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Landscape Maintenance & Troubleshooting
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Irrigation systems, like all mechanical things, require some periodic
maintenance to ensure adequate performance. Because many residents have
automatic systems that water very early in the morning, problems often
go unnoticed. Check your system carefully and take note of the following
tips:
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Big leaks
There is a geyser in your front yard and none of the normal irrigation
controls you’re familiar with will shut it off.
What to do:
Where the irrigation system branches off from your house water system
there is a valve with a handle to turn (main shut-off valve, usually at
the front of the house opposite the water meter). Repair the irrigation
system piping, replace the spray head, etc., and turn the valve back to
the "on" position. |
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Little leaks
The water is continually seeping out of a section of your irrigation system.
What to do: This type of leak is in the valve. Replace the valve. It can be challenging, so be prepared to call a repair person that specializes in irrigation.
The water is spraying in the wrong direction
What to do: If it is a sprayhead or microsprayhead you might be able to just grab the top of the unit and twist it in the right direction. If it is a rotor, it probably requires tools and knowledge you don’t have; call an expert.
The drip system seems to be clogged
What to do: replace the clogged dripper(s). It is not usually worth the trouble to try to clean them. Then clean the filter and flush the system. Clogging is not something that happens a lot in properly installed drip systems; if this is a recurring problem, have the system checked out by an expert.
Too much water too fast
What to do: How fast a watering device applies water to the soil is called the application rate. How fast the soil takes in the water is called the infiltration rate. You may be able to apply water at an impressive rate but if the soil is taking four times as long to absorb it, then three quarters of the water you are applying is likely being wasted.
Your choices are the same for all types of systems:
If you are applying too much –
- Adjust your irrigation controller. Consult LACoastalGardens.com for guidance.
- Install a weather-based irrigation controller (WBIC)
 that will automatically adjust itself for weather changes.
If you are applying the water too fast -
- Divide your total watering time into short segments with time in between for soaking in. Note that, unlike choices 2 & 3 below, this is not a cure for the problem, but a coping mechanism.
- If your landscape is several years old, have the soil aerated. If your landscape is turf, have it de-thatched. Your gardener should be able to do this.
- Change to a different watering device with a slower application rate. If your irrigation system is composed of sprayheads (fixed spray patterns of quarter, half and full circles) with 15’ or greater radius, change the nozzles to MP Rotators.
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Last updated: Friday, 08/20/2010
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New Landscape Rebates
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Looking for extra motivation to make your landscape water-wise? The City of Santa Monica is now offering Cash Reimbursements for recommended irrigation products, removal of thirsty lawns, or a complete landscape overhaul. These offers are first come, first served--find out all the details here: Rebates
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A Website for Sore Eyes
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Take a gander at some gorgeous gardens, point and click on the plants you like and - voila! - you tap into a wealth of information on that particular plant species. Click again and you automatically compile a printable list of plants that can easily be handed-off to a landscaper or an attendant at your favorite nursery.
This tool will go a long way in helping you overcome some of the most significant hurdles in getting your sustainable landscape project started.
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