If you are using an irrigation system, particularly a sprinkler system, maintenance is extremely important. Simple problems can quickly cost you a huge chunk of your water allowance, and take a bite out of your wallet. Make sure to check over your entire system when bad weather strikes, or about once every month if nothing is going wrong. You should have a professional certify that everything is in working order every year or so. If you do this, your irrigation system will last much longer, and you will not end up paying for simple damage caused by lack of maintenance.
Sprinklers
Any number of things can go wrong with a sprinkler system. The flow can become unbalanced, causing it to spray too much water, or not enough. Lines can become damaged, causing stagnating pools in your yard, where pests nest and grow. The sprinkler control box itself may have a malfunction that you are not equipped to handle. Checking over your whole system is important, but if you have an issue, you should speak with a professional right away. A good sign that your sprinkler is malfunctioning, is if your water allotment goes way down in a short amount of time. It usually means that water is escaping from somewhere in the system.
Dirt
Dirt is the primary culprit for breakdowns, and can easily be diagnosed by the property owner. Sprinklers especially kick up mud and tend to create dirt splashes. Check all of the housing and sprinkler heads to be sure no dirt or mud is blocking the flow of water. If it is, a cloth to wipe it down is usually all you need. If the dirt is all the way in the line, you may need a professional to take it apart and clean it out from the inside. Doing this yourself is not advised and can lead to further damage.
Filters
Irrigation systems generally filter out particulates. If this becomes clogged, flow can be reduced, and pipes can even burst from the pressure. This can usually be fixed by simply changing out the filter. When you are having the system installed, be sure you know where the filter is, and that you know how to change it yourself. This can save a lot of future costs, as this is one of the most common ways an irrigation system breaks down. Check the filter every month or so, and change it every six months regardless of quality.
To learn more about what you need for your yard sprinklers please visit the experts at: http://austinirrigationgroup.com/
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