Irrigation Repair: Signs You Need a Professional

Every garden needs some irrigation system to flourish. And those systems occasionally require irrigation repair. You can do some things on your own, such as regular inspections and replacing worn-out caps, but some things require professional assistance. In this post, we’ll go over the benefits of high-functioning irrigation systems, how to identify repair needs, and when to call a professional for help so you’re not stranded. Irrigation Repair for Garden Health On the most basic level, irrigation systems are used to water crops by bringing in water from manmade means like sprinklers, so you don’t have to rely solely on rainwater. On a more specific level, they also ensure your lawn is getting the water it needs at the proper time. Without irrigation, you’ll likely overwater or underwater because you’re guessing how much water your property needs. Irrigation systems are simply a way to automate the process. A properly functioning irrigation system has three main benefits: water conservation, efficient watering, and healthier plants. As previously mentioned, when you have an irrigation system, you’re not just watering your property and hoping for the best–you can rest assured that your plants are receiving proper watering. This saves water and money on the bills you would have to pay for overwatering. Irrigation systems also provide efficient irrigation. Your plants need water at specific times during the day, and with an irrigation system, you can ensure they’re getting that water even if you’re not home or asleep. This also results in less labor for you–no more dragging the hose or single sprinkler out of the garage and spending thirty minutes watering your plants. Both of these things result in healthier plants. Irrigation systems are incredibly targeted, ensuring the roots get all the water they need, which can be hard to do by hand. Your soil needs moisture to encourage growth, and by getting the right amount of water at exactly the right time, your plants will grow healthy and vibrant. Identifying Irrigation Repair Needs Now that you know what your garden can look like when your irrigation has its necessary repairs, you need to know the telltale signs that it needs repairs. It’s important to monitor your system and your garden regularly and to perform preventative maintenance. When monitoring, here are three things to look for that may indicate your irrigation needs repairs:

• Dry Patches or Overly Wet Patches: If you’re walking around your yard and notice yellowing, browning, extra dry, or extra wet grass, this means your system is not irrigating optimally. Check sprinklers for leaks, clogging, or broken pieces–if you can’t find the culprit, you may also have a broken pipe somewhere.
• Unusual Increases In Water Bills: Unusual water bill increases indicate that you’re using more water than usual. This could result from a leaking or broken sprinkler or a broken pipe. It could also be that you have forgotten to change your yard’s watering schedule for the season. Start with an initial system schedule check and a quick yard inspection looking for damaged pieces.
• Pressure Issues: You can use a water pressure gauge to check for pressure issues. A normal reading is between 45 and 80 psi, ideally around 60. If the pressure is too high, your irrigation system will break; if it’s too low, its efficiency will decrease, and your yard will not receive enough water.