Welcome to the Irrigation Solutions Blog
Here, we dig into everything irrigation. From system design and installation tips to troubleshooting guides and seasonal maintenance advice, our blog is built for property owners who want efficient, reliable water solutions. Whether you’re planning a new build or upgrading an outdated system, we share the insights you need to make smart, long-lasting decisions for your landscape.
Preparing your sprinkler system for winter is one of the most important maintenance steps homeowners in Las Vegas and surrounding areas can take. Flushing your sprinkler system removes water from the lines, helping prevent cracked pipes, broken valves, and costly repairs when temperatures drop.
Below is a simple, SEO-optimized guide explaining how to flush a sprinkler system for winter, when to do it, and when to call a professional.
Even in mild winter climates, leftover water inside irrigation lines can expand during cold nights. This expansion can cause:
Flushing your sprinkler system before winter helps protect your investment and ensures your system is ready to run smoothly when warmer weather returns.
The best time to flush your sprinkler system is before the first hard freeze. In Las Vegas, this is typically late fall to early winter. If nighttime temperatures are consistently dropping below 40°F, it’s time to winterize.
⚠️ Important: Too much air pressure can damage your system. Most residential systems should not exceed 50 PSI.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate your main irrigation shutoff valve and turn it off completely. This prevents new water from entering the system.
2. Shut Down the Controller
Turn your sprinkler timer to “off” or “rain mode.” Do not leave it set to automatic during winter.
3. Connect the Air Compressor
Attach the air compressor to the system’s blowout port or hose bib. Make sure the connection is secure.
Turn on one sprinkler zone at a time, starting with the zone farthest from the compressor.
5. Blow Out the Lines
Slowly introduce air into the system. Let the sprinklers run until only air or mist comes out—no water.
6. Repeat for All Zones
Turn off the current zone and move to the next one until every zone has been flushed.
7. Remove the Compressor
Once all zones are clear, disconnect the air compressor and leave valves slightly open to relieve pressure.
Drip systems often require special care and can be easily damaged if not flushed correctly.
While some homeowners can flush their own systems, hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and completely. A licensed irrigation technician can:
At IS Irrigation Services, we provide professional sprinkler system winterization to protect your landscape and prevent expensive repairs. We make sure every zone, valve, and line is properly flushed and ready for winter.
Water features are one of the most beautiful additions you can bring to a landscape. From sparkling fountains to tranquil ponds and custom waterfalls, they create a calming atmosphere and elevate the overall look of your outdoor space. But in a desert city like Las Vegas, keeping these features running efficiently requires planning, regular maintenance, and the right irrigation systems.
As a trusted irrigation contractor in Las Vegas, we’ve seen firsthand how proper design and upkeep can make the difference between a water feature that thrives and one that constantly needs repair.
Behind every beautiful fountain or pond lies a carefully designed system of pumps, pipes, filters, and valves. These parts all work together to keep water circulating, clean, and balanced. If even one component is neglected, you could face problems such as:
This is why working with an experienced irrigation contractor is so important.
Outdoor fountains are especially vulnerable to dust, debris, and evaporation. Without proper maintenance, the water can become cloudy, pumps may strain, and energy use increases. Our fountain maintenance services in Las Vegas include:
With regular service, your fountain will stay clear, functional, and beautiful year-round.
Ponds add a natural and serene touch to landscapes, but they require special care in our desert climate. Issues like algae growth, hard water buildup, and evaporation are common. Our pond irrigation services cover:
Whether you have a decorative pond or a koi pond, professional service helps maintain water quality and beauty.
Custom waterfalls and unique water features bring a luxurious, high-end look to any property. But these systems demand precise design to ensure proper water flow and efficiency. As a licensed Las Vegas irrigation contractor, we specialize in:
A well-designed system ensures your water feature looks stunning and runs reliably without driving up utility costs.
Because of our desert environment, water features face unique challenges:
An experienced irrigation contractor designs with these factors in mind, ensuring your features last longer and run smarter.
Here are a few things homeowners can do between professional visits:
We proudly provide irrigation and water feature services throughout the Las Vegas Valley, including Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and surrounding communities. No matter where you’re located, our goal is to help your outdoor space look and function its very best.
Most water features should be serviced at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Larger or heavily used features may benefit from quarterly maintenance to ensure pumps and filters remain clean and efficient.
Not necessarily. With the right system design and regular maintenance, water features can be surprisingly efficient. Using smart controllers, energy-efficient pumps, and proper sealing can greatly reduce water loss.
Yes! Unlike colder climates, Las Vegas rarely experiences freezing temperatures that damage pumps or pipes. With proper care, your water features can operate all year long.
Regular cleaning, proper water circulation, and effective filtration are key. An irrigation contractor can also recommend water treatments to help control algae naturally and safely.
Hard water is common in Las Vegas and can damage pumps over time. Installing water treatment solutions or using specialty filters can help reduce scale and extend the life of your system.
Your fountains, ponds, and waterfalls are more than just decorative—they’re a source of peace, beauty, and pride in your outdoor space. With the right care, they’ll remain efficient, sustainable, and breathtaking year-round.
💧 Looking to keep your water features running smoothly? Contact us today to schedule installation, maintenance, or repairs with a trusted irrigation contractor in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas or Summerlin.
Growing peaches in the Las Vegas desert may sound like a challenge, but with the right care and planning, it’s definitely possible. The desert climate, characterized by intense summer heat, low humidity, and limited rainfall, presents some obstacles—but peaches are surprisingly resilient. Certain varieties, such as ‘Desert Gold’, ‘Florida Prince’, and ‘Eva’s Pride’, are well-suited for the Southern Nevada climate because they have low chill-hour requirements and can withstand high temperatures. The key to success lies in proper site selection, soil preparation, and timing—planting in early spring or late fall helps trees establish roots before the intense summer heat arrives.
As for water needs, peach trees do require regular watering, especially during the first few years while they are getting established. However, they don’t need as much water as you might think. Deep, infrequent watering is better than daily shallow watering—about once a week during the growing season is usually enough. Using mulch around the base can help conserve moisture and reduce evaporation.
To make watering more efficient and sustainable, installing a drip irrigation system is highly recommended. A simple drip line or bubbler system connected to your main irrigation can deliver water directly to the tree’s root zone, minimizing waste and keeping the soil consistently moist. You can set the system on a timer to ensure your tree gets watered early in the morning or late in the evening, when evaporation is lowest. This setup is especially helpful in Las Vegas, where water conservation is essential. With the right irrigation in place, your peach tree can thrive and produce juicy, flavorful fruit year after year.
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
To determine whether a water leak is coming from an irrigation line or the main water line, you can follow these steps:
If you’re unsure or suspect a deeper issue, call us at 702.370.2828 to schedule a service call.
Growing fruit trees in the harsh desert climate of Las Vegas may seem like a challenge, but with careful planning and proper care, apricots can thrive even in this arid environment. Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are particularly well-suited to desert gardening when the right varieties are selected, and the trees are provided with adequate water, protection, and maintenance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you successfully grow apricots in the Las Vegas desert.
Apricots are a stone fruit that requires a period of winter chilling to produce fruit, but not as much as some other fruit trees. Las Vegas’s winters are typically just cold enough to meet the chilling requirements of low-chill apricot varieties. Additionally, apricots tend to bloom earlier in the spring, which can be both a benefit and a risk in the desert — while early blooms are exciting, they are vulnerable to late frosts.
Selecting the right apricot variety is crucial for success in the Las Vegas climate. Look for low-chill and early ripening varieties that can handle heat and short winter chilling periods.
Recommended varieties for Southern Nevada:
Avoid high-chill apricot varieties that require prolonged cold winters, as Las Vegas typically does not provide enough chill hours for them to fruit properly.
Apricots need full sun to produce healthy fruit, so select a planting site that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The desert soil in Las Vegas is often alkaline, clay-heavy, and drains poorly, which can harm apricot trees.
Tips for soil preparation:
Desert climates pose unique challenges for watering fruit trees. Apricots need deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems.
Be mindful not to overwater — apricots are susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soils.
Common apricot pests in Las Vegas include:
To manage pests:
Diseases like bacterial canker and brown rot can be problematic if the tree is overwatered or if there is poor air circulation. Proper pruning and good watering practices help minimize these risks.
One of the biggest challenges in Las Vegas is the occasional late spring frost that can damage early apricot blossoms and reduce yields.
Apricots typically ripen in early summer (May to June in Las Vegas). Harvest when the fruit is fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Apricots do not ripen much after being picked, so timing is key.
Growing apricots in the Las Vegas desert is achievable with the right preparation and attention. Selecting low-chill, heat-tolerant varieties, properly managing water, and protecting the trees from extreme temperature swings can yield a rewarding harvest. With patience and care, apricot trees can become a valuable and delicious part of a desert home garden.
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
Looking for a quick and affordable way to automate your watering? You don’t need a full irrigation system to get started. Installing an Irrigation Timer on a Hose Bib is a simple and effective solution. It’s perfect for homeowners, small gardens, or temporary watering needs on a job site.
A hose bib timer (also called a faucet timer) attaches directly to your outdoor spigot. It automates your watering schedule, turning the water on and off at set times—so you don’t have to.
Most hose bibs can handle about 4–6 gallons per minute (GPM). That’s enough to run:
Pro tip: Use a pressure regulator (usually 25–30 PSI) and a filter to protect your system from clogs and blowouts.
A hose bib timer setup is a cost-effective way to bring automation to smaller irrigation zones. It’s especially handy for seasonal beds, rental properties, or temporary installs during landscaping projects. Need help planning your setup or upgrading to a full system? That’s what we’re here for.
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
Las Vegas might be famous for its bright lights and desert heat, but did you know it’s also a great place to grow citrus—especially small oranges like mandarins, tangerines, and clementines? With the right care and a bit of planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown citrus even in the Mojave Desert.
Small oranges—also known as mandarins or “easy peelers”—are perfect for the home gardener. They’re sweeter, often seedless, and easier to manage than larger citrus trees. Plus, they tend to mature earlier, which works well in a climate with a shorter window of mild weather.
Las Vegas falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, which means winter temps can occasionally drop below freezing. Here are a few small orange varieties that do well in this climate:
Citrus trees need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Pick a spot that gets morning sun and is sheltered from strong desert winds. Near a south-facing wall is ideal, as it retains warmth during cooler nights.
Citrus trees don’t like wet feet. If your soil is clay-heavy, consider planting in a raised bed or large container. Use a sandy, loamy citrus-specific soil mix for best results.
In Vegas, deep and infrequent watering is key. In summer, water 1–2 times per week, deeply soaking the soil. In cooler months, reduce watering to every 10–14 days. Always check soil moisture first—overwatering is one of the most common citrus-killers.
Use a citrus fertilizer rich in nitrogen and micronutrients like magnesium, zinc, and iron. Feed monthly from spring through summer, tapering off in the fall.
While most mandarin trees can handle a light frost, it’s smart to be prepared. Cover young trees with frost cloth or old sheets if temps drop below 32°F. Potted trees can be moved into a sheltered spot during cold snaps.
Depending on the variety, your small oranges will be ready to harvest between November and February. The fruit doesn’t continue to ripen after picking, so taste one first to see if it’s sweet and juicy. When ripe, they should come off the branch easily with a gentle twist.
Growing small oranges in Las Vegas is not only possible—it’s rewarding. With plenty of sunshine and the right care, you can turn a corner of your desert yard into a mini citrus grove. Whether you’re snacking, juicing, or gifting homegrown fruit to friends, there’s nothing quite like the taste of sweet citrus straight from your own tree.
| Season | Care Tips |
|---|---|
| Spring | Plant new trees, fertilize, prune lightly after threat of frost. |
| Summer | Water deeply, protect from sunburn, mulch well. |
| Fall | Final fertilizer round, plant/transplant if needed. |
| Winter | Harvest, protect from frost, minimal watering. |
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
A smart irrigation system is an advanced watering system that uses technology to optimize water usage based on specific environmental conditions and plant needs. Unlike traditional irrigation systems that operate on a fixed schedule, smart irrigation systems adapt in real-time to factors such as weather, soil moisture, and plant type, ensuring more efficient and sustainable water usage.
Aiper Introduced the IrriSense Smart Irrigation Sprinkler at CES 2025, a device designed to simplify lawn irrigation and conserve water without the need for buried pipes or additional hardware.
• Natural Rainfall Simulation: Designed to mimic natural rainfall, ensuring optimal hydration for lawns.
• Customizable Mapping: Allows users to set specific spray points, reducing water usage by up to 50% and enhancing watering efficiency.
• Re-Spray Algorithm: Ensures 99% coverage by automatically targeting under-watered sections for even growth.
• Weather and Soil Monitoring: Adjusts watering schedules based on real-time data, preventing over or under-watering.
• Plant Cooling Mode: Provides quick bursts of irrigation to cool the lawn on hot days without oversaturation.
• Easy Installation: Above-ground setup that takes approximately three minutes, eliminating the need for underground piping.
• Fertilizer and Pesticide Dispensing: Equipped to store and dispense fertilizers and pesticides at the push of a button.
• App Integration: Controlled via the Aiper app, offering users convenient management of their lawn’s irrigation needs.
The IrriSense is designed for areas up to 400 square meters, making it suitable for various lawn sizes.
Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only. While we do not necessarily install IrriSense products, we specialize in the installation of a variety of smart irrigation systems tailored to meet your needs.
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
1. Shut off water supply.
2. Locate existing irrigation meter.
3. Identify available output or add a manifold.
4. Connect new zone piping to manifold/output.
5. Install valve for the new zone.
6. Connect wiring from the new valve to the irrigation controller.
7. Program the irrigation controller for the new zone.
8. Turn on water supply and check for leaks.
9. Test the new zone for proper operation.
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828