Preseason Checklist for Your Irrigation System

Welcome to spring and now is the perfect time to start thinking about the warmer season ahead and preparing your garden’s irrigation system. A simple health check of your system is the best way to ensure a trouble-free season. Follow Antelco’s simple pre-season checklist to get the best out of your irrigation system.

1. Check for breaks and leaks in your pipework system: Winter can cause soil movement, wear and tear, or even damage from pets and vermin. Check your pipework for any breaks or leaks. Repair these issues with quality Antelco barbed poly fittings and Ratchet Clamps to keep your pipe securely attached to the fittings.
2. Check Drippers, Sprays, Sprinklers, and Stakes: Plants and weeds may have grown over your irrigation components during the winter. These need to be cleared to allow for effective watering. Check that all drippers, sprays and sprinklers are working correctly i.e. they are facing the right direction, outputting the right amount of water and watering the right area. Adjust, replace or clean any damaged heads.
3. Flush Out Sediments: Sediments can accumulate in dormant pipework over the winter. Flush your pipework system by opening the ends of the lines and operate the system to flush out any contaminants. Run the system until the water runs clear and then reseal the ends. Antelco Green Back® Valves make this task very easy.
4. Clean Filters: Take the time to clean any filters in your system. Rinse them under running water and brush them with an old toothbrush if needed.
5. ­­­­Check Pressure Regulators: Ensure you have adequate regulation fitted to you taps or irrigation valves to protect your pipework and micro fittings. Check for leaks as well.
6. Test Automation Systems: If you use a tap timer or irrigation controller, ensure it's turned on and replace any old batteries. Set a schedule for the season based on upcoming temperatures and rainfall.

Antelco is Putting Water Where it Counts!®