Winterizing Irrigation Systems

Winterizing irrigation systems is an important step to protect them from damage caused by freezing temperatures. There are three basic methods for draining leftover water from your sprinkler or irrigation system: manual drain, automatic drain, and blow-out. The method you use depends on the type of irrigation you have in place. If you’re not sure, or don’t feel comfortable winterizing yourself, contact us for help.

Here are the general steps for each method:

Manual Drain Method:

Some irrigation systems are equipped with manual drainage. These systems allow you to empty excess water from the system by simply opening a valve. If you have manual drain irrigation, follow these steps:

  • Shut off the water supply to the system.
  • Look for the manual valves at the ends and low points of the piping.
  • Open all the valves and drain the water from the system.
  • Make sure you also drain the backflow device.
  • Some sprinklers are equipped with check valves. These devices allow water to only flow one way. If you’ve got check valves on your system, try raising the sprinkler heads. This should let water drain out of those mechanisms.
  • Once you’ve drained the entire system, close all the valves.

Automatic Drain Method

An automatic drain system has valves that automatically drain water from the pipes. This happens only when the water pressure falls below a certain number of pounds per square inch. To activate an automatic drain function, follow these steps:

  • Turn off the water supply.
  • Briefly run one of the sprinkler heads to relieve the water pressure in the system.
  • Automatic draining should begin, clearing the pipes of excess water.
  • You may still need to drain the water between the shut-off valve and the backflow device.
  • If the sprinkler heads are equipped with check valves, empty them separately.

Blow-Out Method

The final way of draining an irrigation system is known as the blow-out method. To drain the pipes, you force compressed air through the irrigation system. This discharges excess water through the sprinkler heads. It works if you have the proper irrigation system to handle the pressure. The blow-out method is potentially hazardous.

Rufino Buenaventura ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rufino Buenaventura

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 11/2023

Great service! I’ve had a couple of emergencies (flooding from an old irrigation system) and they’ve come out same day to fix the problem. They keep a history of your service calls, so it pays to use them again because they come in with knowledge of your system. They’re also reasonably priced. I’m going to work with them to gradually upgrade my 20-year old system.

Irrigation Repair Services in Las Vegas

We provide professional irrigation repair services, such as maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of your irrigation systems. These services are essential for ensuring the proper functioning and efficiency of irrigation systems for your lawns, gardens, and other green spaces.

Irrigation System Failure in Dry Weather Conditions

Yes, irrigation systems can experience issues and break even during dry weather. Here are a few reasons why irrigation systems might break or malfunction during dry conditions:

Irrigation Repair Las Vegas

Increased Irrigation System Usage:

During dry weather in Las Vegas, the demand for irrigation systems typically rises as plants and lawns require more water. Increased usage can put additional strain on the system, leading to issues such as clogged nozzles, broken pipes, or malfunctioning valves.

Irrigation System Overloading:

In an effort to compensate for the dry conditions, some users may run their irrigation systems for longer durations or more frequently. Continuous operation or excessive watering can overload the system and cause components to fail.

Soil Shifting and Ground Movement:

Prolonged dry spells can cause soil to shrink, shift, or crack. These changes in the ground can put stress on pipes and fittings, leading to leaks or breaks in the irrigation system.

Irrigation repair Las Vegas

Water Pressure Fluctuations:

In dry weather, water sources may experience fluctuations in pressure. High water pressure can damage sprinkler heads or cause pipes to burst, while low pressure can result in inefficient water distribution or system failure.

Lack of Maintenance:

Neglecting routine maintenance can increase the likelihood of system failures. Over time, debris, dirt, and mineral deposits can accumulate in the system, obstructing water flow and affecting the performance of valves, nozzles, and other components.

Our Irrigation Repair And Maintenance Services

System Inspection and Evaluation: Our technicians will assess the overall condition of the irrigation system, including sprinklers, pipes, valves, and controllers. They will identify any issues or areas that require repair.

Leak Detection and Repair: If there are leaks in the system, our irrigation repair technician will locate and repair them. Leaks can waste water and cause damage to the landscape if not addressed promptly.

Sprinkler Repair and Adjustment: Broken or malfunctioning sprinkler heads, nozzles, or valves will be repaired or replaced as needed. Our technician will also ensure that the sprinkler heads are properly adjusted to provide adequate water coverage.

Controller and Timer Troubleshooting: If the irrigation controller or timer is not functioning correctly, the repair service will diagnose and fix the issue. We may have to reprogram the controller or replace faulty components.

Pipe and Valve Repair: Damaged or broken pipes and valves will be repaired or replaced to restore proper water flow and prevent water waste.

System Upgrades and Retrofitting: Our irrigation repair services include upgrades and retrofitting options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the irrigation system. This could include installing water-saving devices, such as rain sensors or drip irrigation systems.

Seasonal Maintenance: Regular maintenance visits may be scheduled to prepare the irrigation system for different seasons. This may involve adjusting watering schedules, clearing clogged nozzles, and checking system performance.

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SNWA: Summer Watering Schedule in Las Vegas

Summer Watering Schedule Months

  • May 01 – August 31

How many days a week can you water?

  • 6 days or less a week
  • NEVER ON SUNDAY

Find your watering days and group

Do your plants have a drinking problem?

Get Watering Tips from SNWA

For all your sprinkler and irrigation repairs and installation in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas or Henderson call a Nevada Licensed Contractor!

CALL: 702.370.2828

PVB Repair

What is PVB?

PVB stands for Pressure Vacuum Breaker. It is a type of backflow prevention device used in irrigation and plumbing systems to protect against contamination of potable water by preventing water from flowing back into the supply lines from an external source.

How Does The PVB Work?

PVBs are typically installed on the main water supply line, and they work by allowing water to flow out of the system while preventing it from flowing back in. They are designed to open and release pressure if the downstream pressure drops, and to close and hold a vacuum if the downstream pressure increases. PVBs are required by local plumbing codes in the Las Vegas area.

PVBs Repair And Maintenance

PVB repair refers to the maintenance and fixing of any issues with a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) device. These repairs can be performed by a professional irrigation technician or by a homeowner with the proper tools and knowledge. Common repair tasks include:

- Replacing damaged or worn parts, such as the spring, poppet, or seats

- Adjusting the system's settings, such as the pressure and vacuum settings

- Troubleshooting and resolving problems with the system's performance, such as leaks or improper operation.

- Testing the PVB to ensure it is functioning properly.

It Is Important That The PVB Operates Correctly

It is important to ensure that the PVB is operating correctly to prevent contamination of the potable water supply and protect the health of the public. If the PVB is not working properly, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Clark County Final Plumbing Requirements

- Verify all backflow prevention devices are installed and certified by a certified backflow protection specialist.

- If property has irrigation, verify that pressure vacuum breaker is installed a minimum of 12 inches above all downstream piping.

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Shower Your Plants

Scorching Hot Sun

Every year in Las Vegas the sun is scorching hot during the summer months and the air is dry. So, your outdoor plants will need an extra care and more water.

Raining in Las Vegas

It's been raining in Las Vegas this summer; more than last year. That is good for your garden, trees and outdoor plants. However, the rain is not enough and you may need to change your irrigation clock for additional watering or use a hose to give your plants additional water every day. Remember to check your watering schedule to see how often you are allowed to water during the summer.

Additional care for your plants

If you notice that your plants and trees, especially young trees, lose their leaf elasticity or seem to be "less happy 🙁", check your irrigation system. You can do it by running a manual test for each irrigation zone to make sure they get enough water. Additionally, you can also give them a quick shower after the sun goes down. To do that, use a garden hose with an adjustable head. Set the head to the shower setting and run water over the plants and young trees. Make them feel like it is raining on them. You will notice, even in the morning, that they start looking better and seem to be reinvigorated.

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Cover your pipes and hose spigots

Freezing

Temperatures can get very low in Las Vegas during the winter and the exposed pipes and hose spigots, outside faucets, can freeze. It is important to cover them. Once they freeze, they will crack, leak and will have to be replaced.

How to cover hose bibbs?

Insulated covers for outdoor faucets, hose bibbs or hose spigots can be bought at Home Depot or Lowes. They are easy to install and prevent the faucets from freezing.

How to cover exposed pipes and hose spigots?

Pipes should be buried in the ground. However, if you have any exposed irrigation pipes and hose spi, irrigation lines, you should make sure they are covered and protected against freezing. Once they freeze, the water inside expands and makes them crack. When thawed, they will start leaking and will have to be replaced. Insulation options for pipes are available to buy. However, if you cannot get them, cover them with blankets and that will add a layer of protection to prevent the pipes and lines from freezing.

Is it expensive to fix frozen pipes and hose spigots, outside faucets?

It is more expensive than what it costs to cover and prevent them from freezing.

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Check Your Watering Clock

Lawn irrigation smart in Las Vegas

Mandatory watering schedule

September 1 to October 31

It is that time of the year again to check your watering clock. Every Fall the Southern Nevada Water Authority tells us to reduce the number of watering days from 6 to 3 per week. Reducing watering days in the Fall helps with the water preservation. "It's a desert out there!" The water resources are limited and we have to use them responsibly.

Changing the irrigation timers

It should be easy to change the irrigation timer. However, the many options on the dial or the electronic screen can make it confusing. You may have to read the manual every time you need to change the timer settings. And changing the watering clock must be done 4 times a year in Las Vegas.

We can set the irrigation timers for you. Call us.

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Heat and Watering

Lawn irrigation smart in Las Vegas

How many times should I water plants when the temperatures are 100(+)F?

Heat and watering plants are common subjects during summer days in Las Vegas.

 

The SNWA restricts the outdoor water irrigation to 6 days a week, 7PM to 11AM during the summer months. The irrigation watering is prohibited on Sundays.

 

  • What should I do if I have plants that require a wet soil to survive?

You can set the irrigation clock to water twice a day in the evening, after 7pm, and morning, before 11am. If needed, you can also manually water sprinkle the soil during the day to keep it wet, without wasting water.

 

Desert landscapes are an excellent option in Las Vegas. Plants and green elements can be added to your desert landscape. There are many plants that thrive in the desert with just little watering every day. You can have the irrigation system installed to provide the right amount of water to each plant without wasting water on rocks.

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Keeping your lawn green

Lawn irrigation smart in Las Vegas

Maintain a correct irrigation system that will protect your yard

Hot weather kills beautiful green grass unless it is hydrated properly. The mandatory watering restrictions imposed by the Southern Nevada Water Authority allows sprinkler watering in the summer (May to August) any day of the week, except Sunday, and according to watering group schedule. Additionally, no watering is permitted between 11AM and 7AM during summer. The watering days are posted on water bills or they can be found on the SNWA website. That being said, it is also important not to waste water while running the sprinklers. So, adjusting sprinklers is important, as well as it is important what type of irrigation system is installed in the yard.

Be sure to properly care for your outdoor oasis by developing and maintaining a watering and irrigation system that will protect your yard even during the hot days of summer.

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