Irrigation systems are often times a necessary nuisance to a property manager; however, having an understanding of the system can reduce the long term stress. What do you know about the irrigation system at your site? How much involvement do you as a property manager want to have with your irrigation system? Does your on-site maintenance personnel have the time and knowledge to properly maintain and repair the irrigation system? Is their time better served taking care of the needs of the clients and letting the irrigation specialists maintain the systems? These are all questions a property manager should consider.

It goes without saying that there are many factors to consider when it comes to properly maintaining your irrigation system. An irrigation system is a complex system composed of many moving parts and electronics, not to mention additional external performance factors including water pressure and extreme temperatures. A system that is not properly maintained will lead to higher, long-term costs due to necessary repairs and upgrades.

Do You Know Who’s Maintaining Your Irrigation System?

An Irrigation Contractor in the State of Illinois must be a licensed Plumbing Contractor or a licensed Irrigation Contractor. The irrigation industry is regulated by the State of Illinois and local laws. Many communities have their own irrigation codes which vary from village to village.

Ensure that your Irrigation Contractor is licensed, certified, and bonded to do work in your town. Also, you may want to ask if the technicians have continuous training and are knowledgeable about the latest technology in the industry. Technicians should be capable of troubleshooting and identifying problems in all aspects of an irrigation system.

It’s How Old?

If your irrigation system is over 10 years old it might be time to look at upgrading the controller, nozzles, rain sensor, or ET (evapotranspiration) monitoring and to check that the layout is still appropriate for the landscape. Over time, landscape layouts and plants change and mature. Irrigation heads often get covered by shrubs and plants. Bed lines change or heads and valves get buried and don’t perform to the best potential.

Improvements can include: capping off or removing heads that are no longer needed or relocating heads out of mulch beds or from behind mature plants. Upgrading to water conserving nozzles from the older standard nozzles can also greatly improve performance of the irrigation system. Water conserving nozzles are designed to emit heavier water droplets that don’t evaporate as much as the finer droplets out of the conventional nozzles.

Furthermore, changing the valves to pressure regulated valves, ensures that the heads will work at their optimum pressure. Adding a rain sensor or ET component will assist in conserving water by automatically adjusting the watering time during rain, solar, wind, or evapotranspiration. Replacement of older components can be budgeted over several years or done all at one time.

What Is Your Irrigation System Doing At 3:00 a.m.?

Do you ever come into the office and see water running down the curb or puddles and wonder where the water came from? Out of sight, out of mind. If you don’t see what’s happening in the middle of the night when the system runs, you’ll never know what problems may be present. It is recommended to have an irrigation review on the entire system (during the day) to ensure that there are no leaks, broken heads, blocked heads, leaking valves, etc.

How Much Water Do My Plants And Grass Need?

Less is more! Don’t over water. Plants vary on the amount of water they need. Typically grass needs 1” of water per week. This can be obtained over several days during the week. Shrubs don’t need much water once they are established. Talk to your landscaper about the amount of water required for your specific landscape so that your system can be adjusted based on those needs and save water and money over time.

What Time Should I Water?

There are different theories on when to water, whether it be in the early morning or in the evening. Often villages restrict watering times or days so you are locked into “off peak” water usage times, which could mean you may need to water in the middle of the night. Check to determine if your community restricts the hours and days of the week which you are allowed to water your turf and plants and make sure your system is properly set to abide by these restrictions to avoid fines.

Let’s Save Money!

Does your village allow for a water only meter or deduct meter for your irrigation system? Often this is one of the best ways to reduce the cost of the water used for irrigation. Find out if your village allows you to pay for irrigation water only and not sewer charges for irrigation water. If your community doesn’t allow for a separate water only or deduct meter, see if they will pro-rate the summer charges that are associated with irrigation. Also, check with your Irrigation Contractor to see if they offer Irrigation Audit services for recommendations on water conserving opportunities. They can help you determine if your system is efficient to help save water and money.

Irrigation Systems can either be an ally or an enemy. Each system is individual and has it’s own quirks and personality. Sometimes we see a system, shake our heads, and roll our eyes. Other times, we embrace a job that has been properly installed, well maintained, and truly a work of art. Ask your Irrigation Contractor to review the system with you so you have a better understanding of its operation. Be sure to conduct a walk-through with the Irrigation Contractor during a start-up or winterization. You may also hire an Irrigation Contractor to perform a mid-season inspection. Put your rain boots on and join them as they walk through the system and explain its operation to you. Consider having a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor perform an audit on your existing system. Don’t let an irrigation system get the best of you. With these tips, you will learn to love your irrigation system!

Betty Sargent can be reached at (847) 546-0165 or bettysargent@jmirrigation.com.