Sprinkler Checklist To Maximize Your Water Use
Summertime is the perfect time for a sprinkler system maintenance runthrough. Even if sprinkler systems are automatic, their maintenance isn’t.

Shohn Rodgers, City Superintendent of Parks, said the City completes a trial run on park sprinklers after turning on irrigation systems at the conclusion of each winter.

“We typically turn on the system and let the sprinklers operate,” Rodgers said. “We check for leaks and for sprinkler heads that are broken. That’s a good thing for homeowners to do too. Since the sprinklers are set to run at night, it’s good for homeowners to look at them during the day at least once in the season to make sure the system is operating efficiently.”

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides a free service to residents that uses local weather data to provide weekly watering advice. Visit www.watermyyard.org to get started. For additional water conservation information from the City, visit www. cor.net/waterconservation.

THE CITY OF RICHARDSON WATERING SCHEDULE:
WATER BEFORE 10 A.M. AND AFTER 6 P.M. ONLY
LAST DIGIT OF ADDRESS ALLOWED WATER DAY
0, 2, 4, 6, 8 (Even) Tuesday and Saturday
1, 3, 5, 7, 9 (Odd) Wednesday and Sunday

 

SPRINKLER SYSTEM CHECKLIST

  1. Make sure sprinkler heads are unobstructed by soil, large plants and other items
  2. Ensure there are no leaks in water lines, valves, fittings, spray heads and rotors
  3. Clean sprinkler head nozzles and filters to free the parts of clogs and debris
  4. Check for broken sprinkler heads that prevent spraying; replace parts as needed
  5. Align spray nozzles for proper coverage
  6. Ensure sprinklers are not watering large portions of sidewalks or driveways
  7. Check that each sprinkler zone in the front and backyards is turning on and off
  8. Set the irrigation system timer for twice per week; about one hour of watering provides an inch of water (two 30-minute weekly sessions for example)
  9. Check to see if the lawn is absorbing the water or if the water is running into the street
  10. Utilize rain and freeze sensors to protect sprinklers, conserve water and avoid lawn oversaturation
  11. Late or early watering is needed so that less water is lost due to evaporation
  12. Winterize sprinklers in the fall by draining water and insulating the above-ground sprinkler components