that your lawn irrigation system runs smoothly year-round.

partnered post • photo by Q. Hưng Phạm via Pexels