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!

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!