Don't Be An April Fool: Time For Irrigation Repair

April officially kicks off the spring and summer seasons. With the cold weather behind us, we can finally welcome the sunshine and short sleeves. It also means it is time to get out the lawn mower and start your irrigation system for the first time this year. 

When you turn on your irrigation for the first time, you may discover the system was damaged or is performing improperly since the last time you ran it. These issues can occur from a variety of issues but are usually due to improper winter shut-downs. Regardless of the cause, 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," said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "Putting it off only causes issues when your irrigation system is working during the dog days of summer." 

Common April Adjustments and Irrigation Repairs  

Below are just a few of the irrigation repairs  and adjustments we perform during this time of the year:

• Broken Equipment - Broken equipment is one of the leading causes of water leakage. If you've noticed leaking water, resulting in runoffs and puddles, you could have a broken sprinkler head, valve or lateral and main line. This type of damage is common after a freezing winter - like the one we just had. 
• Sunken or Tilted Heads - Sprinkler heads tilt and settle over time due to natural compaction of soil, lawn maintenance and foot traffic. This causes uneven distribution of water resulting in brown spots, runoffs and misting. Attaching a swing joint to the sprinkler head is a great way to fix the issue and prevent it from reoccurring.  
• Blocked Heads - Water is prevented from going where it needs to go when the spray pattern from a sprinkler head. Blockage is can occur from overgrowth, changes in the landscape or inappropriate placement of sprinkler heads. You may need to relocate your sprinkler head or trim back vegetation. 
• Lack of Check Valves - If your system is not equipped with check valves, water may drain out of sprinkler heads that are located at lower elevations after they've been cut off. Check values lock water in the lateral line and reduce runoffs and result in quicker start-up times. 
• Clogged Nozzles - Debris can stick in your nozzles and filters and can cause them to clog. Sand, dirt, roots and plastic are the most common causes of clogs and can create an uneven distribution of water. This creates brown spots. Cleaning or replacing filters can resolve the issue. 

"What seems like a small problem in April can quickly become a bigger problem in May and June. It is best to quickly address these issues with the assistance of a certified irrigation professional. This ensures the repairs are done correctly and your irrigation system is ready to go to work when the real heat moves in," said Minor.

To learn more about our irrigation repair service, or to schedule a free consultation, please contact John with Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 704-747-0235 or email John. We look forward to helping you address your repairs now so you have enjoy a healthy and beautiful lawn all summer long!

Charlotte Irrigation: Watering Your Garden

Spring has sprung and it won't be long before everyone is outside trying to get their garden in shape. If you are like most homeowners, reviewing the best gardening practices can go along way, especially when it comes to watering. In this week's blog post, our Charlotte irrigation specialists share some basic tips on watering your garden. 

Charlotte Irrigation Watering Basics

How much is too much water, and how much is too little? While water is essential for any plant, having too much or too little water can be harmful. One of the biggest things to consider is soil type. For instance, clay soil holds water best but takes a longer time to absorb it. Sandy soils absorb water quickly, but don't do a good job storing the water. Your soil should contain enough organic material to retain moisture and still allow enough room for air to reach the roots of your plants.

Here are some other factors you should consider when determining the amount of water your plants need: 

• Sunlight - Growing areas that are exposed to direct sunlight need more water because of evaporation, and growing areas in the shade tend to store more water throughout the day. 
• Humidity - It gets humid in the south, and that means it is harder for our plants to hold moisture. Days with higher humidity require more watering. 
• Plant Type - Different plants have different needs. Root depths vary greatly, so try to take note of how deep the roots are for your different plants. Group plants with deeper roots together. They need more water.

Watering Techniques: Hand-Watering vs Sprinklers 

Watering with a hose or watering can are simple techniques and are common when you have a small garden area to water. The biggest drawback, however, is that people get impatient and often water less than their plants need. They also tend to waste water. 

Sprinklers do the best watering job, especially if you have densely planted vegetables or a large gardening area. Perfect for lawns and home gardens, a sprinkler system is the easiest and most effective watering method. 

To learn more about Charlotte irrigation services or to schedule your spring startup service, contact John Minor with Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. We look forward to helping you produce a beautiful and healthy lawn and garden this year! 

Charlotte Irrigation Installation: The Advantages of Drip Irrigation

In today's world, everyone is looking for something to make their lives easier. When we need information quickly, we use the internet. When we need to connect with someone, we use a cell phone, and when we need to find a destination, we use a GPS. But, what can we use to help with the maintenance of our lawns? The answer is simple, irrigation systems. 

Between work, children and a social life, the time it takes to properly maintain an attractive lawn is limited. It is hard to find the time to stand in our lawn with a hose everyday to make sure each plant is getting properly hydrated. That is one reason Charlotte irrigation installation has become so popular. It saves time and work, and the end results speak for themselves. 

Charlotte Irrigation Installation Trend

The latest trend in residential Charlotte irrigation installation is drip irrigation. It was mainly used for agriculture at one time, but due to its advantages, homeowners have caught on and started using drip irrigation as a secret weapon to water their plants and vegetation. 

"The highly unique and efficient design of drip irrigation systems have made it a powerful tool for Charlotte homeowners to capitalize on," said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "It is a great tool that can be used to grow plants on any scale, and our customers love the convenience factor."

What is Drip Irrigation? 

A drip irrigation system consists of vinyl or polyethylene tubing that is installed between emitters that disburs water to the areas that need it. The emitters direct the water to the root systems without wasting water. By maintaining a water level that will keep your roots moist, your plants, crops and greenery will grow quicker and larger than with normal watering methods. 

Five Advantages of Charlotte Drip Irrigation Installation

In addition to drip irrigation's highly effective watering methods, it also provides the following advantages: 

1. Accuracy - The emitters of your drip irrigation system are used to determine how much water is released and where. You won't have to worry about overspray or flooding. Your drip irrigation system will be designed to deliver the right amount of water to the most effective watering locations.
2. Reduces Diseases - Diseases are more prevalent when water sits on top of leaves or foliage. Since your drip irrigation system will direct water to the roots, you will decrease the incidence of diseases, which means your plants have a greater chance of living longer. 
3. Time Saver - Your drip irrigation system will take care of all your watering needs and reduces the amount of time your plants need to be watered. You will no longer have to spend hours every week trying to evenly water all of your plants. 
4. Efficiency - Because drip irrigation systems use less water than other methods of irrigation, they can be up to 90-percent more efficient. Since you won't be wasting water, you will save on your water bill and help the environment. 
5. Versatility - Your drip irrigation system can be customized with safety valves, lateral tubes and pumps that can be tailored to fit your exact needs. Additionally, you will not be required to level terrain to install your system. A drip irrigation system can practically be designed to go anywhere and water anything.

"We have installed a lot of drip irrigation systems for our customers, and they consider it an investment," said Minor. "Because of the time and money they will save in the long run, the system pretty much pays for itself. Not to mention, your plants will be healthier than ever."

To learn more about drip irrigation or to schedule an appointment, call John Minor with Irrigation Lighting and Specialist at 803-831-0506 or 704-747-0235 or email John. We look forward to showing you how our Charlotte irrigation installation can help save you time, money
and the hassle of a hose! 

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!

Charlotte Irrigation Repair Company: Service Makes the Difference

In a world driven by computers and automated customer service, it is refreshing when you find a company that consistently goes above and beyond to provide excellent service to its customers. As the top Charlotte irrigation repair company, this is what sets us apart.

"Our goal is to provide our customers with a pleasant and friendly experience from beginning to end," says John Minor, owner of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. "We want to build long-lasting relationships with our customers, and one way we are able to do this is by providing great customer service."

Great customer service is more than just a generic "thank you" or "have a good day." We believe that the key to good customer service is communication and prompt service. We understand that irrigation systems can be complicated, so we take the time to listen to the questions and concerns of our customers and provide them with the best options for their homes. We also believe in serving our customers in a timely fashion so they can get back to enjoying their yard.



Our Ingredients for Great Customer Service

• Warm, friendly and courteous interactions from beginning to end
• Listening to our customers and determining their needs and concerns
• Offer the best services and products to fit their needs and explain the benefits
• Prompt service that is always on time
• Complete clean-ups, we clean up after ourselves so it looks like we weren't even there

Fantastic Feedback

We love to receive feedback from our customers. Hearing what they have to say helps support our never ending goal of improvement. One of our customers recently sent us a note about his outstanding experience with our irrigation repair service performed at his home. He was pleased with the responsiveness and friendly service he received when he called to inquire about our services. After deciding we were the irrigation company for the job, he said our technician did an "outstanding" job and showed great professionalism.

"Interactions with customers and smiling faces, that's what makes this profession so great," says John. "We work so hard to ensure we exceed our customers' expectations, and it is defiantly one of the reasons we are the go-to irrigation company in Charlotte." 

To find out about the services we provide and experience our great customer service first-hand, call John Minor with Irrigation & Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. You will quickly see what makes us the best Charlotte irrigation repair company in Charlotte.