Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Sprinklers During a Drought

The summer heat can become extreme when there’s a lack of rain. Not only do droughts contribute to dangerous fires and crop failures, but they can also create a lack of water availability for everyday household tasks. For those who spend a great amount of effort on perfecting their landscaping, or who rely on a garden or orchard for sustenance or income, droughts and water usage restrictions can be a major obstacle. At Neighborhood Plumbing, we provide professional commercial and residential plumbing repair in Pittsburgh, PA communities. Our Pittsburgh plumbers want to help you find a healthy balance between water conservation and successful lawn care. Here are a few of the ways you can get the most out of your sprinklers when a drought is taking place in your city. 

Stay Informed About City Ordinances or Temporary Restrictions

Make sure you stay on top of local news surrounding water restrictions or city ordinances. Always comply with the law, as transgressions can result in large fines and multiple offences could stir up further legal problems. If you’re unsure about current regulations, it’s always best to call the appropriate city department for confirmation before using your sprinkler system. 

Avoid Turning Your System Off Completely

While some communities are forced to create temporary emergency bans on watering lawns, most circumstances simply require a reduction. It’s always best to avoid turning your system off entirely. Doing so leaves your irrigation system vulnerable to a number of issues, such as rusting pipes and sprinkler components, insect infiltrations, clogs, cracks or leaks and more. It’s best to run your sprinkler every few days, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes at a time. This will help to wash away any insect eggs, algae growth or other debris. 

Conduct a Thorough Inspection to Repair Leaks or Broken Heads

Leaks or cracks in water hoses, pipes or sprinkler heads can cause a significant amount of water loss. Not only is this wasteful, but it can create patchy lawn growth, flooding and issues with soil nutrient depletion. Keep a watchful eye, and get professional assistance from a local certified plumber if you suspect a problem exists. 

Water in the Evening After Sunset

Water your lawn at night, after sunset to avoid excessive evaporation. This will help the water become better absorbed by soil, protect your grass and plants from sun damage and help give you more control since you and your loved ones are more likely to be home while the sprinklers are in use. 

Install an Eco-Friendly Control System

If you are using a simple drip irrigation system or inexpensive portable oscillating sprinkler for watering, you could end up with a lot of waste. Many homeowners forget to turn their sprinklers off, or keep them running for far longer than necessary. And, depending on the quality and style of the portable sprinkler, it may not be very effective at getting the water where it will provide the most benefit to your grass, garden and landscaping plants. Installing a professional irrigation system with proper ecologically friendly controls will help you better monitor your water usage, which will increase the value of your property and save time, money and resources long term. 

Winterize Your Irrigation System if Watering Your Lawn is Banned Completely

In the unlikely event that your city or county has outright banned watering your lawn, you’ll have no choice but to obey the law. If this occurs, then don’t simply leave your system as is and forget about it for the next several weeks. Properly winterize your irrigation system to remove the water contained inside. This will keep your pipes from rusting or developing algae and biofilms that might clog your sprinklers. Otherwise, you may need expensive repairs or replacements once the ban is lifted. 

Need Plumbing Services in Pittsburgh, PA? Call Neighborhood Plumbing Today

Are you experiencing a drought in your community this summer? There are many ways that you and your loved ones can conserve water without creating hassles or headaches. If it’s time for a solution, call the expert plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing. We provide a wide range of residential and commercial services including leak inspections, repairs and replacements. Contact our office today for more information or to schedule your next appointment.