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Maintaining an Irrigation System The beauty and water saving characteristics of a landscape are often dependent on the proper and prompt maintenance of the irrigation system. Malfunctioning systems may cause erosion, the waste of water and poor plant health. To tell if the irrigation system is malfunctioning, watch for shooting water, excessively wet or dry spots within the landscape and wet spots on buildings and pavement. When these symptoms are observed, immediate repairs may be necessary. Troubleshooting and Repairs Faucets: If water drips or runs out of a faucet after being turned off, it typically indicates that either the washer is worn out or the faucet is broken. To replace the washer turn the water off at the main line and then remove the faucet handle. The worn or missing washer should be apparent. After screwing in the correct washer, reassemble the handle. Replacement washers are available at hardware stores in variety packs. If leaking continues after the new washer is installed, you may need to replace the faucet head. Filters: Many irrigation systems are designed with filters. Filters reduce the quantity of particles, getting into the irrigation system. Therefore the system clogs less often and water output is more uniform. To keep the filter operating properly, unscrew the cover and remove the strainer for weekly cleaning. Strainers last about three years before replacement may be necessary. If the filter is clean and the system still clogs, the screen may need to be replaced with a smaller meshed screen. Watering Devices (adjustments): Watering devices, such as irrigation heads or sprinklers, often are misaligned with the area they are intended to water. Consequently, water is wasted on paved areas and structures. Tightening/loosening in-ground irrigation heads can correct this problem. Sometimes, the wrong irrigating device is installed and should be therefore be replaced. If a 360-degree irrigation pattern is on an irrigation head next to a paved area, then half of the water released is wasted. In this case, the cap should be unscrewed and replaced with a 180-degree irrigation pattern. (The zones where substitutions are made should be recalibrated.) Watering Devices (repairs): Devices are often broken by unknowing passersby. Most often the
pipe at the base of an in-ground irrigation head breaks and pieces
of the pipe remain in the screw-on part of the head. Begin repairs
by removing enough found around the head to allow access to the
break. The raw edges of the pipe should be cut clean with a hacksaw.
A fitting of the appropriate size is glued on the pipe and the
head screwed onto the fitting. If the head is broken without
damaging the pipe, it is easily unscrewed and replaced with one
having the same capacity and wetting pattern. If you have any questions regarding the reclaimed water system uses, please contact William G. Miller at (727) 363-9254. If you have any questions regarding the drinking (potable) water uses, Please contact Pinellas County Utilities (727) 464-4000. Other Interesting Links
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