top of page

How Do I turn OFF my irrigation if leaking and can't turn off with controller or manually, without turning off house water?

To turn the system off at the water source, you will need to locate the Back-Flow cut off valve for the sprinkler system. This will turn off the irrigation system water without turning off the water to the entire house or building. To assist you in locating the back-flow device and correctly operating the valves, we are including pictures and information below.

 

The back-flow device  in most situations the back-flow devices are located above the ground. On the side of your front house they are spouse to be insulated, rap in mill tape and have a cover to prevent from freezing.

Why should I get a sprinkler system installed in my yard?

Well there are several answers and they are all correct!
For instance, many people have installed their sprinkler system for the convenience.  They do not want to water their lawn themselves, and they know that with the proper equipment installed, they do not have to even worry about if it is raining.  The system will not turn on if water is not needed.
Many people have installed a sprinkler system so that they can extend their plant life.  Regular watering has been shown to improve the plants health and appearance.
Many people install a sprinkler system to lower the water usage.  
And still many more people have installed a sprinkler system to increase the market value.  Remember, the key factor in determining the market value is the appearance of the home. 

What are the elements of an automatic irrigation system?

 

Controller/Timer
The controller, or timer, is the brain of your system, telling your sprinklers what day, what time and exactly how much to water. 

Valves
Installed above or below the ground, usually near the water source, valves regulate water flow to the sprinklers.  

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
PVBs prevent water from your sprinkler system (and therefore any fertilizer or chemical contaminants) from re-entering the clean water supply. Toro® manufactures several pressure vacuum devices to meet your local building code specifications.

Lawn Sprinklers
Installed in a special pattern for complete and even coverage, a properly designed automatic sprinkler system delivers precise coverage without gaps or runoff. 

Rain Switch (Optional)
A Rain Switch signals your system to shut off automatically when it's raining. There's no sense watering when nature is doing its part. The Rain Switch is a highly reliable and inexpensive option that saves countless gallons of water.

How much should i water my yard (Lawn)?

The second most important step to a healthy lawn, following closely behind fertilizing, is watering. Like fertilizing, it is possible to water too much. You don't necessarily have to soak your lawn. The important rule is to moisten your root zone. This can usually be achieved with one to two inches of water a week. Consider yourself lucky if Mother Nature takes care of this for you on occasion. Don't stress if you miss a week once in a while.

How to Conserve Water with an irrigation system?

Conserving water is smart for the planet and for your budget. Here are some simple irrigation tips that you can use to save water:

  • Always use "head-to-head coverage" in your irrigation system.

  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not wet. This eliminates runoff, and ensures your plants a steady supply of water.

  • Do not water at night - water will sit on the lawn and may cause disease.

  • Water in the early morning - evaporation is minimized and the lawn utilizes the most water.

  • Do not water midday evaporative loss is at its greatest.

  • Create multiple programs for your irrigation system this allows you to water most efficiently.

  • Install a rain sensor it will prevent the system from running during rain.

  • Use drip irrigation in flower beds - it saves substantial amounts of water.

  • Reduce run times for zones in the shade.

  • Allow grass to grow before mowing - this reduces water usage.

  • Practice "grass cycling" this reduces evaporative water loss from the lawn, while reducing the need for fertilizer.

  • Sharpen your mower blade - sharp blades are easier on the grass and save water.

  • De-thatch your lawn - water will get to the roots faster and evaporate less.

  • Aerate your lawn - it prevents soil compaction and allows water to soak in faster.

  • Keep plants with different watering needs on different zones trees vs. lawn, etc.

  • Plant native species, native plants do better and need less special care than exotics.

  • Mulch flowerbeds and trees, it reduces evaporation and controls weeds.

  • Know your soil type, the three basic types: sand, loam, and clay require different watering schedules for optimal results.

  • Purrchase irrigation products designed to conserve water.

How to choose a backflow device for an irrigation system?

In most homes the landscape irrigation system and the potable water system are one and the same -- there is no separation. Here's where the danger comes in. Sprinkler lines lay in gardens and lawns that are often sprinkled with weed killer, pesticides, and other poisons. Irrigation systems occasionally draw water inward (backwards). This phenomenon is known as a siphon or backflow. Backflow can result in contaminated water at a tap inside the home. Is there any wonder why the building code requires that all outside irrigation lines have some sort of anti-siphon protection?

Backflow can be defined as the unwanted reverse flow of any liquid, solid or gas in a piping system.  In an irrigation application, this means that water within the irrigation system may find its way back into the potable (drinkable) water system during a backflow incident.


When should I water my lawn?​

Water in the early morning (before sunrise) when water pressure is greatest, evaporation is minimal and the lawn drinks in the most water. Do not water in the evening because water will sit on the lawn and may cause disease. Do not water in the heat of the day because the sun will evaporate water before it can soak in. To water your lawn efficiently, you need to provide the right amount of water, evenly distributed, in the right places and at the right time.  

 

For more useful information visit www.IrrigationRepair.com

bottom of page