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Maintaining your irrigation system is the most effective way to reduce water waste, reduce pollution from run-off and over-irrigation, and improve the lawn and field health by applying the correct amount of water where it can be utilized by the landscape.

A poorly maintained irrigation system means that much of this water never reaches its intended source, is lost in runoff and evaporation which at the very least decreases efficiency and at the very worst can lead to unhealthy plants and lawns.  

At a minimum, a professional contractor should check the irrigation system at least twice a season. Once at the beginning of the season when the system is first turned on and again halfway through the season.  However, it would be better if the irrigation system was checked on a monthly basis.

The basics of irrigation maintenance

• Inspect the controller and make sure it functions properly 
• Inspect the mainline
• Check for leaks
• Check the connection on all the wires 
• Change the schedule to reflect the current season and irrigation needs of the landscape
• Turn on each zone and look for system damage
• Identify any repairs needed

Examples of System Damage and Problems

There are many different types of irrigation maintenance problems. Here are only a few of the more common ones. 

Leaking Pipes

Leaks can occur as a result of a change in weather temperature, damage from tools, or tree roots. Leaks from valves and pipes may be large and very obvious, but smaller issues most likely won’t be detectable if you don’t do some routine maintenance. 

Seal Leaks

Over time, dirt and debris can wear out the wiper seal resulting in leaks around the top of the spray head. If the spray head consists of a single unit, the entire head must be replaced; however with some spray heads it is possible to screw off the top of the sprinkler head and replace.

Clogged Nozzles

Clogged nozzles occur as a result of debris entering the irrigation system, a dirty water source, and normal wear and tear. To fix these, you need to flush the insulation system and install screens on sprinkler heads, and sometimes replace the clogged nozzles. 

Sunken Heads

It is not uncommon for sprinkler heads to sink over time, especially in marshy or soft soil. Even when the soil is packed, the weight of lawn mowers and other heavy equipment can cause the heads to settle. It is important to fix these problems as the heads won’t work properly.  

Pressure Problems

High pressure causes problems such as misting from spray heads and rapid rotation of impact rotors resulting in poor coverage and potential damage to the irrigation system. Installation or adjustment of a pressure regulator or installation of pressure regulating heads can eliminate the problem.

About Us

A working irrigation system is an important part of keeping a healthy lawn and landscape. Make sure your system is always working properly with Graeme’s Irrigation. All of our work is fully guaranteed. We are also a proud member of the Industrial Irrigation Association of British Columbia (IIABC), the Better Business Bureau (BBB), as well as the Victoria Chamber of Commerce. 

When it comes to irrigation controllers, there are many options on the market to choose from and, unfortunately, the differences between the controllers and software can at times seem overwhelming. Wi-Fi controllers are the new standard for your business or home, so you should know which one is the better choice for your irrigation. 

Many customers have different needs and expectations but no matter, we usually recommend The Hydrawise Irrigation timer by Hunter. The standard Hydrawise Wi-Fi irrigation controller has been in the market for more than five years and features cutting-edge programming and functionality. 

There are four basic types of controllers: 

• HC (6 or 12 Zone)
• Pro-C Hydrawise (4 to 16 Zone Wi-Fi Controller)
• Pro-HC (6, 12 or 24 Zone Wi-Fi Controller)
• HCC (Metal Enclosure, 8 to 54 Zone Wi-Fi Controller)

The Hydrawise technology gives you the most complete, most powerful irrigation control solution on the market. With Hydrawise, you get absolute control over your yard which saves you time and money. With the app, you or your contractor can control your irrigation system from anywhere in the world. The software automatically adjusts your irrigation schedule using real-time, internet-sourced data based on your local weather patterns. You can even program it to automatically turn off if it’s forecast to rain. This means with a Hydrawise system, you can save up to 50% more water compared to a traditional irrigation controller. 

Some common features that comes with all the Hydrawise controllers are:

• Wifi enable
• Touchscreen
• Intuitive interface

You can easily control your Hydrawise irrigation system with a simple app which you can download on your Apple or Android devices; or if you prefer your computer, you can log into a website portal that gives you easy access.  Get alerts such as the state of your piping system or monitor your water usage. Receive automatic alerts when a pipe is broken or leak has occurred before it becomes a problem.

To make your life easier, Hydrawise integrates with your existing smart home system technology such as Amazon’s Alexa. If you prefer, you can or delegate the ability to remotely monitor your system for the most comprehensive water management solution.

Hydrawise technology is compatible with a range of Hunter controllers depending on the needs of your home, or in many cases you can even retrofit your existing controller. There is no better time to modernize your home’s irrigation system, and there is no better solution to monitor and protect your landscape than the Hydrawise system. If you have any questions about irrigation please don’t hesitate to contact us.