November is the month to prepare your irrigation/sprinkler system and landscape lighting for the colder months to come. As we move towards winter, it’s important to ensure that both systems are properly winterized and maintained, so they remain in top working condition when the warm weather returns. In this post, we’ll take a look at the crucial tasks that must be completed to ensure your system is functioning optimally when it’s needed most.
Winterize your irrigation/sprinkler system
Before the first frost arrives in your area, it’s vital to ensure that your irrigation/sprinkler system is properly winterized. Start by turning off the water supply and releasing pressure from the irrigation/sprinkler system. Drain both the mainline and lateral lines of any remaining water. The last step should be to remove the backflow device and store it indoors in a warm space. This process is crucial to ensure that the pipes won’t freeze and burst during the colder months.
Inspect wiring and timers
Check all wiring and timers for signs of damage and wear. Clean and inspect the area around the control panels to ensure there are no obstructions and that all wires are in good condition. Replace any timers that are not functioning correctly as you don’t want your irrigation/sprinkler system to overwater your lawn or garden during the winter.
Verify coverage and adjust sprinkler heads
Check all sprinkler heads and adjust them as necessary to ensure even coverage. Make sure no plants have grown over the sprinkler heads or are blocking their spray patterns. If sprinkler heads are clogged, clean them for improved performance.
Inspect and maintain your landscape lighting
Replace any broken light bulbs and ensure all wiring is free of damage or wear. Clean debris from around the lighting fixtures, and make sure that they are properly aligned. Adjust the light levels if necessary, and consider adding more lighting fixtures if areas of your landscape are too dark.
The BEST ADVICE:Hire a professional
If you’re not confident in your abilities, hire Greg Tanzer Sprinklers to conduct a more thorough inspection of your irrigation/sprinkler system and landscape lighting. They can identify and fix any potential issues, and ensure that your system is set up correctly for the colder months ahead.
If you take the time to perform the above “to-do’s” in November, you can have peace of mind that your irrigation/sprinkler system and landscape lighting is functioning correctly and efficiently. These tasks won’t take long to complete, but they’ll save you time and money in the long run. Don’t wait until it’s too late, act now to ensure your irrigation/sprinkler system and landscape lighting are at their best when you need them most.
