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Keep Your Underground Sprinkler System in Top Shape: A DIY Guide

 

lawn sprinkler system - do it yourself maintenance of underground sprinkler systems

Keep Your Underground Sprinkler System in Top Shape

Do it yourself maintenance of underground sprinkler systems is crucial to ensure they operate efficiently and last longer. Frequent maintenance helps prevent potential issues and saves you money on repairs and water bills. Here are some quick tips to keep your system running smoothly:

  • Inspect monthly for leaks and clogged sprinkler heads.
  • Adjust sprinkler heads for even coverage.
  • Check water pressure to prevent damage and ensure proper irrigation.
  • Clean regularly to remove any dirt and debris.
  • Winterize to avoid freeze damage.

I’m Kenny Kwiatkowski, passionate about protecting your irrigation system. With experience in developing the Grasshole System, I specialize in do it yourself maintenance of underground sprinkler systems. Let’s dive into the details to keep your lawn lush and your system in top shape!

Steps to DIY Maintenance for Sprinkler Systems - do it yourself maintenance of underground sprinkler systems infographic infographic-line-5-steps

Understanding Your Underground Sprinkler System

Before diving into the do it yourself maintenance of underground sprinkler systems, understand the key components of your system. Knowing how each part works will help you troubleshoot and maintain your system effectively.

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Automatic Sprinkler System

An automatic sprinkler system is designed to water your lawn and garden without manual intervention. It consists of various components that work together to ensure your plants get the right amount of water.

Irrigation Pipes

The irrigation pipes are the backbone of your sprinkler system. These pipes, usually made of PVC, carry water from the main supply to the sprinkler heads. Over time, these pipes can develop leaks or get clogged, so regular inspection is crucial.

Timer

The timer, also known as the controller, is the brain of your system. It schedules when and how long each zone will be watered. Modern timers can be adjusted based on weather conditions, helping you save water and money.

Pro Tip: Consider installing a “smart” timer that adjusts the watering schedule based on real-time weather data.

Sensor

Sensors play a vital role in preventing overwatering. A common type is the rain sensor, which detects rainfall and shuts off the system automatically. This feature is especially useful in areas with unpredictable weather, ensuring you don’t waste water.

Zones

Your lawn is divided into different zones, each controlled by a separate valve. This setup allows for customized watering based on the needs of each area. For example, flower beds might need more frequent watering than grassy areas.

Case Study: In Omaha, homeowners who properly zoned their lawns and used rain sensors saved up to 30% on their water bills.

By understanding these components, you’ll be better equipped to perform do it yourself maintenance of underground sprinkler systems. Regular inspections and timely repairs will keep your system running smoothly, ensuring a lush, green lawn all year round.

sprinkler system diagram - do it yourself maintenance of underground sprinkler systems

Next, we will dig into how to perform DIY maintenance, focusing on checking for leaks, inspecting and cleaning sprinkler heads, and more.

How to Perform DIY Maintenance of Underground Sprinkler Systems

Checking for Leaks

Leaks can waste a lot of water and damage your lawn. To check for leaks:

  • Look for water pooling: Puddles or unusually damp spots in your yard can indicate a leak.
  • Inspect pipes and fittings: Damaged pipes, loose connections, or improper installation can cause leaks. Use a spade to carefully dig around suspected areas.
  • Listen for hissing sounds: This might indicate a small, hard-to-see leak.

If you find a leak, DIY repairs are often simple. Cut out the damaged section of the pipe and replace it with a slip coupling and band clamps.

Inspecting and Cleaning Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads can get clogged with dirt, debris, or grass clippings. To keep them clean:

  • Turn off the water supply: Always start by turning off the water to avoid accidents.
  • Remove the heads: Unscrew the sprinkler head and disassemble it.
  • Clean with a brush and hose: Use a brush to remove debris and a hose to rinse the parts.
  • Trim surrounding grass: Use hand shears to cut back any overgrowth around the heads.

Regular cleaning ensures even water distribution and prevents wear and tear.

Inspecting the Controller and Valves

The controller and valves are the brains and muscles of your system. Regular inspections can prevent major issues:

  • Check controller power: Ensure it’s plugged in and the circuit breaker is on.
  • Reprogram if needed: Adjust the watering schedule based on the season.
  • Inspect solenoids and valves: Open the valve box and look for overgrowth. Ensure the solenoids are finger-tight and the valves are in good working order.

A malfunctioning controller or valve can disrupt your entire system, so inspect these components regularly.

Winterizing Your Sprinkler System

Winter can be tough on sprinkler systems. Winterizing helps prevent damage:

  • Turn off the water supply: Shut off the main valve to the system.
  • Drain the pipes: Use the manual drain method if available, or hire a professional to blow out the system with an air compressor.
  • Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap them with foam insulation to prevent freezing.

A professional inspection before winter ensures everything is properly shut down and protected.

By following these steps, you can keep your underground sprinkler system in top shape. Next, we’ll cover common DIY repairs for underground sprinkler systems.

Common DIY Repairs for Underground Sprinkler Systems

Replacing a Sprinkler Head

A malfunctioning sprinkler head can be a big problem. Luckily, replacing it is a simple DIY task.

  1. Dig Around the Head: Use a spade to carefully dig around the sprinkler head until the riser is exposed.
  2. Unscrew the Broken Head: Turn the broken sprinkler head counterclockwise to remove it from the riser.
  3. Install the New Head: Screw the new sprinkler head onto the riser by hand. Tighten it snugly, but don’t over-tighten.

Pro Tip: Always call 811 before digging to avoid hitting underground utility lines.

Repairing Crushed or Leaky Pipes

Crushed or leaky pipes can waste water and reduce system efficiency. Fixing them is straightforward with the right tools and parts.

  1. Locate the Damaged Section: Dig along the water line to find the crushed or leaking pipe.
  2. Cut Out the Damaged Section: Use a hacksaw to remove the damaged part of the pipe.
  3. Insert a Slip Coupling: Place a band clamp on one end of the pipe. Insert a slip coupling into the pipe and tighten the clamp.
  4. Connect the Other End: Place another band clamp on the second pipe end, expand the coupling, and insert the nipple into the pipe. Tighten the clamp.

Tip: If tree roots caused the damage, consider rerouting the line away from the tree.

Testing and Replacing Electrical Components

Electrical issues can cause entire zones to stop working. Testing and replacing components can restore functionality.

  1. Check Voltage with a Multimeter: Turn on the nonworking zone at the controller. Set the multimeter to voltage and place one lead on the common terminal (marked “c” or “com”) and the other on the zone terminal. If the voltage is outside the 24-28 volts range, the controller might need replacing.
  2. Test the Transformer: Place the multimeter leads on the transformer terminals marked “24 vac” with the transformer plugged in. If the reading is less than 22 volts, replace the transformer.
  3. Replace a Faulty Solenoid: Disconnect the wires and unscrew the defective solenoid from the control valve. Insert a new solenoid and turn it until it’s finger-tight. Reconnect the wires using waterproof connectors to protect against moisture.
  4. Repair Damaged Wires: If the ohms reading between the common terminal and the nonworking zone terminal is too high, the wire may be damaged. Bypass each wire temporarily with a 14-gauge wire. If the zone turns on, replace the damaged wire with an 18-gauge wire rated for underground burial.

Pro Tip: Always use waterproof connectors to protect electrical connections from moisture.

By handling these common DIY repairs, you can keep your underground sprinkler system running smoothly and efficiently. Next, we’ll share tips for efficient watering to further improve your irrigation system’s performance.

Tips for Efficient Watering

Efficient watering is key to keeping your lawn healthy and your water bills low. Here are some practical tips to ensure your underground sprinkler system works at its best.

Early Morning Watering

Watering early in the morning is ideal. The temperatures are cooler, and the wind is usually calm. This helps minimize evaporation, so more water reaches your plants’ roots. Aim to water between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Example: In Omaha, late freezes are common. Homeowners find that early morning watering helps avoid the risk of water freezing overnight, which can damage the system.

Avoid Evaporation

To avoid evaporation, avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day. Midday watering can cause up to 30% of water to evaporate before it even hits the ground. Stick to early morning or late evening schedules.

Tip: Use a tuna can test to measure how much water your sprinklers put out. This helps you adjust your watering schedule to avoid waste. Learn more about the tuna can test here.

Prevent Runoff

Runoff happens when water is applied faster than the soil can absorb it. To prevent this, water in short cycles. For example, instead of watering for 30 minutes straight, water for 10 minutes, wait for the water to soak in, and then water for another 10 minutes.

Fact: Sandy soils absorb water quickly, while clay soils take longer. Adjust your watering schedule based on your soil type to prevent runoff.

Conserve Water

Conserving water is not only good for the environment but also for your wallet. Here are some ways to save water:

  • Install a Rain Shutoff Switch: This device turns off your sprinkler system when it rains, preventing unnecessary watering. Learn how to install a rain shutoff switch.
  • Use Mulch: Adding 2 to 4 inches of mulch to your garden beds helps retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
  • Smart Technology: Consider using smart sprinklers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture.

By following these tips, you can make your underground sprinkler system more efficient, saving water and money while keeping your lawn lush and green.

Next, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about DIY maintenance of underground sprinkler systems.

Frequently Asked Questions about DIY Maintenance of Underground Sprinkler Systems

How to Maintain an Underground Sprinkler System?

Run the system zone by zone. This helps you spot any issues in specific areas. Turn on each zone and look for:

  • Water pooling: This can indicate leaks or damaged pipes.
  • Sprinkler heads not popping up: Could mean clogged heads or low water pressure.
  • Uneven spray patterns: Adjust or replace the heads for even coverage.

Check for damage. Regularly inspect the system:

  • Valves and connections: Ensure they are tight and not leaking.
  • Sprinkler heads: Look for cracks or clogs.
  • Pipes: Check for leaks or damage.

Repair and replace. If you find any issues:

  • Replace broken heads: Dig around the head, unscrew it, and install a new one.
  • Fix leaks: Cut out damaged pipe sections and use slip couplings to connect new pieces.

Accurate spray patterns. Adjust the arc and radius of each sprinkler head to ensure even watering across your lawn.

How to Service a Lawn Sprinkler System?

Excavate around heads. If a head is malfunctioning:

  • Dig carefully: Use a spade to expose the riser.
  • Inspect the riser: Look for cracks or damage.

Replace damaged components. If parts are broken:

  • Sprinkler heads: Unscrew the old head and install a new one.
  • Pipes: Cut out and replace damaged sections using band clamps and couplings.

Use plumber’s tape. When reassembling parts:

  • Wrap threads: Apply plumber’s tape to ensure tight seals and prevent leaks.

Do I Need to Lubricate Sprinkler Heads?

Lubricate if stuck. Sometimes, sprinkler heads can get stuck due to dirt or debris:

  • Use a silicone-based lubricant: This helps the head pop up and retract smoothly without causing damage.

Maintenance requirement. Regularly check and clean heads to prevent them from getting stuck in the first place.

By following these tips, you can keep your underground sprinkler system in top shape and ensure it runs efficiently all year round.

Conclusion

Maintaining your underground sprinkler system doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With regular inspections and some basic DIY skills, you can keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

DIY maintenance offers several benefits:

  • Cost savings: Avoid costly repairs by catching small issues early.
  • Water conservation: Ensure your system uses water efficiently, reducing waste.
  • Healthy lawn: Keep your lawn lush and green by maintaining proper irrigation.

At Grasshole System, we understand the importance of protecting your investment. Our products, like the Sprinkler-Guard by Grasshole, are designed to shield your irrigation system from damage and extend its lifespan.

We take pride in being a veteran-owned business, committed to providing durable, easy-to-install products that are made in the USA. By choosing Grasshole System, you’re not only getting high-quality products but also supporting a company that values excellence and reliability.

Ready to protect your irrigation system and improve your lawn care routine? Check out Sprinkler-Guard by Grasshole today!

By taking a proactive approach to do it yourself maintenance of underground sprinkler systems, you can enjoy a beautiful, well-maintained lawn year-round. Thank you for trusting Grasshole System for your lawn care needs!