Maintaining your irrigation system doesn’t always require a professional touch. With a little know-how, you can tackle common maintenance tasks on your own, saving money and ensuring your landscape stays healthy. Here are some instructions for tasks that do not require a licensed irrigator:
You’ll need a new sprinkler head, possibly a pair of pliers, and a small shovel or trowel. Begin by turning off the system to avoid water spraying during the process. Next, remove the old sprinkler head by unscrewing the head. Pliers can be used to unscrew heads from the riser when it cannot be done by hand. If you are not able to remove the head with pliers, gently dig around the base to loosen any soil or debris and try again. Once the old head is removed, you can screw the new head onto the riser by hand. Ensure it’s snug, but be careful not to overtighten. Once this is complete, make sure to test the head by turning the irrigation system back on and checking the new sprinkler head for proper operation.
The quickest way to stop waterflow into your sprinklers is by closing your backflow valves. Find your backflow prevention device; it’s usually near your water source, and can either be in a box in the ground or above ground. Here is an image of a backflow preventer, and in this image you can clearly see two blue handles on the device. These are the valve handles, and they may not be blue on your device. Turn them so they are perpendicular to the backflow. If this does not stop waterflow, it’s definitely time to contact a professional. The Texas Commitee of Environmental Control requires a backflow be present on all irrigation systems in order to prevent dirty water from poisoning your water source. If you cannot find yours or do not have one, you will need to contact a licensed irrigator install one at your home.
Properly scheduling your irrigation controller is essential for maintaining a healthy landscape. Setting it up is relatively simple, however, setup procedures can vary widely between different models and brands. For questions or assistance specific to your controller, we recommend either searching YouTube for videos related to your specific make and model or reaching out to the manufacturer for detailed instructions and support. The manufacturer can provide the most accurate guidance tailored to your system, ensuring you get the best results from your irrigation setup.
If DIY isn’t your style or if you have questions about your irrigation system that you’re unsure how to handle, AWIS is here to help! Our licensed technicians are just a call away, ready to provide professional support and service for all your irrigation needs. Whether it’s a quick repair or a full system check-up, you can trust us to keep your landscape thriving.
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is intended to assist homeowners in performing basic maintenance tasks on their irrigation systems. While we strive to offer accurate and helpful guidance, AWIS is not liable for any damages, injuries, or issues that may arise from your attempts to perform these tasks. Homeowners are encouraged to exercise caution and consult a professional if they are unsure about any procedure. By following the instructions provided, you acknowledge that you assume all risks associated with these maintenance activities.
Irrigation in Texas is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), MC-235, P.O. Box 130897, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. TCEQ’s website is: www.tceq.texas.gov.
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