SPRINGTIME SPRINKLER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE STEPS FROM ROTO-ROOTER

When it comes to regular household maintenance, the easiest way to remember what needs to be done and when is to align different tasks to different times of the year. After a long winter, most homeowners are eager to attend to the landscaping. It’s also the perfect time to evaluate your outdoor plumbing and address any necessary maintenance. During the cold season, many outside plumbing fixtures freeze and sometimes break. These problems can go unnoticed until the water lines are pressurized and/or used again in the spring. The first step is to inspect all of your outdoor hose valves (bibbs or spigots) for visible signs of damage.

If you have an outdoor sprinkler system, you’ll want to complete a thorough self-inspection to prepare the system for regular use. Follow these steps from Roto-Rooter to examine your sprinkler system and avoid any leaky surprises.

If you live in an area that requires secondary water to be turned into the lines by your city, you may have to wait until the day that occurs to check some parts of your sprinkler system. Check with your local water department for the exact time that will take place. If you can pressurize your system yourself with culinary water, do that on the first series of warm days in spring.

• Check all valves on your system and make sure they are closed. Visually examine each of the valve manifolds for any obvious signs of damage.
• Pressurize your system by opening your stop-and-waste valve. This valve is buried deep in the ground to prevent freeze problems, but you’ll want to examine it for several moments to make sure there is no water leakage coming up the access sleeve.
• Do a quick check of all valves attached to your sprinkler system. Make sure there is no leakage coming from any of the valves. Often, valve manifolds are installed at low points on the system, making them prone to freezing if they are not opened properly and allowed to drain. Water collects on the high side of the valve and freezes on the first cold night of winter. The ice expansion will crack the pipe and/or the valve housing. If you notice any leakage around valves, immediately turn off your system and call Roto-Rooter.
• Check each sprinkler lateral on your system. Manually run each valve, either from the valve itself or at the sprinkler control box. Check each sprinkler head and make sure it has normal pressure. If you notice any laterals with low pressure, that is a sign that the line may be broken.

The expert plumbers at Roto-Rooter aren’t just here to plunge your toilet. They are fully versed in addressing maintenance and repair issues for your outdoor plumbing systems too, including sprinklers and irrigation. If you’re concerned that your sprinkler system isn’t ready to go for the season, give us a call day or night and we’ll diagnose and repair any issues you’re having.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT AN UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER SYSTEM

There is nothing better at this time of year than a lush, green lawn. However, in order to keep your grass from wilting in the summer sun, you must water it often.

If you are considering installing an underground sprinkler system, we have gathered a few tips from the experts to ensure that your installation goes smoothly:

PROVIDE THE MANUFACTURER WITH THE RIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

This Old House noted that manufacturers will usually ask homeowners for certain information prior to installation of an underground sprinkler system, to ensure that the system designed matches their requirements. Requested information often includes the exact needs of your grass or garden, as well as a detailed plan of the area and landscape where the sprinklers will be installed. According to This Old House, you'll need about 30 to 35 pounds per square inch of pressure, as well as 10 to 13 gallons per minute of water flow for a typical sprinkler system.

You can easily measure water delivery with a 5-gallon bucket. Popular Mechanics states that the best way to measure water delivery is by placing a bucket under your outdoor tap and letting it run for one minute. Measure the water in the bucket and send this information to the manufacturer, along with a scale drawing of your property.

DIG TRENCHES ACCORDING TO YOUR WATER SOURCE

You will need a special tool to help you dig the trenches where the sprinkler pipes will go. However, before you break ground, it's important to know where the main water source is located. Typically, the main water supply pipe is located near your water meter. The water meter is usually located at the front of your home, near the curb or in your basement.

PVC IS USUALLY BEST

Plastic PVC piping is typically the best option for underground sprinkler systems in most areas of the country. Depending on the freeze and thaw cycles of the local weather, some regions might call for polyethylene pipe, a flexible alternative to PVC. If you're unsure of which piping material is best for your area, contact your local plumbing professional for advice.

DON'T FORGET A BACKFLOW PREVENTER

As Popular Mechanics pointed out, it's critical that when the sprinkler system is installed, you don't forget to include a backflow preventer. Because the sprinklers will be hooked up to your home's main water source, it's critical to have a backflow preventer in place to ensure that the potable water supply isn't contaminated by the new sprinkler system.

GET HELP FROM THE EXPERTS

A sprinkler system is great to have as long as it is installed properly. This Old House rated installing a sprinkler system as moderate to hard, in terms of difficulty. It would be best to have the assistance of a plumbing and sprinkler installation expert who's tackled this type of installation before.

Plumbing installations are often best left to licensed plumbing experts with years of experience.