Get The Most Out Of Your Sprinkler System This Summer
Denver’s semi-arid climate makes using a sprinkler system essential for maintaining a healthy lawn. The heart of any irrigation system is its valves—these control water flow and ensure proper distribution to your landscape. With Denver’s fluctuating temperatures and seasonal changes, proper use and maintenance of sprinkler valves are crucial to avoid costly repairs and water waste.
Having trouble with your sprinkler system? Don't put up with outages while your lawn suffers - contact the experts at Southside Plumbing. Call 303-346-8426 or send us a message online today!
Maintenance Tips for Denver Homeowners
Spring & Summer:
✅ Adjust your watering schedule based on seasonal needs. Your lawn requires different amounts of water in spring compared to the height of summer. During hot summer months, you'll likely need to increase watering frequency and duration, while spring might require less frequent watering.
✅ Regularly inspect your system for issues like persistent puddling (which may indicate a line break), misdirected water spraying sidewalks or structures instead of plants, and damaged or missing sprinkler heads. These problems waste water and can damage your lawn if not addressed promptly.
✅ Clean your sprinkler system thoroughly, especially the sprinkler heads, at least twice a year. This prevents clogs from debris that can disrupt water flow and cause uneven coverage. Pull up each sprinkler head, clean the filters with a toothbrush to remove sand and debris, and consider removing mineral buildup with rust remover for better performance.
Fall & Winter:
✅ Turn off the water supply to your irrigation system and properly insulate the main shut-off valve to protect it from freezing. Wrap the valve with foam insulation tape and cover it with a plastic bag to shield it from harsh winter temperatures, as this is a critical component that often gets overlooked but can cause significant damage if it freezes.
✅ Time your winterization properly, ideally before overnight temperatures consistently drop to 32°F or below. It's always better to winterize a bit early rather than too late, as waiting too long could expose your pipes and sprinkler heads to freezing conditions that can cause expensive damage.
✅ Protect your system's manifold (the main component that controls water supply to different watering zones) as it's particularly vulnerable to winter damage. Damage to this component can be both expensive and challenging to repair, so ensure it's properly drained and insulated for the winter season.
By staying proactive, Denver homeowners can keep their sprinkler valves in top shape—saving water, money, and time in the process!