Everyone fancies lush green lawns and extensive green fields thanks to the innovations in irrigation. However, despite their prowess and precision watering capability, irrigation systems need to be regularly maintained to ensure they function properly.
If you are scheduling a performance check to determine if your irrigation equipment is functioning properly, here’s what you can expect from the maintenance visit;
Pressure Check
To make sure that your irrigation system functions effectively and efficiently, the water pressure should be optimal. In most instances, low pressure is attributed to leaks, control valves not set (or operating) properly, airlocks, wrong direction of rotation and a damaged impeller.
Power consumption check
Sometimes pumps consume too much power. This is determined by checking the amperage draw when the pump is running. More often than not, high flow rates (caused by leaks or multiple zones running together) and mechanical defects are the main culprits of an upsurge in power usage.
Leaks
Leaks not only waste water, but they can cause other problems in your irrigation system as well. Large leaks can cause low pressure problems and pump power usage problems as mentioned earlier. When inspecting your irrigation system for leaks, check the mainline piping as well as isolation and zone control valves. If you are just starting your system for the first time in the spring, make sure that all drain valves (that were opened to winterize the system) are closed.
Valve diagnosis
Valves are a key component of any irrigation system. Making sure that they function properly should be of prime importance during any performance check. Control valves not only allow the system to be turned on and off but they also control the pressure going to the submain and lateral lines. The valve should be checked to see if opens and closes properly. Damaged diaphragms and malfunctioning solenoids can cause this problem. Control valves should also be checked to see if they are regulating pressure properly. Damaged control pilots and tubing can cause this problem.
At the end of this process, your irrigation equipment should be functioning properly and you may have saved yourself a few headaches down the road as well.