Prevention of irrigation systems

Irrigation System Prevention - Prepare for an accident-free season

An automated irrigation system is your garden's best friend, but only if it functions properly. After months of rest, low temperatures and possible soil movements in winter, it should not be blind launched. A missed crack in a pipe or a blocked sprinkler can lead to huge water bills and plant death just when they need moisture the most. In this article, we will look at the must-have steps for spring prevention, which guarantee efficiency and economy.

Visual inspection and cleaning of shafts

The first step is to open the solenoid valve shaft.

Cleaning: Dirt often accumulates there, leaves or even insects. Clean carefully, to access all links.
Review: Check for signs of corrosion on the cable connections and make sure, that there is no visible mechanical damage to the valves.

Cleaning the filters and nozzles

Winter sediments and scale can block the fine mechanics of the system.

Main filter: Clean or replace the system inlet filter element. This ensures correct pressure.
Nozzles: If any sprinkler does not come out or "spray" evenly, its nozzle is probably clogged. Rinse it under running water or replace it if necessary.

Test run: Leak and pressure test

Play each zone separately for po 2-3 minutes.

Watch for leaks: If you notice unusually wet spots on the grass or a drop in sprinkler pressure, probably has a cracked pipe from freezing.
Angle adjustment: Check that the sprinklers have not moved and are not watering the facade, windows or flooring.

Setting the programmer for spring mode

The most common mistake is to start the system in summer mode in March or April.

Spring norm: The soil is still cool and moist. Set watering times to a minimum, so as not to cause root rot or moss in the grass.
Batteries: Replace the programmer battery, so you don't lose your settings in the event of a power outage.

Checking the rain and moisture sensors

Make sure, that your rain sensor is not blocked by fallen leaves. Clean it and test if it shuts down the system when simulating rainfall. This is the easiest way to save water.

Frequently asked questions

1. When exactly should I start the system?
When the danger of severe night frosts has passed (usually mid-March).

2. Do I need a professional for prevention??
While cleaning the nozzles is easy, the diagnosis of hidden leaks and the adjustment of the flow rate require experience and specialized tools.

3. Can I water only with rainwater??
Yes, if you have a collection and filtering system in place, spring is the perfect time to check the pump is working and the tank is clean.

Conclusion

The prevention of the irrigation system is the guarantee, that your garden will transition stress-free into the active season. Investing an hour in an inspection in the spring will save you expensive repairs and guarantee, that your garden will look perfect without unnecessary water costs. In Ino Park we offer full service preparation, to be sure, that everything works with Swiss precision.

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