Preparing your irrigation system for the warmer season ahead

As we come out of the cold winter months it is time to start thinking about the warmer season ahead and preparing your irrigation system for watering your garden. Follow these simple steps for preparing your irrigation system:

1. Check for breaks and leaks in your pipework system – sometimes over the winter months soil movements, pets or vermin or just wear and tear can break apart your pipe and fittings systems and these need to be repaired before you can start irrigating. Use quality Antelco barbed poly fittings and Repair plugs to repair your system. It is always a good idea to use Ratchet Clamps over barbed fittings to secure the pipe to the fitting.

2. Check your drippers/sprays/sprinklers - Over the winter months plants and weeds may have grown over your drippers, sprays and sprinklers. These need to be cleared to allow for effective watering. Check that all drippers, sprays and sprinklers are working correctly i.e. they are outputting the right amount of water and watering the right area. Adjust, replace or clean any faulty emitters.

3. Clean any sediments in the pipework system – Over the winter period sediments and bacteria slimes can grow in the poly pipework systems. It is a good idea to 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.

4. Filters - It is a good time to dismantle and clean any filters in the system/s by cleaning them under a running tap and brushing with an old toothbrush if dirty.

5. Automation system – if you are using a tap timer or irrigation controller check its operation and set a schedule for the season ahead. (In the coming weeks we will discuss setting efficient water saving schedules for the irrigation season).