We have faced an intense drought over the past year, and officials continue to urge us to save water. If you have already installed a water-saving irrigation system, you’re ahead of the game. You’re helping the environment while also saving money on water bills.

Of course, as with any home improvement, you should regularly monitor your irrigation system for signs of a problem. Take these steps to ensure that your irrigation system is working as it should, and you can reduce water use by 10 percent or more. You will also protect the health of your yard by preventing over-watering.

Check your system for leaks. If you spot soggy areas in your yard, or places where the turf is overgrown, you might have a leak that is wasting water. Check for a leak by shutting off all water usage inside and outside of the home, and then look at your water meter. If it’s still moving, you have a leak somewhere.

Take a look at your valves. Regularly inspect each automatic valve within the system. If they aren’t functioning properly, a qualified professional will need to repair or replace that part of the system.

Do a walk-through while the system is running. Check to be sure all emitters are functioning properly. These will occasionally become blocked, clogged, or misplaced in the landscape. Check each emitter to be sure that water is flowing as it should.

Keep an eye on plant roots. Position new plantings with your irrigation system in mind. Those that have aggressive root systems can sometimes interfere with the system by blocking emitters. Check frequently for signs of a problem, and make the necessary adjustments by moving a plant or re-positioning your system.

Check the health of your plants. Constant moisture around plant roots can leave the plant vulnerable to fungal infections. On the other hand, a leak in your system might prevent another area of the yard from getting adequate water pressure, so you might also notice excessively dry areas or patches of dead grass.

Perform routine maintenance once per month. Once you get the hang of it, checking your irrigation system is a quick and easy exercise that will help you conserve water and save money. Mark it on your calendar!

Monitor your water bill. If your bill increases dramatically from one month to the next, check your irrigation system right away.

If you need help making repairs to your irrigation system, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We specialize in installing, trouble-shooting, and repairing these systems, and we will be happy to help you keep your water bill low and your landscaping healthy!

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