22 Green Media July 2014 www.greenmediaonline.com
System Maintenance
as well as it is designed to, as long as it is maintained well and
checked often. Taking a step back from this point, it's essen-
tial to remember that the better designed the system, the less
likely it is to have problems down the road. The investment
of money on the front end to use the services of a quality
professional such as a Certified Irrigation Designer (informa-
tion is available at www.irrigation.org) can mean savings in the
efficiency and integrity of a system.
Once any system is installed, however, regular mainte-
nance is your friend. None of it is too difficult; as long as it is
done on a regular schedule, it will become easier.
At least on a seasonal basis, remember to do the follow-
ing:
• Test the irrigation and drainage systems to ensure there
are no leaks, breaks or blockages. If problems are found, con-
sult construction diagrams to locate and investigate them.
• If the irrigation system has been winterized (drained
or blown out), it should be reopened carefully, allowing
water to flow slowly into the system zone by zone. Next,
at a minimum, check the day and time on the controller to
ensure it is correct, and then run the controller through one
full cycle.
Photo courtesy of Stantec Sport, Boston, MA
The investment of money on the
front end to use the services of
a quality professional such as a
Certified Irrigation Designer can
mean savings in the efficiency and
integrity of a system.
information is available at
www.irrigation.org
WWW
Photo courtesy of Vasco Sports Contractors, Massillon, OH
