Rainy Day Sprinklers

What do you do with your sprinkler system on a rainy day? Well if you have a rain sensor, you don't have to do anything. The rain sensor will automatically shut the system off for you and go back to active status after the rain has cleared and the soil has dried up. The rain sensor can be set up to shut off after 1/8" to 1" of rainfall has accumulated. Most models have this adjustable setting.

If you don't have a rain sensor, you just need to turn your system off and then remember to turn it back to auto after the rain has cleared. Certain model timers, such as the Rain Bird ESP-LX Plus controller has an option that will allow you to program the system to stay off for a certain number of days and then go back to its' original program status. This feature is called "rain delay".

Depending on your landscape and soil conditions, you usually only need to water your lawn once every three days. But, as I mentioned, weather conditions, type of landscape, and soil are all other factors that will determine how often you need to water your landscape. No matter what though, don't let your sprinklers run during the rain, it is a waste of money (especially if you are using a city or municipal water source) and you can over-water your lawn causing yellowing.

Scott
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com

Spring is Here, Get Your Sprinklers Working!

It is now Spring and it is time to get your lawn sprinkler systems in shape! Many people have had their systems off all winter and when they go to turn them on, they will find many different problems that need attention.

Clogged nozzles, sprinkler heads out of adjustment, and the proper programming of the irrigation system's timer are all common things that need to be fixed at the beginning of the season. Irrigation systems that run from pumps may need to be re-primed. A very common problem that I see every Spring are pumps that have seized up due to sitting for months and not being used. It's kind of like a car that sits for a long time; the battery dies, electrical systems start to rot, etc...

Irrigation pumps accumulate debris such as iron deposits from well water and this gunks up or hardens as it sits. Then when you go to turn on your pump, it won't work. You can take apart the pump and try to clean it, but it may just be a temporary solution. Some get so bad, that they are beyond repair. This is why I recommend for people to run their sprinkler systems at least once per week in the Winter (unless you live where it is snowing and freezing of course).

During the off-season or Winter month's try to run the system when the temperature is above freezing, even if it is just a short cycle. This will keep the parts moving and prevent them from going bad. This can also happen to valves and sprinkler heads, as well as pumps.

Take some time this Spring and get your lawn sprinkler system back in shape before it gets too hot and the Summer month's approach. After all, a few repairs or a new pump is cheaper than loosing all your grass and plants and having to pay for a whole new landscape!

Scott
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com