Keeping an irrigation system operating properly is a very effective way of insuring that water is not being wasted, and that the landscape is being watered properly. Most irrigation systems run while we are sleeping so unless someone checks the system during the daylight hours we never know if everything is working as it should.
A simple broken nozzle can cause such a loss in pressure that none of the rest of the heads on that zone even pop up. When this happens most of the water runs out into the street and the entire zone gets little water. If you are paying for that water it becomes a huge waste of money.
Valves can also malfunction in either the open, or closed, position. If they stick shut, or will not open due to an electrical problem, then the entire zone goes without water. If a valve gets stuck in the open position it can rob the entire system of water and none of the zones work as they should. Malfunctioning valves are one of the biggest reasons for high water bills and poorly irrigated properties.
Rain sensors should be checked frequently for correct operation and settings. Irrigation schedules should be adjusted monthly to allow for changes in the weather and plant water needs as the seasons change. Most irrigation controllers are set and forgotten about until a problem develops in the landscape. As humans we tend to think that more is better when it comes to watering the landscape and that is just not true. Too much water is a waste of our resources, bad for plant health and vigor and a huge threat to our environment.
Problems with pumps and their controls often go undetected and can result in damage to very expensive equipment. Pumps cycling on and off or running at excessive pressures due to a bad valve can shorten the life of a pump dramatically.
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