A Guide to Drip Irrigation System Maintenance
Drip, drip, drip...that's the sound of a well-maintained drip irrigation system! If you want to keep your garden thriving, your drip irrigation system needs to be properly maintained. In this blog, we will cover everything from regular inspections to seasonal adjustments to ensure your system operates efficiently and lasts as long as possible.
Cleaning and Preventing Clogs in Your Drip Irrigation System
Clogs are a common issue in drip irrigation systems, but you can often avoid them with the proper cleaning and maintenance. Clogs for residential drip systems come in two main forms: particulate matter and buildup. Particulate matter refers to pieces of debris - PVC shavings, soil, insects, etc - that get physically lodged in the openings of a drip system and reduce or completely stop water flow. Buildup is usually caused by dissolved solids or biological growth (like algae) building up inside your pipes and drippers over time, eventually constricting the water flow until it stops entirely.
Filtration is your best tool against particulate matter. A standard 155 mesh screen filter is typically good enough for most home irrigation systems as it will catch anything large enough to cause a clog. Buildup is harder to prevent as an inexpensive screen or disc filters can’t remove dissolved solids from your water. If you’re having a lot of issues with buildup you could look for a plant-safe cleaning solution tailored to your specific type of buildup that can be run through your system using a fertilizer injector. Failing that, you may need to consider a more expensive fix like a reverse-osmosis machine. It’s always a good idea to consult with a water quality expert before you commit to any expensive machinery like that.
There are a couple of steps you should always take to help keep your system clean. First, after installing your system, you should always flush it out before letting it pressurize. Debris can easily make its way into your system during installation, and flushing will help remove that debris before it gets stuck in your drippers. To flush your system, open all the ends of your lines and turn the water on for a few minutes to let it wash any debris out. Afterwards, you can close the ends up and turn the water on again to let it pressurize.
Second, make sure to keep an eye on your filter. When you first install your system it’s a good idea to check your filter regularly to get an idea of what kind of debris it is catching. We suggest checking your filter element after one day, three days, one week, and two weeks to get an idea of how much debris it picks up over time. If you don’t notice any debris at all during that period then you’re probably fine to clean your filter once or twice a season. If you notice debris building up after only a few days then you’ll need to clean your filters more often.
Repairing Clogged Items
It is possible to fix some clogged items, but it all depends on how they are clogged. Drippers that are clogged due to buildup can sometimes be fixed by soaking them in a cleaning solution overnight. Which solution to use will depend on what kind of buildup caused the clog, but vinegar is a good all-round option. Drippers that are clogged because a piece of PVC got lodged in it after you forgot to flush your system will need to be replaced.
Drippers cannot be unclogged manually! A dripper is not just a small hole that water moves through. The inside of a dripper contains a maze-like pattern that slows the water down. This is great for regulating flow rate, but it also means you can’t just stick a paperclip or needle into a dripper to unclog it. Doing this will only damage the dripper. That being said, some sprayer heads are just small holes that water moves through, so you can use a paperclip to unclog those if you need to. As a general rule, only try to physically unclog something that you can see all the way through.
How to Deal With Leaks
If you want to maintain an efficient drip irrigation system you have to keep an eye out for leaks so you can repair them quickly. Leaks can be caused by a number of things, but the most common are improperly sealed threads/connection points and damaged components.
When you first see a leak, try to determine what caused it. Leaks from damage are usually easy to identify as some part of your system will have a hole where there isn’t supposed to be one! In this case, it’s best to repair the leak by replacing the damaged item. If the damage is to a length of tubing, cut the damaged area out and replace it with a fresh piece of tubing using a pair of couplers.
Leaking from connection points can be more difficult to fix. If you have leaking around threaded connections - such as the connection between your timer and hose spigot - you can try unscrewing the items and screwing them back together again to ensure they are threaded together correctly. It’s also worth ensuring that you have the right thread types: pipe thread items only work with other pipe thread items, and the same is true of hose thread items. Trying to screw two different threads together will result in leaks. Lastly, ensure that any pipe thread connections utilize Teflon tape on the male end of the connection to prevent leaking, but do not use Teflon tape on hose thread connections as that can cause leaks!
Leaks from compression or barbed connections will usually go away after you run your system a couple of times. It can take a few cycles for these connection types to sit properly.
If nothing is working remember that The Drip Store is always a phone call away if you need a helping hand!
Seasonal Adjustments for Drip Irrigation System Efficiency
As the seasons change, so do your plants' watering needs. In the warmer months, you will want to increase watering. Especially here in Arizona, our plants can dry out pretty quickly if not watered properly. In cooler months, you should scale it back. Adjust your system according to the weather conditions to provide the right amount of water for your plants throughout the year.
Drip Irrigation System Routine Checks
Make sure you spend some time checking up on your drip system whenever you’re in your garden. Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear, leaks, or blockages. By spotting these issues early, you can address issues before they escalate into a bigger problem. Run your system periodically (even if you’ve been getting enough rain and haven’t had to use it) to make sure all the emitters and lines are working as they should. If you live in an area that freezes, make sure you properly winterize your system before the first freeze to ensure none of your drip system components are damaged.
Taking good care of your drip irrigation system is key to ensuring its efficiency, durability, and overall performance. With a little effort and regular maintenance, your system will keep your landscape thriving. Together, let's keep our gardens lush and green!
For personalized advice and top-quality irrigation solutions, contact The Drip Store and schedule a free consultation. Our team is here to help you make your garden dreams a reality with expert guidance and great customer service. Let's work together to create a beautiful and successful garden!
