Sprinklers FAQ – Part 2

Here are some more of the common questions we get about sprinklers:

Why is my rotary sprinkler not rotating?

If the sprinkler is no longer rotating or water flow has decreased, it could be the filter is clogged, so try cleaning it out. If this doesn’t solve the issue, then the internal assembly probably needs replaced.

What are irrigation zones? Do they matter?

Irrigation zones are planned before the system is installed. Each zone is divided by the amount of water needed for proper hydration. For example, zones in sunny areas might need water while zones in shaded areas can probably use less. These zone help determine water efficiency, meaning less waste.

What should I when starting my system up after the winter?

Have your irrigation system contractor go through their startup procedure, so they can make sure everything is in working order.

Does sprinkler system installation damage yards?

Installing a system requires pipe pulling, and many contractors have equipment and machines that install the pipe with minimal damage. Upon completion, the sprinkler lines are barely visible and will disappear as your lawn grows.

Do I need to winterize my system?

Yes. A winterized system will not be damaged during the cold months, while one that is not winterized can have frozen or damaged pipes or sprinkler heads.

How long does it take to install an irrigation system?

Many can be installed in one day, but depending on the size of the system and amenities, it might take longer.

Still have questions about sprinklers? Minneapolis sprinklers contractor Advanced Irrigation can help you at www.Advanced-Irrigation-Minneapolis.com. 

Sprinklers FAQ – Part 1

Here are some of the commonly asked questions we get regarding sprinklers:

How long should I water my lawn and garden?

This depends on your sprinkler system and its precipitation rate. A typical spray sprinklers run will water shrubs for 10 minutes, circle rotors for a half hour and full circle rotors for a full hour. Contact your local sprinkler installer to have your program set up.

What does a sprinkler system consist of?

The system efficiently waters your yard with sprinkler heads (spray or rotary) placed in a geometric pattern. It’s separated into zones to make the best use of water pressure and because your lawn’s watering needs vary by location. The final piece is a controller or timer dictates to the system when it operates.

My sprinklers won’t turn off.

Try unplugging the controller. If this does the trick, follow the manufacturer’s directions to reprogram the controller. Should the system not turn off, then turn off the water to the sprinklers and contact your sprinkler system company.

Do sprinklers conserve water?

Yes. One of the best reasons for getting an automatic irrigation system is they excel at water conservation. A system installed and maintained properly ensures total hydration coverage; and the correct water distribution, timing and calibration. The best time to water your plants is in the morning, as there is ample time for water to penetrate the ground, calmer wind and peak water pressure.

What do you think about rain sensors?

Rain sensors are one of the best ways to save water, as well as extend your system’s life. Plus, they allow your sprinklers to take a break when rain falls, so investigate adding one to your irrigation system.

Have sprinkler questions? Minneapolis sprinklers company Advanced Irrigation can help. Contact us by visiting www.AdvancedIrrigationMN.com. 

Advanced Irrigation Has Tips on How to Tell if Your Sprinkler System is Leaking

No one likes a high water bill. The cost of everything is high already, so the last thing any of us need is to shell out more money on bills. If you’ve been noticing an increase in water usage – and hence your bill – your sprinkler system might be suffering from a water leak. Here are some ways to tell if your irrigation system has a hole in it: 

-          Shut off for a short a time all the water in your house. If your water meter still spins, then it could be a sprinklers leak. If this is the case, shut off all water to the system and call a professional like Advanced Irrigation.

-          If you notice broken sprinkler heads, then your system might have a leak.

-          If your system’s output has been weak and each sprinkler head is getting different coverage, a leak might be the culprit.

-          A leak can lead to brown spots on your yard. If you observe more and more brown spots, a water line or sprinkler head leak might be to blame.

-          Wet or soggy spots on your lawn could be due to an underground break. If you’ve ruled out all other issues, look next into an underground water leak.

-          Are your meter or valve boxes filled always with water, and it’s not the cause of other drainage issues? A sprinkler system leak might be to blame.

Advanced Irrigation serves the Twin Cities MN metro with sprinkler and irrigation systems. If you think your system has a leak, contact us today at 612.599.8675 or visit www.AdvancedIrrigationMN.com.

Stay Green This Summer: Irrigation Systems Explained – Drip Sprinklers

Summertime is approaching, and the hot sun can have damaging effects on your lawn. We are often too busy to give our yards the proper care and watering they deserve, so we rely on our sprinkler systems. Is your lawn irrigation system right for your property? Over the past few weeks, Advanced Irrigation Inc., the full service lawn care, sprinkler systems and irrigation systems experts for the Twin Cities MN communities, explained in this blog the different types of systems and how they might best benefit you.

It’s a common sight across America’s farmlands: crops lined up, with tubing adjacent. Each crop thirsts for sustenance, depending on the pipes to quench them. Drip irrigation systems are popular with the agricultural sector as they are among the most efficient irrigation method, wasting less water. While your front yard might not be full of crops, you can still utilize drip sprinklers for your flower beds or small gardens.

How Drip Sprinklers Work

Drip sprinklers apply water directly to the soil, down to the root. This is unlike conventional sprinkler systems, which spray water all over the lawn. Water is less likely to be wasted, as the slow drips won’t be caught by the wind. A drip sprinkle irrigation system consists of several sprinklers connected to the same hose. These rise out of the ground to spray your lawn, giving it the needed humidity.

Installation Process

The time it will take to install any sprinkler system depends on the size of the project. You should hire a professional irrigation system contractor for any sprinkler system installation since digging and pipe work are involved. One foible could turn into a water leak, and in turn an increased water bill. Professionals will avert these costly errors.

Drip Sprinklers’ Advantages

As noted previously, drip sprinkler irrigation systems are one of the most efficient irrigation methods, with a 90% success rate. Like with any sprinkler system, you won’t have to spend hours every summer day watering your lawn. These systems are perfect for small flowers, since the flower bed will not be eroded.

Contact Advanced Irrigation today at 612.599.8675 or visit www.AdvancedIrrigationMN.com to learn more about drip sprinklers and what they can do for your Twin Cities MN property.

Stay Green This Summer: Irrigation Systems Explained – Gear-Driven Rotors

Summertime is approaching, and the hot sun can have damaging effects on your lawn. We are often too busy to give our yards the proper care and watering they deserve, so we rely on our sprinkler systems. Is your lawn irrigation system right for your property? Over the next few weeks, Advanced Irrigation Inc., the full service lawn care, sprinkler systems and irrigation systems experts of the Twin Cities MN communities, will explain in this blog the different types of systems and how they might best benefit you.

It’s the sound that everyone associates with sprinklers: “Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.” Rotor-type sprinklers (also known as gear-driven rotors, impact rotors, rotary sprinkler heads and rainbirds) are what people think about when think of sprinkler systems. Whenever a local newscast is doing a story about droughts or something related to irrigation systems, rotor sprinklers are the ones you’ll see, all thanks to that sound.

How Rotor Sprinklers Work

Sprinklers fall into two main types: spray-type and rotor-type. As explained in the last blog entry, spray sprinklers used a fixed water stream (think shower head), while rotor-type sprinkler systems use one or multiple rotating streams to water the ground. As is the case with spray systems, there are two types of rotor sprinkler heads available: pop-ups (which are preferred due to the aesthetic advantages) and shrub-style.

Installation Process

The time it will take to install any sprinkler system depends on the size of the project. You should hire a professional irrigation system contractor for any sprinkler system installation since digging and pipe work are involved. One mistake could turn into a water leak, which could turn into an increased water bill. Professionals will avert these expensive foibles.

Gear-Driven Rotors’ Advantages

Gear-driven rotors can shoot out a stream of water to distances up to 50 feet, making them the perfect choice for those with large yards or lawns. This system also comes with a variety of nozzles that allow the water to be sent out in different patterns.

Contact Advanced Irrigation today at 612.599.8675 or visit www.AdvancedIrrigationMN.com to learn more about gear-driven rotors and what they can do for your Twin Cities MN property.

Stay Green This Summer: Irrigation Systems Explained – Spray Heads

Summertime is approaching, and the hot sun can have damaging effects on your lawn. We are often too busy to give our yards the proper care and watering they deserve, so we rely on our sprinkler systems. Is your lawn irrigation system right for your property? Over the next few weeks, Advanced Irrigation Inc., the full service lawn care, sprinkler systems and irrigation systems experts of the Twin Cities MN communities, will explain in this blog the different types of systems and how they might best benefit you.

It’s 6 a.m. The sun is just rising over the horizon, and you’re in your car driving to work. You’re about ready to get on the highway and all of a sudden, they pop out of the ground, and everything green is sprinkled with water. Your car might even be a slight victim of this H2O assault.

Spray head sprinkler systems are one of the most popular systems for keeping yards lush and green. They’re viewed often as the de facto choice for homeowners who want to ensure their vivid, green grass doesn’t turn into a dry, brown mess.

How Spray Heads Work

Spray head systems bodies, like other sprinkler and/or irrigation systems, come in two styles: pop-up and shrub. Pop-up spray heads pop out of the ground whenever the system is operating, then drop back down once the spraying is complete. Shrub spray heads sprays water over the plants, as these heads are mounted above ground level on a vertical pipe.

Installation Process

The installation timeframe depends on the size of the project. Since a sprinkler system installation involves digging and pipe work, we recommend you use a professional irrigation system contractor instead of doing the work yourself. Any mistake could result in water leaks, which means a higher water bill. A professional will be able to avert these missteps.

Generally, the installation of a spray head system involves building a manifold, a group of control valves, followed by pipe laying and connecting the spray heads.

Spray Heads Advantages

Spray heads are perfect for precise irrigation control over small areas. Most spray heads have a spraying range of 5-15 feet, and water pressure varies between 20-30 PSI.

Pop-up spray heads are arguably the heads of choice for many homeowners. They don’t detract from the landscape, as they are virtually invisible once the job is done. Shrub spray heads are perfect for areas with many tall, dense shrubs, but being above ground and noticeable can cause second thoughts about its utilization. Plus, they can be damaged by lawn care equipment and should not be used in areas next to a sidewalk, path, driveway, etc.

Irrigation professionals like Advanced Irrigation will go over the pros and cons of both during an initial consultation. Call us today at 612.599.8675 or get a Free Estimate at www.AdvancedIrrigationMn.com.

Visit Advanced Irrigation’s website for a free estimate

We’re not interested in wasting your time. Before Advanced Irrigation starts working on any irrigation systems or sprinkler systems, we want you to know what expect. That is why we offer the option to obtain a Free Estimate through www.AdvancedIrrigation.com.

For your irrigation systems, sprinkler systems and lawn care needs contact Advanced Irrigation today at 612.599.8675 or visit www.AdvancedIrrigationMN.com and get a FREE ESTIMATE!