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Maintaining an efficient and effective irrigation system is crucial for preserving the health and beauty of your landscape, especially in the variable Texas climate. A poorly functioning system can lead to overwatering, wasted resources, dead patches, or weak plants.
At Purposed Landscaping, we specialize in installing, relocating, and maintaining irrigation systems across The Woodlands, Cypress, and Spring, ensuring your lawn and plants receive the precise amount of water they need. Use this checklist to regularly inspect and maintain your system, or let our experts handle the precision work for you.
Seasonal System Start-Up and Inspection
Before the heavy watering demands of summer begin, a thorough spring inspection is necessary to ensure your system is ready for the heat.
Zone Function Check: Run each zone manually for a few minutes to confirm that the entire system powers on and that all zones activate as programmed. Listen for any unusual noises that might indicate pump or valve issues.
Sprinkler Head Inspection: Walk through each zone and visually inspect every sprinkler head. Check for:
Clogging: Are the spray patterns uneven or weak? Clean debris from the nozzles.
Damage: Are any heads broken or leaking at the base? Replace damaged heads immediately to prevent water waste and runoff.
Tilt/Height: Are heads tilted or too low, spraying the sidewalk or street instead of the grass? Adjust the height and ensure they are perpendicular to the ground.
Water Pressure Test: Check the pressure at a few strategic heads. Too low, and coverage suffers; too high, and the spray turns to mist, wasting water and potentially damaging heads. Adjust the pressure regulator if necessary.
Coverage Assessment (Head-to-Head): Confirm that the spray from one head reaches the adjacent heads. This "head-to-head" coverage ensures uniform watering across your lawn, preventing dry spots.
Routine Maintenance and Adjustments
Throughout the watering season, minor adjustments and checks keep your system operating at peak efficiency.
Controller Programming Review: Review your watering schedule at least monthly. Adjust the run times based on current weather conditions (rainfall, temperature) and seasonal changes. Remember, it's better to water deeply and infrequently than shallowly and often.
Nozzle and Flow Rate Audit: Confirm that the correct nozzle is being used for the plant material and area (e.g., rotary nozzles for turf, drip for garden beds). Different zones may require different flow rates and run times.
Look for Leaks and Runoff: Inspect the area immediately after watering. Puddles, constant dampness, or water running down the sidewalk are clear signs of leaks, broken pipes, or excessive run times. Address these issues promptly to save water and prevent soil erosion.
Check Drip Irrigation Lines (If Applicable): For flower beds and gardens, ensure drip emitters are still securely placed near the plants and that the lines haven't been cut, punctured, or pulled out of the soil by pets or garden tools.
Plant Growth Clearance: As plants and shrubs grow, they can block the spray pattern of nearby heads. Prune foliage to ensure water reaches the intended area, or consider a sprinkler relocation service to optimize the system for your mature landscape.
End-of-Season Winterization (If Necessary)
Although winters are mild in Harris County, preparing your system is still essential for long-term health and efficiency.
Controller Shut-Off: Turn off the controller to prevent the system from running unnecessary cycles during the cooler, wetter months.
Main Water Shut-Off: Locate and turn off the main water source leading to the irrigation system to isolate it.
Drain Lines: If your system doesn't have an automatic drain, manually drain the lines to prevent water from freezing and cracking the pipes, which is an expensive fix come spring.
A well-maintained irrigation system is critical to protecting your entire landscape investment. For professional service, repairs, or a complete system overhaul designed for water conservation and optimal plant health, contact Purposed Landscaping today at (281) 819-5225. We ensure your system is working precisely for your unique The Woodlands outdoor space.