For commercial properties, a well-maintained lawn irrigation system is key to lush, healthy, and dare we say “sod-isfying” grounds that impress clients and tenants alike. Proper care—from spring startup to fall blow-out—ensures efficiency, prevents costly repairs, and extends the system’s lifespan. Here’s how to manage it like a pro.
Spring Startup for Your Lawn Irrigation System
As winter’s bite slowly fades, it’s time to wake your lawn irrigation system from hibernation.
- Start by inspecting valves, sprinkler heads, and pipes for damage caused by freezing temperatures. Also, clear debris like leaves or soil from heads.
- Slowly turn on the main water supply to test pressure and avoid pipe bursts. Run each zone manually and walk the property to pinpoint clogs, leaks, or the occasional Old Faithful style geyser.
- Adjust heads to only cover grass and not pavement.
- Check the controller and update watering schedules for spring.
- Make any repairs needed before regular use begins.
A thorough startup sets the stage for a trouble-free season. Though don’t think you can just set it and forget it, lest we forget Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”
Summer Inspections and Maintenance
Summer is peak irrigation time, and during especially dry seasons, a lapse in irrigation can wreak havoc on your lawn and take a lot of time to fix. Inspect your lawn irrigation system throughout the summer to keep your property looking its best.
- After the spring season, adjust watering to deliver about 1–1.5 inches weekly, ideally in early mornings to minimize evaporation.
- Every month or so, walk the property to catch pooling water (leaks) or dry patches (clogs).
- Clean sprinkler heads of grass or buildup, trim around components, and test rain sensors to avoid overwatering.
- Watch for high water bills or soggy spots and investigate any suspected underground leaks fast.
Consistent inspection and care keep lawns thriving and water bills in check. But nothing we’ve done so far counts as the most important step of the seasonal checklist—the blow-out.
Fall Blow-Out
Your irrigation system needs a good blow-out to prevent even worse problems down the road. As temperatures drop in the fall, it’s time to send your irrigation system back into hibernation.
- Start by reducing watering as temperatures begin to fall.
- Before the first freeze, drain the system by shutting off the water supply and opening valves. Use an air compressor (50–80 PSI) to blow out remaining water—start with the farthest zone and work inward.
- Insulate any exposed pipes and valves, then power down the controller. This prevents frozen pipes and costly spring repairs.
Regular maintenance inspections paired with professional blow-outs ensure your irrigation setup stays reliable year after year. Healthy lawns start with smart care and good plan—so water you waiting for? Partner with Montgomery Brinkman, and let’s keep your property looking green and pristine!