Your home irrigation system helps you maintain your yard’s health and physical condition. But is your system up to par? The following is some information about the expected lifespan of an irrigation system in Burlington County, NJ, and when you should consider replacing it.
Factors that impact the life of irrigation systems
There isn’t just one thing that impacts how long your irrigation system will last—in fact, many factors play a role. Since irrigation systems are outside and mostly in the ground, let’s start by looking at outdoor variables.
One of the first factors to consider is how you use your system, and how often. You want to get all the use you need out of it, but don’t overwork it. Irrigation systems are regularly exposed to gradual or sudden freeze/thaw cycles during winter and the colder months of fall. If not watched carefully, small damage in one part of the system can get worse and cause bigger problems elsewhere. Believe it or not, the type of soil surrounding the pipes and the quality of the water running through them also play a role in system lifespan.
Another consideration is the modern-day advancements in residential and commercial irrigation system technology. A professional irrigation technician can inspect and assess your setup to see if pipes and other parts are still good. If your system is old, the technician might highly recommend updating the control system so you can benefit from all the improvements in water and energy management. This includes possibly saving a lot of money in water and power costs.
When to upgrade your system
Because of technological advances, sprinkler control systems should be evaluated every 10 years, and typically need to be replaced after 15 years. Depending on the condition, quality and age of the system, the most beneficial thing to do may be to replace it. The best way to determine the state of your irrigation system and the surrounding ground is to schedule a professional assessment. Below are a few signs it’s time to update your irrigation system:
- Leaks: Most small leaks are easy to repair, as long as they’re discovered quickly. However, finding leaks more frequently throughout your sprinkler system is a problem. The more leaks you find, the more your technician will suggest replacing certain parts or even the entire unit.
- Old parts and technology: When systems need adjusting or replacing, it’s not uncommon for sprinklers to overshoot the lawn or spray far more water than necessary. Consider investing in low flow sprinkler heads, which can save you money and prevent water waste. Low flow sprinkler heads use modern technology to provide accurate and even water spray over your lawn.
- Aging irrigation system: Understandably, older irrigation systems are more likely to fail than newer ones. You should seriously consider replacing a system that is more than 15 years old. Sprinkler technology is always changing and you can benefit from changing right along with it.
Contact the team at Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. today to schedule service for your irrigation system in Burlington County, NJ.