How Do Irrigation Systems Work?

Written by: LCMM , January 14, 2022

In today’s climate, one moment, the sun shines brightly at a pleasant 80 degrees and the next, we find ourselves facing hours of unexpected snowfall. Consequently, seeding your lawn, crafting your landscape and diligently caring for your yard has transformed into a strategic game akin to chess.

Although a lawn irrigation system cannot assist you in deciding when or how to plant your flowers, plants and grass seeds, it does offer a valuable solution for maintaining your lush greenery without the need for manual labor.

Whether you have a backyard or a commercial property, an irrigation system is a great way to keep your lawn healthy and thriving.

Contact Us

Irrigation systems ensure optimal hydration

Jump to:

How Do Irrigation Systems Work?

In contrast to manual sprinklers, an irrigation system ensures the optimal hydration and upkeep of your greenery and lawn. A well-designed system considers various factors, such as the lawn layout, the placement of your plants, the specific types of vegetation you possess and the prevailing climate in your area.

At the core of an irrigation system are strategically placed sprinkler heads that disperse water across your lawn. These sprinkler heads are positioned to ensure good water coverage and avoid obstacles or buried cables in your yard or commercial landscaping.

When the system is activated, water flows through a network of pipes connected to a water source, such as a dedicated supply line or a well. A timer allows you to set a watering schedule based on your preferences and local regulations.

The water disperses evenly, providing thorough coverage to your lawn, flower beds and other green areas. Every part of your landscape gets enough hydration to promote healthy growth and vibrant colors.

In addition to the timer, some advanced irrigation systems are equipped with rain sensors. These sensors detect rainfall and automatically interrupt the watering cycle during wet weather. This feature prevents unnecessary watering and conserves water resources, contributing to environmental sustainability and cost savings.

Investing in a well-designed and properly maintained irrigation system allows you to enjoy the convenience of automated watering, even when you’re away from home or your business.

How Do You Install an Irrigation System?

Installing a commercial, backyard, or landscaping irrigation system is complex and should be completed by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. If a mistake is made during installation, it could create significant problems in the future.

These are the general steps a professional will take to install an irrigation system:

  1. Prepare for the irrigation system: Your commercial irrigation contractors will map out your yard, identify any roots, buried utilities or any underground characteristics that could interfere with the project. They will determine what type of grass and soil you’ll be watering and how much water you’ll need to keep it appropriately watered. Then, they will map out your system on paper and outline it on your property, marking where piping, sprinklers and valves will be with paint and flags.
  2. Dig your property: After preparation, it’s time to start digging. Holes will be dug where the heads and valves need to be installed.
  3. Install sprinklers: Then, it’s time to install the pop-up sprinklers and connect your irrigation with tubing. Your irrigation piping will be pulled through the ground using a pipe puller machine which connects each valve to its appropriate sprinkler heads.
  4. Control your system: Timers are wired to your sprinklers to control when they turn off and on. To ensure your irrigation system is working correctly, you should also have a system set to monitor it and determine its performance.

When water flows through the pipes, the pressure should pop your sprinklers above ground and retract them when the pressure diminishes. An electronic controller will communicate with the valves to determine when each valve will open and how much water to use.

Contact Us

Irrigation systems save you time and energy

Benefits of Irrigation Systems

Given the unpredictable nature of the weather and our increasingly hectic lifestyles, we may require some assistance to ensure our lawns retain their beautiful, well-maintained appearance and remain healthy for as long as possible. To reach this evergreen goal is where a meticulously installed and diligently maintained irrigation system can step in to lend a helping hand.

An irrigation system is one of the most beneficial tools you can have in your yard. It saves you time and energy and it keeps your landscaping looking fresh.

Healthy, Luscious Lawn

The most obvious benefit of installing an irrigation system is how it will make your yard look. Pulling into your property and seeing deadened, yellow grass can be disappointing — not just for you but the people in your community or anyone visiting your business. An irrigation system helps to fix this problem and creates a green bed of healthy grass you can display proudly.

With its timer functionality, the irrigation system diligently waters your lawn, even when you are absent from home or your business for a day or extended periods. An additional advantage is that the system’s operation while you are away creates the illusion of an occupied property, enhancing your home’s or business’s security. Moreover, you can rest assured that water won’t be wasted during rainy weather, as the system intelligently shuts itself off when a storm arrives.

Convenience

Once you get your irrigation system up and running, there’s no more need to drag your hose out from the other side of the house to water the grass. An automatic timer can control your sprinklers for you, so all you have to do is let the system do its job.

An effective irrigation system frees you up from landscaping duties to allow you to spend more time doing the things you love or the things that keep your business running.

Cost-Efficiency

An irrigation system is efficient — it only waters grass when needed and does a thorough, complete job. It helps eliminate dead grass, and it makes good use of your water so you’re not using more than you should.

Property Value

An irrigation system is an investment in your property, and maintaining a quality piece of land starts with maintaining a quality landscape. If you keep your yard and property clean and healthy, then it can help increase your property’s value.

Professionalism and Responsibility

If you’re the owner of a commercial property, an irrigation system makes sure you maintain a look of professionalism and care for your property and those who use it. A disheveled, unkempt landscape can dissuade employees or customers.

And as a residential property owner, an irrigation system allows you to take responsibility for your yard without exerting too much time and effort. Satisfy any homeowners association requirements or keep up with your neighbors, all while enjoying how your lawn is easily cared for.

How to Maintain an Irrigation System

Installing an irrigation system is one thing, but maintaining it and making sure it’s running properly is a method all in itself. Use these tips to help ensure your system is running efficiently.

Monitor Your System

You should routinely check your irrigation system for leaks, timing issues and clogged or broken sprinkler heads. If your water bill seems unreasonably high, this could be a product of a faulty irrigation system. Irregular, sputtering sprinkler heads or leaky valves are also signs you may need to look into repair services.

Though an irrigation system can be very effective and helpful, some things could go wrong. Do your best to monitor your irrigation system and consult a professional to keep things running smoothly.

Winterize Your System

During the cold winter months in Minnesota, there’s no need for an irrigation system. But if you forget to turn your system off, it could lead to many problems and cause damage to your system. Cold weather can cause pipes to burst, compromising your watering system.

To counter this, make sure you shut off the water and timer and drain the water from your pipes. This process needs to be done correctly, as the water will freeze and burst all pipes, valves and sprinkler heads if not done properly. Stay on the safer side and have an experienced irrigation system contractor take care of the situation.

Find a Trusted Repair Service

Owning an irrigation system is meant to take the stress out of your day and give you more time with family, friends and more fulfilling work. It’s good to be knowledgeable about your irrigation system, monitor for leaks and repairs and know the essential nature of how it works. Over time, however, your irrigation system will inevitably need repairs and fixes, as natural wear and tear affect its durability and performance.

That’s why you need a trusted, reliable Minnesota irrigation services company to make sure your irrigation system is operating as it should.

Get in touch with us at Green & Black LLC

Get in Touch With Us at Green & Black LLC

Green & Black LLC can help with all of your landscape irrigation services and repair needs. We offer services throughout Minnesota with an expert team of caring, knowledgeable individuals determined to keep your yard or commercial property looking great.

We can help you with all of your maintenance and sprinkler repair services, including:

  • Leaks.
  • Timing calibration.
  • Winterization services.
  • Spring start-up.
  • Sensor testing.
  • Irrigation Inspections.

We’ll help you get your yard or property into the green, flourishing landscape it’s supposed to be — powered by the best irrigation in Minnesota. Contact us today!