How to Upgrade Sprinkler Systems
An effective and efficient sprinkler system is important for maintaining a healthy landscape, keeping your lawn, garden, and plants properly and consistently watered. Sprinkler systems are designed to automate the irrigation process, promoting even water distribution across your property while saving time and effort. No matter what kind of sprinkler system you have, whether it is a traditional spray system, a rotor system, or a drip irrigation system, the right system can make a huge difference in the appearance of your outdoor space. If your sprinkler isn’t working as well as it could be, or if it’s an outdated system, upgrading it can provide better water efficiency smarter controls, and more thorough coverage. How do you know whether or not it is time to invest in a sprinkler system upgrade?
Signs You Need a Sprinkler System Upgrade
If you suspect your sprinkler system may not be working as effectively as it could be, ask yourself a few questions. Do some areas of your yard seem parched, while others seem overwatered? Is the spray given off by the sprinkler heads even, or are there areas of overspray and places that are not being reached? Has your water usage escalated, yet your landscape does not show signs of improvement? If you have a professionally installed system that is need of constant repair, and you feel like you are constantly calling for service, this is a clear sign that you are due for an upgrade.
How to Upgrade a Sprinkler System
If your system needs upgrading, and you are putting it off because you fear it will be expensive, call for a consultation with a sprinkler installation expert. In many cases, a sprinkler system upgrade does not mean complete replacement, but simply replacing one or more components. The system may be wearing down because of its age, with some components needing replacement sooner than others. If you do need a completely new system, though, it is worth it to upgrade a water sprinkler system to the newest technology available.
- Replace the Sprinkler Heads
Sometimes, upgrading your sprinkler system is as simple as changing the sprinkler heads. If they have stopped turning, distribute water unevenly, or don’t pop up high enough, they may need to be replaced. - Replace the Valves
Sometimes, valves in a sprinkler system stop operating, or stick open, and need to be replaced. On the other hand, it may be worth updating your valves for the sake of additional features like pressure regulation or flow control. The diaphragms can be an issue too, if they are worn, cracked or dried out, and sometimes the solenoids are past their life cycle. - Check the Wire Connections
Sometimes, the wiring of a sprinkler system goes bad due to spending years underwater. This happens often when waterproof connectors were not used during the original installation of the system. Additionally, wiring can be bad because of construction damage. In that case, repairing the wiring can upgrade your system. - Replace the Controller
Another simple upgrade involves replacing the controller. A new controller may provide more flexibility in scheduling, to reduce water usage, or you may just need to replace a broken controller.
Irrigation Technology Advances
As technology advances, irrigation systems improve. They become more effective, easier to operate, and they operate more efficiently. For example, recent innovations include smart sprinkler systems and soil moisture sensors. Updated technology may be a good enough reason to upgrade your sprinkler system.
- Smart Controllers
Changing to a smart controller can make your system more sustainable, allowing for more precise water delivery and conservation. Either climate-based or soil moisture-sensor based, smart controllers are programmed with information unavailable with a traditional controller. Factors like plant type, precipitation, root zone depth, and soil type can be used to create a base schedule, and then the sensors can adjust this schedule and apply the correct amount of water, rather than simply coming on at a certain time and delivering a set amount of water each day. - Improved Sprinkler Heads
Over the past decade, sprinkler manufacturers have significantly improved sprinkler heads, to increase their ability to uniformly apply water. If your sprinkler heads are over five years old, it might be worth upgrading them.
Oberg Irrigation Knows How to Upgrade Water Sprinkler Systems
In Bountiful, Utah, the key to a beautiful lawn is the right sprinkler system. From planning to installation to maintenance and repair, the key to an effective sprinkler system is working with true professionals. At Oberg Irrigation , our team has twenty years of experience, and we can handle all types of sprinkler and irrigation systems, from the simplest to the largest and most complex. Whether you need us to install or upgrade your sprinkler system, or your existing system needs maintenance or repair, contact us today and let’s make sure your landscape is always at its very best.
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