Helpful Tips to Save Water During Water Restrictions

If you’re facing a water restriction, you may be wondering how to conserve water. Here are some helpful tips to get you through the summer months:

Use water efficiently

You may have heard of water conservation measures and even considered implementing them in your own home. Luckily, there are many simple ways to save water in your home, including using water-efficient faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads. You may also consider a low-flow toilet and other high efficiency plumbing fixtures.

For your lawn, allowing your grass to grow taller provides, slow water evaporation, shade the roots, and prevent weeds. For optimal water conservation, your lawn should have about four inches of grass.

An unmaintained irrigation system could be leaking water without your knowledge! Waterworks Irrigation specializes in the setup and maintenance of efficient irrigation systems.

Fixing leaky faucets

When you’re on a water restriction, fixing leaky faucets is more important than you might think. Not only do dripping faucets wastewater, but they also cost you money. Every gallon you use will be tacked on to your water bill. In addition to costing you money, dripping faucets can lead to mold growth. Because mold loves water, leaks can create a breeding ground for the fungus. Not only does this damage your faucet, but it can also pose a health risk to you and your family. It’s easy to forget to turn off faucets properly after every use, but if you’re paying close attention, you can save countless gallons of water each year by fixing leaky faucets.

Besides fixing leaky faucets, you can also replace fixtures. To save even more water, look for fixtures with a WaterSense label. These fixtures use at least 20% less water than standard faucets.

Replacing or upgrading water-using appliances

If you’re tired of wasting water, try replacing or upgrading a water-using appliance. Although this may be an up-front investment, it’s well worth it if you can cut your water consumption by half. Not only will this help the environment, but it will also help your wallet. Here are some ways to cut down your water use when using appliances:

  • Find out which appliances are the biggest water wasters in your house. Check for energy savings and water conservation features when shopping for a new washing machine or dishwasher.
  • Also, make sure the washer or dishwasher is completely full before starting.
  • Make sure to check the water level in evaporative coolers, and replace the pads regularly.
  • Inspect the pump and float to ensure that they’re working properly.

Looking for more water-saving advice?

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What Are The Advantages Of Sprinkler Irrigation?

The popularity of sprinkler irrigation systems has been increasing exponentially over the past decades, and justifiably so. They effectively address the problem of saving water for a more sustainable future and solve the woes of pricy water bills while keeping your plants happy.

However, that’s not all sprinkler irrigation system installations have to offer! So, to further enlighten you, let us delve deeper into what sprinkler irrigation systems are, their pros and cons, and find out if they are the right choice for you.

What is a Sprinkler Irrigation System and How Does it Work?

Sprinkler irrigation systems work in a way similar to rain. In fact, they were inspired by natural rainfall!

Water is pumped through a network of pipes before being transformed into minute droplets sprayed into the air by sprinklers. This disperses the water, evenly distributing it across the targeted zone.

Depending on how big your target area is, you can choose a sprinkler system that pumps out water to a certain distance from the spray nozzle to maximize your coverage. Moreover, you can adjust the range of your sprinkler system by adjusting the angle, allowing you to spray one side of your yard or in a complete revolution!

What Are the Advantages of Sprinkler Systems?

Beyond maintaining healthy, lush greenery on your property to enhance its visuals and aesthetic appeal, sprinkler irrigation systems come with several advantages worth taking the plunge for. Here are some of them.

Convenience

We’re pretty sure physically watering your plants and lawn multiple times a week is not your favorite chore. However, you can easily ensure that your plants get the moisture they need at the flip of a switch with sprinkler systems. It becomes even more convinitent with automatic sprinkler systems that allow you to cut off the water supply in some regions of your landscape or even set up a time that starts or stops your system.

Cost-Effective

A sprinkler system is both inexpensive and easy to set up. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on manpower. A correctly programmed and timed irrigation system, in combination with well-matched sprinkler heads and hoses by plant zone, can help residential and commercial property owners save money on water as well as energy.

Keep Your Plants Healthy

Another major advantage of sprinkler irrigation systems is making it easier to water your plants at the most appropriate times of the day. As a result, you will give them the right amount of moisture they require.

The best time to water a lawn is early in the morning before sunrise. The experts say it helps prevent excessive water evaporation while giving lawns and gardens more time to absorb the moisture they require.

However, with sprinkler systems, you don’t have to wake up with a hose in hand at the crack of dawn. Instead, you can easily program your sprinklers to turn on early in the morning without having to get out of bed!

Reducing Water Wastage

Sprinkler irrigation systems can deliver the exact quantity of water needed for each zone of your lawn and garden. This is possible by using rain and moisture sensors, eliminating your guesswork. Furthermore, because overwatering may be just as harmful as lack of water to certain plants, the ability to automate and control is an advantage that should not be overlooked. Apart from this, a sprinkler system is suitable for almost all soil types, making it a perfect choice for your lawn or garden.

Smart Options

Suppose you’re tired of keeping a constant eye on your lawn and manually operating a water hose to keep your lawn hydrated. In that case, a smart sprinkler irrigation system might just be the perfect solution for you! Smart sprinkler systems allow you to control your entire irrigation system from your mobile phone and control the quantity of water you need in certain zones.

The best part? Smart sprinkler systems enabled with the latest AI are pretty intelligent. When it rains too much or too little, automated features detect this and change the amount of water applied to your landscaping. As a result, you can quickly minimize your plant watering efforts while eliminating costs incurred from overwatering.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Installing A Sprinkler Irrigation System

While investing in a sprinkler system comes with several advantages that make watering your lawn less of a tedious task, here are things to consider before taking the big step.

Sprinkler System Layout

To ensure that your lawn and plants are evenly watered, you have to determine the best positions to place your sprinkler heads. Moreover, tree roots may interfere with your sprinkler lines and heads in the future if your layout is not appropriately planned.
Luckily for you, a professional sprinkler system installer can help make the process easier.

Connections

Sprinkler systems must be connected to outdoor fixtures to make it possible for them to supply water to your plants. If you do not have one, you will need to contact a plumber to install it or talk to your sprinkler system installer beforehand.
Your sprinkler irrigation system control units have to be connected to an active power source to make it possible to run them. Therefore, the control units are typically placed in garages or utility rooms.

Winterization

During colder months, your sprinkler irrigation system has to be completely drained of water to ensure that it does not burst when water within the pipes freezes and expands. It will also require start-up in the spring to make adjustments or replace damaged parts before running it after winter.

Looking for professional sprinkler irrigation system installers in Victoria, BC?

A sprinkler system can help you save money on water and energy while keeping your plants healthy – only if the installation is done right. At Waterworks Irrigation, we provide error-free professional sprinkler system installation services in Victoria, BC, at the most competitive rates.
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Top 5 Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs A Repair

As the summer kicks in, your sprinkler systems need to be ready to work overtime in dry and hot conditions. However, a seemingly trivial issue can often result in significant damage to both your sprinkler system and, consequently, your landscape, leaving you with a massive dent in your wallet. This calls for an early irrigation system check-up and maintenance to take care of any problems before you start using it.

But how can you tell if your sprinkler system needs a fix? Let us take a look at the sprinkler components that are more prone to damage and the signs you should look out for!

Top 5 Signs That Indicate Your Sprinkler System Needs a Repair:

While it’s easy to ignore seemingly trivial issues regarding sprinkler systems, the problem can be much more than it looks on the surface.

Low Water Pressure

The water pressure in your sprinkler unit isn’t as straightforward to regulate as it is in a bathroom plumbing fixture. So if the water doesn’t flow with the proper pressure, speed, or intensity from sprinkler heads, your best course of action is calling a professional.

You can quickly tell if a sprinkler system has low pressure by uneven watering. It usually leaves certain regions of your lawn either underwatered or overwatered. This results in discoloration in some areas and swampy conditions in others.

Moreover, suppose your sprinkler system isn’t operating with accurate pressure. In that case, it can also be a sign that your valves or even sprinkler heads are damaged.

Leakage

A leaky irrigation system is not only inconvenient, but it also comes with a spike in your water bill. Water lost due to leaks and drips shows that a pipe underground has cracked or burst. Not taking care of this problem in time may result in your pipers getting damaged further, increasing your repair costs. Moreover, water will be collected in specific portions of your yard, resulting in muddy and marshy conditions, while other parts of your yard dry out and die due to a lack of moisture.

Outrageous Water Bills

Suppose you’ve been running your sprinklers longer than usual and still aren’t getting the green results you want. In that case, it’s possible that a component of your irrigation system isn’t working correctly or has sustained structural damage.

It is, therefore, crucial to have your sprinkler system examined and diagnosed for repairs early on to save money and safeguard the value of your outside property.

Spurting Sprinkler Heads

If your sprinkler appears to be spurting water rather than sending out a constant stream of water droplets, it’s time to inspect the sprinkler heads. Sputtering sprinkler heads are often the result of material blocking the system, or even a broken valve or a shattered sprinkler head.

Discoloured Patches On Your Yard

If you find that specific portions of your yard are turning yellow or brown, likely, your sprinkler system isn’t providing them with enough water. The reason can be leaking valves or congested sprinkler heads, or perhaps something wrong with the underground irrigation system. Either way, you may need a professional to take a closer look.

Specific Sprinkler Zones Not Starting Up

While sprinkler irrigation issues are mainly caused by worn-out, damaged and clogged components, electrical hiccups can also cause zone-specific problems that require recalibrating. For example, suppose certain zones of your sprinkler systems don’t start up or function properly. In that case, a sprinkler system repair specialist might need to look at your control unit and electrical wiring.

Sprinkler System Components Most Likely To Get Damaged

A lot of sprinkler system problems result from damaged components that will need to be repaired or replaced in most cases. Here are tell-tale components you should keep an eye on.

Valves

When the system can’t be turned on or off, more than often, it’s a sign of valve damage. Debris in the valve, a rip in the diaphragm, faulty wiring, or burned-out solenoids might cause this problem.

Heads of rotors

Sprinklers will eventually wear out. Gear drives and seals weaken and break over time, causing the gears to stop spinning. At times, newly placed sprinkler heads can also “tilt” due to lawnmowers and moist soil, resulting in uneven water distribution.

Nozzles

Nozzles impact precipitation rates or how quickly water is administered to a specific area.
Debris entering the irrigation system, a polluted water source, and normal wear and tear contribute to clogged or damaged nozzles.

Electrical wiring

Wiring is highly susceptible to rodents, underground construction, or utility work. Therefore, it is essential to constantly inspect the wiring to determine any potential threats to the system.

Pipes

Pipes can be damaged by workers using shovels or construction equipment, resulting in leaking. Excessive freezes and thaws, tree roots growing through lines, faulty installation, high pressure, and normal aging are other causes of damage.

Looks Like Your Sprinkler System Is Faulty? Here Is What You Can Expect

While some damages may seem pretty obvious, you may be surprised to discover hidden issues with your sprinkler system. Either way, a good sprinkler system repair expert will thoroughly inspect your entire system and determine whether components need to be repaired or replaced.

The first step they may take is running your sprinkler system, and once they have a clear idea of your problem, the next step is removing all water from your system.

If you have a leaking problem, the sprinkler repair expert may dig around the damaged pipelines using small shovels to access them. However, suppose the problem is related to components above ground level. In that case, they will not have to excavate parts of your yard.

Once all repairs are done, they will run your system to see if it’s working properly and perform any necessary fixes if required.

Looking for sprinkler system repair specialists in Victoria, BC?

A well-operated sprinkler system is one of the most essential parts of maintaining a healthy lawn. At Waterworks Irrigation, we provide the best-in-class sprinkler repair services in Victoria, BC.

Moreover, to help you prevent potential damage which may result in expensive repairs, we offer routine sprinkler maintenance services at the most affordable rates. Ready to keep your sprinkler systems at peak performance. Let’s get started!

Contact us today!

Irrigation Installations

Thanks to technological advancements and improvements to traditional irrigation techniques, keeping your landscape lush, green and healthy has never been easier. The big question, however, is whether it is worth investing in a residential irrigation system installation to maintain your home’s curbside appeal.

Most people associate residential irrigation installations with excessive water bills and extremely high installation costs. However, it does not have to be that way when you do things right. Let us take a look at what makes an irrigation system for your home a good investment and the best way to install it.
What Benefits Come With A Residential Irrigation Installation?

While equipping your home with an irrigation system allows you to maintain your landscape’s greenery, it also comes with a couple of benefits that make it a worthwhile investment.

Some of these benefits include the following:

  • Give your landscape the hydration it needs

    In addition to watering your lawn, installing a sprinkler system allows you to maintain the moisture content of the soil around your yard. As a result your lawn and plants always receive the right amount of water without the risk of overwatering or underwatering.

  • Save water

    In comparison to using the traditional hoses to maintain the greenery of your lawn, residential irrigation installations allow you to lower your water costs. By sprinkling just the right amount of water across your landscape, you avoid wastage. As a result, you will never have to compromise on water conservation and the aesthetic appeal of your landscape.

  • Increase your property value

    Custom water feature installations and irrigation systems are not only considered home upgrade features. They increase the value of your property, allowing you to list your home at a higher price in the real estate market should you decide to sell it, especially when you use durable equipment and get a professional installation.

  • Convenience

    Automating your residential irrigation system makes it possible for you to control your system easily, and by using smart technology, you can now activate your sprinkler systems remotely. You can even create a schedule according to the astronomical clock so your sprinklers activate at a certain time during the day and automatically switch off when done watering as set on a timer.

Should You Go For A Custom Irrigation System?

As opposed to randomly setting up sprinklers and calling it a day, creating a custom irrigation system allows you to identify several factors and landscape features that may affect its efficiency. By customizing your residential irrigation system, you not only ensure that your lawn is consistently watered but you also remove the guesswork from your installation.
While installing an irrigation system, let alone customizing it may come with a high upfront cost, it increases the equity and value of your home by a great margin as well as its overall aesthetic appeal, making it a good investment in the long run.

A custom home irrigation system allows you to choose areas in your yard that require more water and those that require less depending on several landscape factors including the size of your landscape, the steepness or slope of your yard and more. Therefore, you will not only get an irrigation system tailored to your budget, but also the results you want from it.

Why Installing Your Irrigation System During The Fall And Winter Seasons Is Highly Recommended

If you are considering installing a home irrigation system in Victoria, BC, fall is the best time to do it. Why you may ask? Let us break it down for you.

  • Your soil’s temperature will be just right

    As opposed to the dry summer days, during fall and winter your soil will be at an ideal temperature and moisture content, making it easier to dig pipes into it without disturbing your landscape more than necessary or damaging your plants.

  • Get ready for next spring

    Installing your home irrigation system in the fall season gets you ready for spring ahead of schedule so all you have to do is start watering your lawn and landscape to keep it greener and healthier as soon as all the snow melts off.

  • Get access to exclusive offers

    When you choose residential irrigation system companies in Victoria, BC like us, you can look forward to getting a professional home irrigation system install at a fraction of the price through seasonal discounts.

Pre-Book Your Irrigation System Installation With Waterworks Irrigation And Get 10-15% Off

Book your irrigation install between November and February and get up to 15% off, giving you value for money. You can also get the perfect Christmas gift that keeps giving for years to come for your family, friends and loved ones through Waterworks Gift Cards or create a custom irrigation or landscape lighting package, tailored to your needs and budget.

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How to Winterize your Irrigation Sprinkler System?

How to Winterize your Irrigation Sprinkler System?

When spring is gone for good and a chill begins to encroach the air, you know that winter is inevitably on its way! And if you are familiar with the kind of damage winter does to outdoor equipment, you would not want to wait till it freezes your most priced assets, namely, your irrigation sprinkler system!
While your sprinklers keep the lawns and gardens green and watered throughout the summer easily, they do require a thorough preparatory routine to be turned off, once their seasonal purpose is served. A poorly maintained irrigation system can damage the pipes and cost you a fortune on the repairs later.
You can save yourself from paying a hefty cost on repairs by winterizing your irrigation sprinkler system today!

Why you should consider the winterization of your Sprinkler system?

The low winter temperatures can be harsh on sprinkler equipment if they are not well maintained and drained of all excess water beforehand. As it freezes, any leftover water can expand and cause significant damage to the sprinkler heads, pipes, and valves in the system. The sheer cost of the potential damage is certainly enough of a deterrent to make you take precautionary care before the winter arrives, if you haven’t already done so!
Winterization and de-winterization of your sprinklers systems can be done on your own if you have the experience and the required expertise. But if you are new to sprinkler systems, you can always seek the assistance of a professional winterization and irrigation equipment specialists.

How do I Winterize my Sprinklers?

If you are pretty hands-on with your equipment, you can winterize your sprinklers the D.I.Y way!
A few steps can help you prep your sprinklers before frost sets in:
The very step is to close off all the water supply to the pipes and pumps of your sprinklers and protect them with plastic covers or insulation tapes.
Once done, you can now shut down all programmed and automatic timers or controllers, if any. Switch them on to ‘Rain mode’.
Lastly, drain all excess leftover water and keep your valves, pipes, and sprinkler heads completely dry.
Once the procedure is complete, you can wait till next summer to de-winterize your sprinklers back to their full functionality.

Ways to Drain Your Sprinklers Effectively

Draining is an essential process of the winterization process. All the pipes, valves and pumps in all the zones of your irrigation sprinkler system must be thoroughly drained of all surplus water and kept completely dry before it is shut down for the winter.
There are three widely used methods to drain the water from the sprinklers:
Manual Draining
Automatic Draining
Air Blowout Method
All these methods ensure effective draining of water from your irrigation sprinkler systems and can be opted for depending on the type of system you have in place. Take a look and find out which one suits your system the best!

Manual Draining method

If your sprinkler system has manual drainage equipment, all that needs to be done to drain the water is to open the valves of each zone so the water inside drains away completely.
Once all the sprinkler heads, pipes, and backflow preventers are successfully drained, you can close all the valves to avoid further water entry into the system.

Automatic draining Method

With this method, the primary step is to shut off the main water supply and allow the pressure to subside while the water flows out of the system.
Ensure that all the sprinkler heads and the backflow valve are individually lifted and drained of any remaining water. Follow this process for all zones and close off all pipes to prevent rainwater from entering during the winter.

Air blowout method

This method is not one you should try without any guidance or supervision from a professional. The air blowout method blows out the moisture or water inside your system with the use of compressed air forced into the pipes and pumps. The force of the air within helps discharge and effectively drain off all the water and facilitate a dry system. This method needs to be followed in all the zones consistently for the desired results.
However, if you want to go the D.I.Y route, a good air compressor and a coupler may come in handy. This method of draining may not be advisable for all sorts of irrigation systems. It holds a risk of damaging your sprinkler system to an extensive degree. If the procedure is not performed with care, it could even lead to injury for the person involved.
Considering its technical difficulty and expertise required, we recommend you use a skilled and experienced professional to drain your pipes for you without any risks.

Are you looking for professional irrigation sprinkler winterization and de-winterization services near you?
At Waterworks, we provide holistic assistance in effective draining and winterization of irrigation sprinkler systems of all kinds.
Get in touch with us to get your sprinklers restored to the best working condition!