Modern conveniences make it easier than ever for homeowners to check off their to-do lists, and a chief example of this is the humble lawn sprinkler system. Keeping your lawn lush, green, healthy, and well-watered is much simpler with automated lawn sprinklers. It frees you from the tedious job of untangling hoses and dragging them around or constantly repositioning small manual sprinklers. However, the convenience of an automated sprinkler system doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to mismanage your landscape watering. Here are four common mistakes to watch for when it comes to using your lawn sprinkler system!
Mistake #1: One Lawn, One Setting
You might think of your yard as one single location. In fact, most lawns are a jumble of separate microclimates and plant-specific areas rather than all the same zone. One zone might consist of all grass, and another might be covered in trees and shrubbery. A certain zone may be shady, while a spot just a few feet away gets nonstop sunlight. Some areas might be at the top of a hill, while others are low and have poor drainage.
One thing that each of these disparate zones has in common? They each have their own unique watering needs, and you need to adjust your sprinkler system accordingly. Incorrect sprinkler head placement creates poor coverage, which can quickly lead to water waste and plant damage.
To avoid sprinkler system problems caused by uneven coverage, make sure your yard is subdivided appropriately, with watering frequencies and run lengths programmed into the controller accordingly. Luckily, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own — our irrigation installation experts can help with this important task.
Mistake #2: Overwatering
Once you ensure proper coverage across multiple zones, constantly running your sprinkler system can become an obsession. After all, providing your yard or other landscaped area with enough water is the only way to achieve the green lawn of your dreams, right? While water is crucial, be careful not to overcompensate, either, or you’ll run into another of the most common sprinkler system problems: using too much water in your yard, flower beds, or other locations.
Overwatering is not just a leading cause of water wastage in many American households — it’s also harmful to your property, causing soggy areas, damaged grass and tree roots, and high bills due to wasted water. If the issue persists, water pooling in your yard can even damage your home’s foundation.
We recommend head-to-head coverage (every sprinkler head should be getting wet from another one next to it) that is thorough but not excessive, and on average, the “sweet spot” for most lawns will be about 1 inch per week, delivered in less frequent, deep waterings. Your lawn’s ideal water supply will depend on your individual situation and local grass. A friendly irrigation professional at TLC Inc. can help you determine your ideal water pressure, sprinkler and rotor head placement, and watering schedule.
Mistake #3: Setting and Forgetting
Some homeowners excitedly tell us that the ability to “set and forget” is one of the great advantages of lawn sprinkler system installation. We think it is too — sometimes. In reality, “setting and forgetting” is actually another one of the most common sprinkler system problems.
As you may know, watering your yard in the early morning is substantially better for the health of your landscape. But even if your irrigation system is programmed for an early-morning watering schedule, it won’t remain this way forever. This is because when you use a standard timing-based controller to adjust your sprinkler nozzles and rotor heads, the sun still rises and sets at different times throughout the year. So don’t forget to adjust your watering schedule accordingly!
Mistake #4: Overlooking Maintenance
Sprinkler system maintenance is vital, especially since sprinklers are mechanical systems that are constantly exposed to water. For example, one of the most common sprinkler system problems we see is a clogged sprinkler head. While clogged sprinkler heads occasionally occur due to system malfunctions, we see clogged heads, leaks, and other common sprinkler problems far more often in cases where homeowners do not actively maintain the health of their sprinklers.
At TLC Incorporated, our irrigation experts are more than happy to take care of installation, repair, and regular maintenance for your sprinkler system. However, we also have a few care tips to keep in mind:
Mow Carefully
Lawnmowers should always be handled with care, especially if you have a yard irrigation system. Mark the locations of your sprinkler heads with flags or stakes to avoid running them over. You can also set your mower blades higher to prevent damaged sprinkler heads.
Inspect & Clean Sprinkler Heads
Take a few minutes each month to inspect sprinkler heads for clogs, damage, or misalignment. Clogged sprinkler heads can cause uneven watering, which can kill your grass. Carefully remove any dirt, grass, or small stones from irrigation heads and nozzle areas, using a small brush to clean any stubborn remnants. Along with performing regular checks, we also encourage you to keep an eye out for sprinkler head problems during operation. If you notice a lack of consistent water pressure or suspect water flow issues, check your sprinkler heads and valves immediately.
Check for Leaks
Regularly check your yard for pooling water or unusually lush patches, which can indicate leaking pipes, spray heads, or valves. Rising water bills with no increase in water usage can also indicate a broken pipe or other form of water source damage. Even small leaks waste water, so we recommend scheduling repairs promptly to protect your lawn sprinkler system and your wallet.
Test the System
Test your sprinkler system at least once a month. Turn on each zone and observe the spray pattern, water pressure, and controller performance, ensuring each nozzle has a steady flow and solid power source connection. This can help you identify issues and book repairs before they become major problems.
Smart Sprinklers: The Best Way to Eliminate ALL Mistakes!
If these lawn sprinkler system mistakes sound like a lot to think about, there’s a better solution. “Smart” irrigation controllers can completely take over the chore of managing your landscape irrigation. Smart sprinkler systems are a true set-and-forget solution, with no need to worry about adjusting irrigation zones or altering water supply settings.
At TLC Inc., we install Hydrawise controller systems, which utilize award-winning predictive watering technology to adjust your landscape’s irrigation based on precise local weather data. With a smart controller, you’ll never need to worry about sudden rain shut-off or other weather-related issues again — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! You can also see real-time data about your lawn’s health, make controller adjustments with a simple tap on your screen, and even keep your sprinklers running when you’re on vacation.
Level Up Your Lawn Care Routine!
Don’t make lawn care harder than it has to be. Contact TLC Inc. today to discuss smart sprinkler system installation, and our irrigation and yard drainage experts will build a custom solution for your Washington, DC, or Maryland property. We also specialize in outdoor lighting solutions, including holiday lighting services and more, so you can count on our crew to make your outdoor spaces a better place to be year-round! Don’t wait to level up your lawn — reach out to us now, and we’ll make your home the envy of the neighborhood. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!