How to Tell If You Need Lawn Sprinkler Maintenance
Here in the Denver area, where drought conditions are common during the warmer months of the year, having a well-maintained sprinkler system is key to keeping your landscape green during the summer.
Here are some indicators to watch for to see if your sprinklers need any adjustments:
Patchy Grass and/or Soaked Spots (Uneven Watering)
An evenly-watered lawn is a beautiful lawn. If you notice that you have patches of dead grass and/or areas of your lawn that are soaking wet, this means that something isn’t right. The cause could be something as simple as incorrect zone settings, faulty sprinkler heads or problems with the sprinkler head’s rotation, or even leaks in the system. Under-watering and over-watering can both cause major problems for your lawn, so it’s important to get your system inspected as soon as possible!
Uneven Pressures (High-Pressure and Low-Pressure Spots)
Having the correct water pressures through your sprinkler system is also incredibly important. Too little pressure won’t give your lawn the amount of water it needs, and too much pressure can lead to over-watering and premature wear on the system’s components. If the control valves, regulators, and sprinkler heads seem fine, then the problem might be in the irrigation pipes. These pipes can be affected by things happening underground such as shifting ground and tree roots, just like home plumbing pipes.
Sputtering or “Coughing” Sprinkler Heads
If you have sprinkler heads that are sputtering or “coughing”, a few causes could be debris that has accumulated and clogged them up, or from small cracks or chips that are keeping them from working effectively. If you have pop-up sprinkler heads, these can shift out of position and may need readjusting as well. These issues will keep your system from running smoothly and cause both under-watering and over-watering problems, so don’t hesitate to have your sprinkler heads inspected if they are acting up!
Dripping Control Valves
The control valve is responsible for delivering the correct amount of water to each area of the sprinkler system. It’s not normal for a properly-operating control valve to constantly drip or leak. If you notice damp areas around pressure regulators and filters, chances are that something isn’t working correctly. Check the components for any debris, grass clippings, mold, or bubbles. If you can’t easily determine the cause, give us a call!
Abnormally High Water Bills
Keeping good records of your water bills can also let you know if your sprinkler system may need maintenance or repairs. A sudden spike in your water bill could indicate a leak or other problem in the system. If you notice an unusually high increase in your water bill, don’t wait to get your sprinkler system checked!
Benefits of a Healthy Sprinkler System
Keeping your sprinkler system in top shape will not only make sure your commercial property looks great (and keep the property value up!) but it will also help to keep money in your wallet through efficient water usage. We recommend having your sprinkler system inspected every spring before you get ready to turn them on. Our seasoned irrigation technicians at Groundmasters Landscape Services have the experience and know-how to pinpoint any problems quickly and make effective repairs, saving you time and money.
Ensuring that your sprinkler system is working at its maximum potential will work wonders on the appeal and overall value of your property, but also make sure that your wallet doesn’t dry up in the hot and dry summer. For over 25 years, GroundMasters Landscape Services has been helping commercial property owners all over the Denver metro area with all of their commercial landscaping needs. In addition to sprinkler system maintenance, we offer lawn care, tree and shrub care, landscape enhancements, and even snow and ice removal services for year-round care.
If you are looking for a dependable, experienced commercial landscape management service, please give us a call at (303) 750-8867 or contact us online today to get started.
We help property owners across the entire Denver metro area, including Greenwood Village, Centennial, and Lone Tree.