Toronto is rife with beautiful suburban neighbourhoods with rich landscapes. If you recently moved to one and are planning to grow your own garden, installing a sprinkler system is an excellent move.
While there are various trusted service providers in the city, having the know-how and learning the essential practices for lengthening your sprinkler system’s lifespan is imperative. You must not solely depend on others to care for your lawn sprinklers. You should at least know the basics.
This guide provides tips on maintaining your lawn sprinkler system and other helpful information.
1. Check Water Pressure Regularly
Changes in the pressure could indicate an obstruction or crack in the pipes, so you need to attend to this issue sooner to prevent further damage.
One way to check your irrigation system’s water pressure is by looking at the PSI. Generally, PSIs usually go from 30 to 50 for most lawns. If your system’s numbers go higher or lower than that, then there’s an apparent problem you need to address.
2. Clean Sprinkler Heads
Always clean your sprinkler heads to clear them from any obstruction, like dirt or grass buildup, especially after you mow your lawn. A clog in your irrigation system could affect its performance or, in other cases, damage it severely.
Carefully remove your sprinkler heads when cleaning. Use a gentle cleaning solution, rinse, and remove all residue.
Other sprinklers may have filters inside. Check for them and wipe them down with a damp cloth. Rust and water buildup may also occur on sprinkler heads, which you can remove with a rust remover.
3. Replace Sprinkler Heads
Don’t ignore misaligned or disabled sprinkler heads. If you see any of these, replace or repair them immediately to maximize your system’s full potential. You can do the process yourself if you have the knack for DIY or have professionals do it for you.
4. Add a Rain Sensor
Rain sensors work by automatically turning the sprinkler system off when it starts to rain. Check your irrigation system if it has a rain sensor. If you find that there’s none, then you can opt to have one added. This feature will help lengthen the life of your sprinklers by preventing excess wear and tear.
5. Adjust Your Sprinkler Schedule
Watering will vary depending on time and season. It’s best to know the different watering needs of your plants to adjust your system accordingly. This move prevents overworking the sprinklers and overwatering your yard.
Bonus Tip: When To Contact Professionals
Get professionals to inspect your irrigation systems at least twice a year. The ideal times to do this in Toronto should be during the following months:
- in late winter, mid-January to mid-March, before the sprinklers start working in spring
- in fall, mid-September to mid-November, before you shut them down and they go dormant
There are trusted service providers of lawn sprinklers in Leaside or any lovely neighbourhood in Toronto that you can contact for quality check-ups.
Value Your Sprinklers, Nurture Your Plants
A sprinkler system can help you grow your dream landscape, providing efficient watering for your plants. However, as they are outdoors, they’re more susceptible to unexpected issues that could hinder their performance or damage them. These practices can help address or prevent those problems and ensure your sprinklers reach maximum capacity.
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