A high-efficiency irrigation system is an investment in both lawn health and home value. Farsighted and dollar-conscious homeowners who invest in professionally installed systems can expect up to 20 years of consistent, uninterrupted use, but regular maintenance and annual inspections are a must.
Healthy lawns and healthy yard plantings depend on a well-functioning home irrigation system. High-efficiency automated sprinklers are complex, with many moving parts performing very specific functions – often all in unison – to deliver the optimal amount of hydration needed, when it’s needed, to variable planting zones. And, high-functioning irrigation systems demand that each system component be kept in prime working condition. Avoiding regular system maintenance and making the assumption that sprinklers will continue to perform at a high level season after season without proper maintenance is a recipe for routine breakdowns, increased water usage, higher bills, and eventually, expensive repairs.
Without regular maintenance, the lifespan of a sprinkler system is reduced dramatically.
Importance of Regular Maintenance and Inspections
A sprinkler system should have a professional maintenance check at least twice a year, usually in the spring when it is restarted and in the fall when it is shut down for the winter. Wear and tear eventually take a toll on even the most advanced, built-to-last irrigation systems, but periodic maintenance completed by an irrigation professional will spot minor issues and address them before they become major, expensive problems.
The irrigation specialists at Heinen inspect everything from sprinkler heads and mains to backflow preventers, filters, and controllers to make sure that every function of every component of the system is working properly. Spray patterns are adjusted to ensure that each zone of the property receives even coverage, and water pressure is measured for ongoing efficiency, too. High and low water pressure levels put stress on irrigation systems, which can lead to leaks, cracks, misting, uneven coverage, and blockage, all of which waste water and increase the risk of systemwide damage.
Addressing minor issues early on, such as small leaks, clogged nozzles, worn sprinkler heads, or faulty valves, helps keep every component of the system in good working order. Routine maintenance is the best maintenance, reducing system breakdowns and allowing sprinklers to run efficiently and reliably year after year.
When winterization is skipped, freezing water can crack pipes, valves, and nozzles, and cause hidden irrigation damage.
Don’t Forget to Winterize!
Most sprinkler system damage occurs in the off-season, when winter temperatures freeze water left in the system. That causes water to expand, which can damage nearly every component of an irrigation system, including burst underground pipes, damaged valves, and broken sprinkler heads. These hidden breaks and leaks often go unnoticed until they lead to more extensive system failures, as well as damage to lawns and landscaping.
Regular Maintenance = Better Efficiency and Water Savings
The benefits of regular maintenance go far beyond simply prolonging a sprinkler system’s lifespan. It improves and extends overall performance, water efficiency, and the health of grass and plantings.
A fully optimized system will perform with peak efficiency, delivering water evenly, consistently, and reliably, without excess runoff or oversaturation. This precision helps prevent dry patches, fungal growth, or drought stress. When water reaches only the areas that need it, at the right times and in the right amounts, it saves water and lowers utility costs.
Ensure peak performance with a Heinen irrigation maintenance inspection!
Schedule Your Next Maintenance Check with Heinen Irrigation!
Give your irrigation system the check-up it deserves with help from Heinen’s team of irrigation specialists. Over 35 years of experience make them experts at spotting potential problem areas, recommending solutions, and extending the lifespan of clients’ irrigation systems, no matter it’s current age!
