FAQs

If your system continues to operate during a rain shower there could be 3 potential reasons for this:

• The most common reason for non-activation on a rain sensor is the sensor itself has not encountered enough rain fall. The sensors are built with cork discs that need to first get wet with a significant amount of water before they shut down the system. These discs need some time to dry afterwards to allow the system to operate normally.
• The rain sensor switch is in the “BYPASS” or “OFF” position. To fix this, slide the switch into the “ACTIVE” position.
• A rain sensor has not been installed with your system.

Brown patches and lawn browning is a common problem that most homeowners face. Disease, poor maintenance issues and improper irrigation contribute to brown lawns. Browning of lawn grass is a good sign that your lawn isn’t getting the amount of water it needs. Be sure to water your lawn more during periods of hotter and dryer weather. However, avoid over watering because too much water contributes to fungal disease growth.

Watering flower baskets and pots automatically is easy to do with the addition of micro-sprinklers.  Micro-sprinklers can be added to your system utilizing ¼” tubing and micro-emitters to bring much need water to all baskets and pots.

Although in some cases it may be possible for a homeowner to winterize their sprinkler system, it is not something that we recommend. A specialized air compressor with a large air volume output is required for this task, which is not something most homeowners will have. Also, failure to have your system winterized properly can cause irreparable damaged that can lead to very costly repairs if water is allowed to freeze inside the lines and various components.

Early morning is the best time to water your lawn so that the grass can dry slowly and naturally without too much evaporation. Evening watering can promote the spreading of lawn grass diseases. If you are in an area with water restrictions and the evening is the only time of day you are allowed to water, then water in the evening, as it is better to water in the evening than no water at all.

A typical system Spring Start-Up and Seasonal Tune-Up includes a full inspection of your irrigation system to ensure everything is working properly and that water is reaching all required areas:

Spring Start-Up:

• • • Turn on the water supply and pressurize the system
    • Turn on each zone and assess the system for leaks and peak performance
    • Check all heads for proper operation and make adjustments as needed
    • Evaluate irrigation coverage to lawn, flower beds, shrubs and baskets/pots
    • Check the rain sensor for proper operation
    • Program the controller for spring settings

Seasonal Tune-Up:

• • Turn on each zone and assess the system for leaks and peak performance
  • Check all heads for proper operation and make adjustments as needed
  • Evaluate irrigation coverage to lawn, flower beds, shrubs and baskets/pots
  • Check the rain sensor for proper operation
  • Program the controller for appropriate seasonal settings
  • Repairs as required (some additional charges may apply)

Seasonal Tune-Ups are an important yearly maintenance for your irrigation system. The typical irrigation season encompasses 3 seasons, spring, summer and fall. During these 3 seasons, plants grow differently and temperatures and the intensity of the sun fluctuate. It is important to have your system reviewed each season for proper operation.  Seasonal Tune-Ups account for changes in plant growth, what may have been a small plant in the spring can be a large plant in the summer.  This can block the spray pattern of a sprinkler, causing water not to reach all areas of the lawn or garden. Also, it is important to consider the water needs of your lawn throughout the 3 seasons. In the spring the weather is typically cooler and your lawn requires less watering than in the high heat of summer, after which, watering should also be decreased for the cooler temperatures of fall.