Irrigation systems are the workhorses of beautiful landscapes. From the sprawling greens of golf courses to the private retreat of residential acres, sprinkler systems deliver vital, widescale lawn and garden watering through the ease and convenience of an automated mechanical system.

Like any mechanical system, though, sprinklers require routine care and maintenance. Besides basic on-and-off settings, many wonder how to accurately assess, supervise, and support the functions of their sprinkler irrigation system, much less deal with it when something looks amiss. And when serious, overall system problems arise, those questions reach a literal breaking point.

You work hard and plan throughout the year to maintain a vibrant and lush garden or landscape. Make sure your irrigation system is equally up to the task. From swapping individual parts to an entirely new sprinkler system installation, it’s important to familiarize yourself with irrigation ins and outs so your system lasts through the years.

Luckily, an out-of-date or out-of-sorts sprinkler system carries a few warning signs. Knowing the differences between a sprinkler system repair and a sprinkler system upgrade not only saves you time and money — it saves your landscaping.

SIX SIGNS YOU MAT NEED A SPRINKLER SYSTEM UPGRADE

Let’s face it: Your irrigation system will inevitably age. While there’s no way to stop sprinkler wear and tear altogether, there are ways to assess and address inescapable damage to know if it’s time for a sprinkler system upgrade.

AGE

Do you know the lifecycle of your current irrigation system? How old is the system, and how many years in relation to that lifecycle does it have under its belt? Have you had to replace parts or noticed repeated signs of distress and damage? Keeping track of these answers will help you assess the age and quality of your system alongside the need for a potential sprinkler system upgrade.

LEAKS

Leaks can occur in multiple spots along with your irrigation system. The most common leaks in older systems take place in the mainline, the internal or external tubing that carries pressurized water from your water source to your irrigation valves.

If mainlines leak, your system will fundamentally underperform, as there won’t be enough water reaching valves and sprinkler nozzles for distribution. Likewise, leaks within sprinklers, nozzles, and valves themselves won’t be as comprehensive of a replacement, but still an indication something is wrong.

FREQUENT SPRINKLER REPAIRS

Occasional maintenance and sprinkler system repair is not only to be expected — it’s a good thing! You want proper expertise and oversight across your system’s lifespan. However, repeated breaks and repairs — especially in a single season — is a telltale sign it’s time for an upgrade.

INCREASE IN WATER BILLS

A sudden and sustained leap in your water bill often points to an inefficient irrigation system. This can be due to any number of complications, from poor initial sprinkler installation to pipe leaks to a compromised base water source.

Increasing the efficiency and sustainability of your property is not merely a feel-good step — it’s a functional one, too. If you note unexpected jumps in your water bill, and those leaps sustain themselves across watering seasons, it may be prime time to look into a new sprinkler system.

LAWN SPOTS THAT GET TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE WATER

Overwatering and under watering are equal woes for any landscaper. With a sprinkler system controller, you can automate water distribution flows to address these concerns directly. Yet older or non-automated systems cannot adjust flows based on plant, soil, or weather changes, meaning increased work for you and an increased likelihood of improper watering.

OUT-OF-DATE SYSTEM

At the end of the day, the biggest reason for a sprinkler upgrade is due to an out-of-date system. Simple sprinkler repairs won’t cut it in the event of old and antiquated pipes, parts, and water pressures.

BENEFITS OF UPGRADING YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM

An upgraded sprinkler system means so much more than the assurance it’s doing exactly what it’s programmed to do. Aside from freeing yourself from the burden of continually wondering, “Should I repair my sprinkler system?” installing a new irrigation system has broad and lasting benefits you may have never considered.

FOUR BENEFITS OF UPGRADING YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION

SAVES MONEY

The long-term savings make the up-front cost more than worthwhile for an automatic sprinkler system. That’s because upgrading yours will protect against many of the wallet-lightening obstacles listed above.

Consider your water bill alone. A fully upgraded, the contemporary irrigation system will reduce both water consumption and your water bill compared to your old watering system. Advancements in sprinkler part engineer and automation have led to modern “smart controllers” that can assess soil-moisture levels and weather and tailor sprinklings accordingly.

SAVES TIME

Upgrading your sprinkler system also means a more efficient and uniform water distribution. You can, therefore, be exact with your watering amounts, providing just the right volume at the right pressure during the right time of day. Sprinkler system upgrades cut watering times and boost energy efficiency — a winning combination you can’t achieve with faulty or old lines.

ENSURES HEALTHY GREENERY

After all, what’s the point of an irrigation system if it can’t deliver thriving, vibrant landscaping? From a hobby farm to a multi-acred backyard to the grounds of a commercial property, the quality of grass and surrounding greenery is often one of the first things people notice about a space. Make sure yours stands out for all the right reasons.

INCREASES PROPERTY VALUES

It takes fewer than 30 seconds for people to form an opinion on a property. That’s 30 seconds to make or break an impression of your home or business — an impression you’ll never get back.

If you’re a homeowner looking to increase the value of your property — and really, who isn’t? — a healthy, bright lawn and accompanying landscape will boost vital curb appeal. Healthy, irrigated lawns also reduce air conditioning costs in hot summer months, sometimes lowering temperatures up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.