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, wide-scale 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Luckily, an out-of-date or out-of-sorts sprinkler system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 under perform, 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
Over-watering 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.