Installing a reticulation system eliminates many of the hassles associated with reticulation. Joondalup property owners attest to these benefits, citing efficient water usage, cost savings and the overall improvement of their landscapes.
However, in order to fully reap these and other benefits, you (or the person managing your property) should make it a point to routinely test the reticulation system. But how, exactly, do you check the irrigation system, and how often? Here's a breakdown of the maintenance tasks that you should be aware of.
Every day, make it a point to visually inspect your reticulation system. Specifically, look for anything that looks out of order, like broken pipes and sprinklers, and have these immediately attended to. If you notice flooding in some areas of your property, that may be an indication of a broken underground pipe. On the other hand, if you notice dead spots on the turf or dying plants located in one area, your irrigation system may be faulty.
Every two weeks, the filters should be cleaned, especially if you are using non-potable water. Check your controller and note if the time and program match your irrigation station mapping. Check all stations and look for leaks, pipe damage or blocked spray heads. Look at the spray pattern of the system in order to assess the water pressure. Adjust the spray radius and arc if you notice that some areas are not receiving adequate water. Also, make it a point to compare water meter readings. This will give you a clue if there are leaks.
At the end or start of each season, clean the filters and rain sensor and check the pressure of each station. You should also adjust the run time of the irrigation system in order to reflect the changing of the season. Don't forget to flush the drip line and check the solenoid and manual valves. At the start or end of the year, evaluate the whole system by testing flow rates, water pressure and distribution. It is a good idea to keep a record of the results of this evaluation.
Go through the different components of the system and clean these. Replace those which are defective. Check the batteries of the controller and replace when necessary. During winter, if you are going to shut off the system, you should flush all the drip lines first.
If you do notice broken components, it is crucial to seek the aid of professionals specialising in reticulation repairs Joondalup in order to allow your system to run optimally and to prevent the waste of water.
