Spring into Action: Irrigation Maintenance 101

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The Spring season is coming to Monterey, California! We’ve all done our part to get through the rainy season and now it’s time for sunshine. Flowers are beginning to bloom - and need your irrigation system to be prepared.

The enzymes within plants aid in nutrient absorption and distribution. In cold weather, these enzymes are not as effective, so plants will go dormant to conserve energy. This means they will not grow, spread, or bloom.

As we head into Spring, the temperatures are beginning to climb and our plants are starting to “awaken”.

What can you do to make sure your irrigation system is ready for Spring? If you’re a maintenance customer of P.M. Landscaping, we conduct a free irrigation check ahead of the Spring season.

Otherwise, here are some tips on checking your irrigation system yourself:

Inspect for Damage & Repairs:

1. Inspect Your Sprinkler System: Make sure your sprinkler heads are clear of debris and adjust heads to ensure even water distribution

2. Check for Leaks: Look for any damage to pipes, sprinkler heads, or valves that may have occurred during the Winter.

3. Repair or Replace Damages: Address any issues promptly to ensure efficient irrigation and prevent water waste.

   
   
   
   

Check Valves and Backflow Prevention

1. Inspect valves: Ensure all valves are functioning correctly and not leaking.

2. Check backflow prevention devices: Make sure these devices are in good working order to prevent contamination of your drinking water.

Set Irrigation Controller

1. Adjust settings for the season: Spring requires different watering schedules than other seasons.

   Program the controller: Ensure the controller is set to the appropriate watering times and durations for your landscape.

2. Test zones: Run each irrigation zone to ensure that they are working properly and that the spray patterns are adequate.

Start Your System

1. Turn on the main water valve slowly: This prevents pressure surges that can damage pipes.

2. Reinstall the Main Valve Bleeder Cap: Some system shutoff valves have a little metal cap that threads onto a bleeder nipple on the side of the valve, allowing residual water from the piping to drain during shutdown. If your shutoff valve has one of these, make sure the cap is in place, and is tightened snugly.

Benefits of Preventative Irrigation Maintenance

1. Reduce Water Waste: help identify leaks and water inefficiencies with smart technology

2. Cost Savings: Lower water bills and maintenance savings by being ahead of the repairs

3. Healthier Plants: Ensure plants receive the right amount of water and avoid fungal diseases

4. System Longevity: Regular checks on solenoids, valves, and emitters extend the lifespan of irrigation systems by identifying issues before they escalate.

P.M. Landscaping has recently launched a Water Conservation Program to allow customers peace of mind with their irrigation systems.

• Our Water Conservation Program includes:

  
  
  
  

• Backflow Prevention & Leak Checks

• Meter Checks

• Visual Main and Lateral Line Leak Checks

• Irrigation Valve Flashing

• Solenoid Operation Checks

• Diaphragm Testing

• Seasonal Programming

• Flashing Drip Lines

• Sprinkler Heads and Drip Emitters Checks

• Inspecting for Over/Under Watering

• Adjusting Sprinklers

Implementing proactive irrigation management and water conservation techniques leads to a sustainable approach that benefits not only individual landscapes but also the environment as a whole. By integrating regular inspections and smart technology, you can achieve water efficiency, cost savings, and healthier plants while contributing to the preservation of vital water resources.