During the hot summer months, your commercial property’s irrigation system works overtime to keep turf, plants, and landscaped areas healthy. But just because the system is running doesn’t mean it’s working efficiently.

A broken sprinkler head, poor coverage, or an outdated watering schedule can waste thousands of gallons of water while still leaving parts of your landscape dry and stressed.

Here are five common irrigation problems to watch for this summer.

1. Broken or Damaged Sprinkler Heads

Broken sprinkler heads are one of the easiest irrigation problems to spot. You may notice water shooting into the air, pooling around a sprinkler, or flowing down a sidewalk.

Damage can happen from mowers, vehicles, normal wear, or shifting soil.

A single damaged head can waste a surprising amount of water and prevent nearby turf and plants from getting the water they need.

What to look for:

• Water spraying straight into the air
• Puddles around sprinkler heads
• Sprinklers that don’t pop up correctly
• Low water pressure in one area
• Unusually wet areas in the landscape

2. Overspray and Runoff

Take a look at where your irrigation water is actually going.

If sprinklers are watering sidewalks, parking lots, buildings, or roadways, that water isn’t helping your landscape. It’s simply being wasted.

Runoff is another common problem. If water is being applied faster than the soil can absorb it, it may run off the property instead of reaching plant roots.

Sprinkler adjustments and changes to watering times can often help reduce both problems.

3. Poor or Uneven Coverage

Have you noticed one section of turf turning brown while another area stays bright green?

Your irrigation system may have a coverage problem.

Sprinkler heads can become clogged, misaligned, blocked by plant material, or damaged. As landscapes grow and change, a system that once provided good coverage may no longer reach every area effectively.

The result can be dry spots in some areas and overwatering in others.

4. Incorrect Watering Schedules

Your landscape doesn’t need the same amount of water every day or every month.

An irrigation schedule that worked in May may not be right for August. Weather conditions, rainfall, temperature, soil conditions, and plant needs should all play a role in how frequently your system runs.

Running irrigation too often can waste water and contribute to overly saturated soil. Not watering enough can leave turf and plants stressed during the hottest part of the season.

Regularly reviewing and adjusting your irrigation schedule can make a big difference.

5. Outdated Irrigation Technology

Irrigation technology has come a long way.

Smart irrigation controllers can make watering more efficient by adjusting schedules based on actual conditions instead of relying on the same preset schedule all season.

Depending on the system, smart irrigation technology can help account for weather conditions, rainfall, seasonal changes, and the specific watering needs of different landscape areas.

This can help commercial properties reduce unnecessary watering while still maintaining a healthy, attractive landscape.

Don’t Let Commercial Irrigation System Problems Go Unnoticed

Small irrigation problems can quickly turn into bigger landscape problems during the summer.

Brown turf, struggling plants, standing water, runoff, and unusually high water usage can all be signs that your irrigation system needs attention.

At C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc., our team can inspect commercial irrigation systems, identify problem areas, make necessary repairs and adjustments, and help improve overall watering efficiency.

A properly maintained irrigation system doesn’t just help conserve water. It helps protect the investment you’ve made in your commercial landscape.

Think your irrigation system may be wasting water? Contact C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc. to schedule an irrigation system evaluation and keep your property performing its best this summer.