Springtime is upon us, and with the new season comes the need for lawn care. As the ground begins to thaw and grass begins to grow, taking a look at your sprinkler system is a great idea. Getting sprinkler system maintenance in Burlington County, NJ is the start to an excellent growing season and a beautiful lawn. Follow the tips below to begin watering your lawn and garden on the right foot.
Wait for ground to thaw
Be aware that the soil underneath your landscaping will be the last to thaw as spring begins. Using a shovel, check that the ground is thawed to at 12 inches below the surface. If you find frozen soil, wait a week and check again before starting your system. If you start it too early, the pipes in your sprinkler system can be damaged.
Make sure the flow is unobstructed
Take a walk around your yard to make sure that dirt, rocks and any other debris haven’t blocked the sprinkler heads. This will make sure there is an uninterrupted flow of water. Winter can cause all sorts of objects to get in the way of a properly functioning sprinkler head. If the flow of water gets inhibited, it can lead to wasted water and uneven distribution, leaving some areas saturated and others dry. While you’re at it, check that the sprinkler heads are aiming in the right direction.
Inspect for leaks and broken lines
A leak in your system can happen in many places, including the valves, fittings, spray heads, rotors and water lines. Even a small leak can result in major water waste over the watering season. Check your lawn to see if there are areas with puddles while other areas are dry. This could indicate a leak or show a need for a redirected sprinkler head. While some issues are easy to fix, such as replacing an old sprinkler head, other issues like a broken water line can require professional sprinkler system maintenance in Burlington County, NJ.
Check the pressure
When the system is used for the first time in the spring, make sure the water pressure is within an appropriate operating range. Too much pressure and you could be left with broken valves, busted pipes, leaks from the sprinkler heads and inefficient watering. One sign that the pressure is too high is mist spraying out of the sprinkler heads. Getting a water pressure gauge can help you measure the water pressure and help you avoid these problems.
Count on a professional
When spring rolls around, have a professional check the system and make sure it is working without disruption. If you’re looking for sprinkler system maintenance in Burlington County, NJ this spring, give Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. a call today. We can perform spring start-up services, making sure the winter weather hasn’t disrupted your system and misaligned the sprinkler heads. We can also help with repairs, check the sensors and set up your automatic timer. Call us for expert attention today.