Yes, summer…it’s oh, so close, and kids are counting the days until they can dash freely outside to enjoy one of this coming season’s favorite pastimes: running through the sprinklers! So, in order to stay on top of the “best parents of the year” nominee list, we (and when I say we, I’m including us parents of 4-legged kids) should make sure our irrigation systems are in tip-top working order.
The added benefits will also include saving money and potentially wasted water via leaky pipes, hoses or broken sprinkler heads. I was recently contacted by the EPA who offered some fabulous tips and facts that should make this preemptive estival chore a breeze.
Broken sprinkler head. source: allianceforwaterefficiency.org
Inspect.
Check your system for clogged, broken, or missing sprinkler heads. If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, go with a pro—look for an irrigation professional certified through a WaterSense labeled irrigation program.
Sprinkler+flood. source: sprinklerjuice.com
Connect.
Examine points where the sprinkler heads connect to pipes/hoses. If water is pooling in your landscape or you have large wet areas, you could have a leak in your system. A leak as small as the tip of a ballpoint pen (1/32nd of an inch) can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month!
Don’t sprinkle the sidewalk. source: moderncomfortblog.com
Direct.
Are you watering the driveway, house, or sidewalk instead of your yard? Redirect sprinklers to apply water only to your lawn or prized plants.
Sprinkler controller. source: epa.gov
Select.
An improperly scheduled irrigation controller can waste a lot of water and money. Update your system’s schedule with the seasons, or select a WaterSense labeled controller to take the guesswork out of scheduling.
Have any tips on how to upkeep your sprinkler system? Share your ideas below!
Top/featured image via raising-humans.com
