Time for a Spring Irrigation Tune-Up

At Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, we know that animals aren’t the only thing that hibernate through the winter. Your air conditioner does, too, but you probably already knew that even if you didn’t think of it in quite those terms. Something else that’s been idling through the cold and needs some attention now that it’s warming up is your home’s irrigation system.

Common Irrigation Issues

The Sacramento area isn’t prone to deep freezes or the kinds of sustained cold that plague other parts of the country. That doesn’t mean your irrigation system got off scot free during the winter. In fact, Central California irrigation and sprinkler systems are a bit more prone to neglect because many homeowners assume that there’s a lot less that can go wrong. They couldn’t be much farther from the truth.

• Mineral buildup from hard water can obstruct pipes and sprinkler heads, and cause valves to freeze in position
• Sprinkler heads can be further damaged by anything from pets to kids or lawnmowers
• Soil can shift and settle, causing pipes to come loose
• The filters in your system can become dirty and clogged
• Leaks can develop, promoting weed growth and rot and wasting water
• Controllers can develop problems due to battery failure and other issues, causing them to cease proper function
• Weather sensors can accumulate dirt and work improperly

Irrigation Tune-Ups: Taking Care of the Essentials

So what’s involved in an irrigation tune-up, and when should you have it done? Second question first: there’s never a bad time for an irrigation tune-up, but we suggest having it done early in the season so you’re not suffering downtime in the hotter, drier months.

Now, back to our first question.

The first order of business is to check your irrigation controls’ battery and settings, and ensure they’re properly programmed. We’ll check pressure levels and flow, which will give us some hints about any possible leaks or damage to the system. We’ll also check valves for proper performance, including drainage valves and the all-important emergency shut-off. We’ll also maintain filters, run a check of the system zone-by-zone, and inspect the system from end to end.

If we find obstructions, they’ll be cleared. If we find areas that need to be repaired, whether it’s a broken emitter or sprinkler head, or a stretch of pipe that needs replacement, we’ll inform you and then proceed with repairs once we have your permission to do so.

Your landscaping adds beauty and value to your property, promoting curb appeal and helping to keep you from being “that neighbor” with the ugly lawn. Your irrigation system is an important part of that, so protecting it is, in a very real sense, protecting your investment. Whether you need a new irrigation system designed and built, you want to maintain your existing system, or if you need irrigation repairs, get in touch with Contact Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning today.