Irrigation systems deliver the appropriate amount of water to your lawn and landscaping to keep plants healthy. If you’re a first-time homeowner, you might wonder how to care for your sprinkler system over the years. Here are a handful of maintenance tips that will promote proper function and prevent damages.

4 Maintenance Tips for Home Irrigation Systems

1. Inspect the Heads

Watering and erosion shift the soil over time, causing sprinkler heads to sink into the earth. Additionally, the heads may become cracked by lawn mowers and edgers. Inspect the heads at the beginning of each season, and replace any that show damages. 

2. Prioritize Flushing

Prior to operating your system for the first time after winter, flush the sprinkler line to prevent clogs and sputtering. Remove the heads by turning them counterclockwise until they slip off, then turn on the system. The pressure and flow of water will clear dirt and debris from the line.

3. Look for Leaks

Irrigation lines are often black or brown polyethylene tubes. Though durable, they may spring leaks after being struck by mowers or gardening tools. A lawn maintenance team can fix leaks by removing the damaged segment and splicing a new piece of tubing in its place. 

4. Test Emitters for Clogs

Drip emitters are small tubes that deliver moisture directly to plant root systems. Test them for clogs by turning on the sprinkler system and taking a look at the emitters in your landscaping. If no water emerges, they may have dirt clogs. Since emitters use low water pressure, you won’t be able to clear the line. Remove and replace them with a similar product that delivers the same number of gallons per hour.

Keep your sprinkler system in good shape to water your plants with help from Team Green Inc. They provide irrigation system repairs, installations, and upkeep to properties throughout Elko, NV. Call (775) 777-3338 to set up a schedule for landscaping and lawn maintenance, or visit the website to view a portfolio of their work on outdoor areas throughout the region.