Irrigation Repair: Avoiding a Slow Flow

On average, July is the hottest month of the year in Charlotte. As hotter temperatures make their way into our region, the possibility of dryer conditions increase, which means your irrigation system needs to be in tip-top shape to handle its potential workload.

By now you've probably had the opportunity to run your irrigation system a few times, giving you time to discover any damages or issues that can result in subpar performances. Now is the time to address these issues with an irrigation repair service.

"Failing to address problems in your irrigation system will only harm you in the long-run," says John Minor, owner of Irrigation & Lighting Specialists. "We have seen it far too often. Either the damages result in a series of expensive water bills due to wasted water from leaks, or a drought comes and the lawn's health suffers from inadequate hydration. Repairing your irrigation system will end up saving a lot of headaches and money."

Common Irrigation Repairs and Adjustments 

Below are just a few of the most common irrigation repairs and adjustments we perform:

• Broken Equipment - One of the leading causes in water leakage occurs from broken equipment. If you are experiencing leaking water, resulting in runoffs, you could have a broken sprinkler head, valve or lateral and main line. The equipment can be replaced or repaired, but repairing broken valves and water lines requires professional assistance. 

• Tilted or Sunken Heads - Over time, sprinkler heads settle and tilt due to natural compaction of soil, foot traffic and lawn maintenance. This frequently causes uneven distribution of water resulting in brown spots, misting and runoffs. Attaching a swing joint to the sprinkler head is a great way to fix the issue and prevent it from reoccurring. 

• Mixed Zones - Mixed zones exist when both rotor and fixed spray heads operate together on a given area. Correctly realigning the sprinkler heads will help you avoid flooding and excessively dry areas. We also recommend sticking with one head type in a given zone. 

• Blocked Heads - When the spray pattern from a sprinkler head is being blocked, water is not going where it should. Blockage can be caused by overgrowth of vegetation, low-lying branches or inappropriate placement of the sprinkler head. You will need to trim-back vegetation or move the head to a better location. 

• No Check Valves - Without check valves, water may drain out of sprinkler heads that are at lower elevation after they have been cut off. Check valves lock water in the lateral line and result in quicker start up times and no runoffs after the system shuts off. 

• Clogged Nozzles - A clogged nozzle is caused by debris in the system getting stuck in the nozzle or the filter of the spray head. Common clogs are caused by dirt, sand, roots and plastic and result in uneven distribution of water and brown spots. Cleaning or replacing the filter should resolve the issue. 

• Overspray - When heads are improperly placed and spend more time watering streets, sidewalks or fences, you are experiencing overspray. You end up paying for this in terms of money and runoffs. This can be fixed by maintaining appropriate system pressure and relocating the sprinkler heads. 

"What seems like a small problem or a minor inconvenience can quickly turn into an irrigation nightmare," says Minor. "It is best to quickly address these problems with the help of a certified irrigation professional. This ensures you are getting quality work with a focus on efficiency and water conservation. Routine inspection, testing and maintenance can also add years to your irrigation system. "

To learn more about our irrigation repair service, or to schedule a free consultation, call John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialists at 877-433-5833 or email John. No matter how hot it gets this summer, let us help you make sure your irrigation system is working at the peak of its performance!