Sprinkler Repair in Austin, TX

What are some warning signs that might indicate that I have a problem with my sprinklers?

If you notice any of the following happening in your yard, you probably want to get an expert out to recommend next steps:

• Sudden increases in your water bill (especially if you have ruled out other sources of water leaks)
• Areas of your yard being consistently too wet
• Areas of your yard being consistently too dry
• Plants or grass looking less healthy than usual
• Sprinkler heads that are stuck in the downward position or aren’t spraying as they should
• Low water pressure

Can you install a new sprinkler system?

While ABC does not put in new irrigation systems, we can and do install new sections or pieces, as needed, if your watering needs have changed or if an existing part of your system is no longer working. All new landscaping plans developed by our designers for our customers have the ability to incorporate new automated watering systems.

What’s The Concept Behind Drip Irrigation?

Drip irrigation is designed to be an easy answer for anyone who wants to spend less time and effort watering their green spaces. A drip system releases water from tubing that is laid out and buried. This method provides more precision and less waste in watering, because each plant gets the appropriate amount of water it needs, with little evaporation or surface pooling and runoff.  It’s estimated that drip systems can save as much as 70% of the water used in traditional irrigation and sprinklers.

Drip irrigation is best for all planting beds with plants but can also be used beneath grass or turf. However, lines are easily cut or punctured, and use in yards and beneath turf should be done only with careful consideration of turf replacement or future lawn work.

Some local governments offer incentives for homeowners to switch to drip irrigation systems. Since these systems use less water, they normally have some exemptions from watering restrictions. ABC can help you convert from a sprinkler system to a drip irrigation system or make repairs or adjustments to your drip system.

Can Planting Beds use Drip Irrigation?

Essentially, yes. If you have an a oddly shaped bed, arranging sprinklers to water only the bed and not nearby sidewalks and other parts of the landscape can be problematic.  Drip irrigation and soaker tubes/hoses are usually easy to fit in and shape to fit any size bed. Additionally, drip irrigation wastes much less water since the drip zone is immediately adjacent to plants and not being sprayed or blown by wind.

Can I use Drip Irrigation if my Beds have Mulch?

Yes. Drip irrigation tubes & hoses can be placed under mulch so they are not laying on top of the mulch or easily visible. However, tubes & hoses are easily punctured or severed, be careful when using tools around planting beds with drip irrigation beneath mulch.

Things to Remember When Planning to Use Drip Irrigation

• If nozzles or drip heads are spaced too far apart or not close enough to plants, not enough water may be disbursed.
• Drip irrigation lines are easily cut with gardening tools & equipment.
• The emitters can clog with dirt or mineral deposits from hard water.
• Rodents may chew into the tubing/hose searching for water.
• Installation is probably best done by professional irrigators. Additionally, be aware of any municipal rules regarding irrigation devices being attached to the home’s plumbing system. Some municipalities require the use of backflow devices to protect public water systems.

Can ABC help me save water?

Since we aren’t often outside when our sprinklers are running to spot any potential problems, these systems are the most likely culprit for water waste on our property. Keeping your sprinklers well-maintained will help prevent unwelcome surprises before they become a big headache. By performing routine maintenance, including checking and adjusting your sprinkler heads, you can repair leaks so that your sprinklers are distributing water effectively across your yard.

If you are concerned about your water usage, ABC’s sprinkler system specialists can make recommendations so that you can be more water wise.

When should I set my sprinkler system to run?

Your plants are most efficient at absorbing water in the early morning hours, so this is the best time to run your sprinkler system. If you water at night, more moisture accumulates, which increases your risk of developing yard fungus. In addition, watering restrictions in our area dictate that you should run your sprinklers before the heat of the day, since more water can be lost to evaporation. Always consult with your water provider and ensure automated irrigation systems & timers comply with current rules.

Why do I have dry spots on my lawn?

One thing to keep in mind with sprinkler systems is that they need to be adjusted each season. You should expect to significantly increase your watering during extended periods of extreme heat. If you don’t, you’ll usually notice the telltale signs that your grass is stressed, which are dry areas.

In some cases, this could indicate that your sprinkler heads are clogged, your watering schedule needs to be adjusted or your valves malfunctioning. Other factors, including less nutrient-rich soil, can also contribute to some parts of your yard faring better than others. ABC’s yard pros can diagnose your problem and make adjustments to better nourish these problem spots in your yard.

What should I do to winterize my sprinkler system?

In some parts of the country, homeowners need to undertake a process each year to prepare their sprinkler systems for winter. In Austin, however, winterizing your sprinkler system is less important since we rarely, if ever, experience long stretches with freezing temperatures. If temperatures do dip below freezing, we recommend that you turn your system off and wrap any exposed metal parts with insulation.

Run your system once a month during the winter to prevent your valves and heads from becoming cracked and brittle. In the late fall, ABC offers winter system inspection to make any adjustments that might be needed to avoid any potential freeze damage.