With summer now in full swing, your outdoor sprinkling system is probably getting its fair share of use. Unlike seasons past, summer is the time when your sprinkling system serves a variety of purposes such as keeping your lawn lush and providing a fun way for children to beat the heat. Just as you and your family relies on fast and easy access to clean water to quench thirst in the summer, your lawn and garden need a properly functioning sprinkling system to do the same.

Whether you own a complex automatic spray system or a simple soaker hose system, your sprinkler requires much more than the simple turn of a knob to be ready for summer. Follow these tips to ensure your sprinkler system works properly all season long.

Inspect Your Sprinkler for Damage

Pets, mowers, snow plows, ice/snow, age and more can all result in cracked, chipped or worn components in your sprinkler system. Though your sprinkler may still work with this damage, a broken sprinkler can still result in flooding, leaks, inefficient watering and other annoyances that can wreak havoc on your landscaping and water bill. Inspect your sprinkler frequently for damage and replace broken parts as necessary.

Clear Clogs

Have you noticed low flow or uneven distribution of water in your sprinkling system? This may be sign of clogging in your underground water lines or sprinkler heads. Inspect your sprinkler system and clear any visible rocks, dirt, sand and other types of debris. If you’re still experiencing these issues, call a plumber for an underground pipe clean-out.

Control Pressure

A certain amount of air & water pressure is necessary for water to flow through your sprinkler. Too much air pressure, however, can result in cracked pipes, busted valves, sprinkler head leaks, and other forms of damage that can completely ruin your outdoor plumbing and landscaping. Ensure pressure is at a safe operating range for your system by investing in a pressure gauge & measuring frequently for proper range (40 -65 PSI). If pressure is too high, use a pressure relief valve, regulator, or remove sprinkler heads to release excess pressure.