Save Water by Avoiding These Design and Installation Errors
To err is human. But that doesn’t mean some errors can’t be avoided. Irrigation mistakes often result in wasted water, and that reflects poorly on the industry.
Here are some of the most common missteps that can occur when designing and installing landscape irrigation systems.
#1. Mixing Sprinkler Head Types Within a Single Zone
Installing different types of irrigation heads within the same zone to operate at the same time is not a good idea. The precipitation / application rates of the various emitters used for rotors, sprays, bubblers, and drip systems are entirely different.
For instance, nozzles for rotor heads have a much lower IPH (inches per hour) rate than those for spray heads. So if you install a rotor head in a zone with spray heads, you’ll create a dry spot. Then, you’ll have to run this irrigation zone longer in order to apply enough water to cover the dry area, wasting both water and money.
#2. Setting the Same Running Times for All Zones
It’s important to program the irrigation controller so that the different zone types (rotor, spray, drip, etc.) have different running times. Again, because the precipitation rates differ for the various types of irrigation heads, the operating times should also be different. A zone with 0.20 IPH heads, for instance, will obviously need to run longer than an irrigation zone with 1.60 IPH heads.
Self-Assessment
According to the experts at Irrigation & Green Industry (IGIN) magazine, it’s a good idea for contractors to periodically assess their design and installation techniques in order to avoid irrigation mistakes. IGIN suggests asking yourself three questions:
Am I meeting — or exceeding – my customers’ expectations?
Am I doing so in such a way as to maximize my own profits?
Am I a responsible member of my community and setting a good example for the green industry?
Whenever the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it’s time to stop and reevaluate your methods.
#3. Failing to Achieve Head-to-Head Coverage
Regardless of whether you’re using sprays or rotors, all zones should provide head-to-head coverage. That means the maximum distance between heads/nozzles in each irrigation zone should match the nozzle manufacturer’s maximum throwing distance (10 feet, 15 feet, 25 feet, 35 feet, etc.) for that nozzle at your working pressure.
Do not attempt to increase the distance between heads in order to save on design, installation, operational or maintenance costs.
#4. Failing to Match Precipitation Rates
Some irrigation professionals incorrectly assume that they should use the same gallon per minute (GPM) nozzles in every head within a zone if they want to evenly water that area. Not so. There’s a reason system manufacturers produce so many different GPM nozzles.
By matching precipitation rates of the nozzles, you can save between 10 and 40 percent of the water used in any given zone. For instance, a rotor head that covers 1/3 of a circle should apply approximately 1/3 of the GPM as a rotor head in the same zone which covers a full circle. (For a more detailed explanation, see “Matched Precipitation Rates: Key to Water Efficiency.”)
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#5. Incorporating Planting Beds in the Same Zone as Grassy Areas
Improper zoning is one of the most common irrigation mistakes. Grassy areas should always be irrigated separately from shrub and planting beds. Almost all landscape plants have larger root systems than grass. This means they can exist on half of the amount of water that grass requires. Separate shrub/planting zones should be scheduled to irrigate more deeply but less often as turf zones.
#6. Neglecting to Install or Retrofit Rain Sensors
A rain sensor may be a contractor’s most valuable tool for reducing water waste. (After all, irrigation should always be regarded as a back-up for natural precipitation, not the other way around.)
Since most rain sensors can save between three and 15 percent of a system’s annual operating expenses, they generally pay for themselves in less than one season. In fact, these devices are so effective that, in several areas of the country, they are required on all new irrigation systems.
Plan Ahead to Promote Your Business During the Industry’s Showcase Month
July is Smart Irrigation Month — the irrigation industry’s showcase month.
So now’s the time to position your business as a leader in water-saving practices by promoting smart and efficient irrigation.
The Irrigation Association offers a plethora of resources to promote your business during Smart Irrigation Month. If you’ve never taken advantage of these marketing tools, you’re missing out on effective ways to enhance your brand.
Social Media Tools
The IA has created several customizable social media tools to help you promote smart irrigation throughout the month of July. Such as:
Social media cover photos for your company’s profile page on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Landscape irrigation infographics and snippets for Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Articles on irrigation best practices to include in your company’s monthly blog or newsletter.
But there’s also a host of other ways to use the IA’s smart irrigation resources to market your business as a leader in water efficiency. Here are just a few:
Demonstrate your support for smart irrigation by using #smartirrigationmonth on all social media on Technology Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
Add the Smart Irrigation Month logo to your home page, company advertisements, customer presentations, field signs and invoices.
Submit a press release or letter to the editor of your local newspaper, outlining how your company practices smart irrigation.
Encourage your sales and marketing staff to participate in Smart Irrigation Month activities sponsored by dealers and distributors.
Host a live demonstration of water-saving irrigation technologies in the field or at your place of business.
Feature water-efficient products and services in your company’s displays, ads, promotions and product demos, prominently incorporating the Smart Irrigation Month logo.
Make smart irrigation the theme of sales calls.
Distribute awards to customers and/or business partners who promote water-efficient practices.
Irrigation Apps Can Take Your Business
to the Next Level
Installing, inspecting, auditing, adjusting and repairing irrigation systems requires a lot of information processing. Mobile app technology will not only help manage it all, it can streamline your business.
Let’s take a look at a few of these tools, beginning with the most basic:
Smart Controller Apps
There are a myriad of mobile apps for programming, adjusting and testing smart irrigation systems.—one for just about every type of smart controller, in fact. And they’re easy to use.
Simply download the app of your preferred irrigation controller and you can access any system you’ve installed. Receive real-time alerts, flow data and other diagnostic information, so any issues can be resolved right away.
Especially for Landscapers
Are you a landscaper? Here are some of the most popular apps for streamlining both the business and the green side of your landscaping company.
Harvest Landscape Calculator – Simply enter in the length, width, and depth of the given property, and this app will calculate how much product you need to cover it.
Landscaper’s Companion– This handy reference guide provides information on thousands of plants, as well as digital images.
iScape – Let your customers see their new landscape digitally before you ever start digging. Create a design, then move around the various plants, trees, and hardscapes according to their desires.
Planimeter – This app works with GPS and Google Maps to accurately measure the perimeter, angle, area, and distance of a given environment.
And while each controller’s app is different, most allow you to update a schedule, add or remove watering zones, and monitor the system’s performance, without requiring a visit to the residence.
GIS Mapping
Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping integrates various types of data by analyzing spatial location and organizing it through maps and 3D imagery.
The ArcGIS platform, produced by Esri, is probably the most widely used application for GIS mapping. It’s the preferred tool for 84 federal agencies, as well as countless state and local entities, including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
This tool includes a functionality that transports desktop mapping onto the web, allowing irrigation technicians to access all GIS files via their smartphones. ArcGIS integrates with GPS so that infrastructure and system components can be located quickly and easily via turn-by-turn directions.
The result? A better organized team.
System Inspections
The GoCanvas inspection app can analyze the irrigation run schedule to determine if any changes should be made to the controller’s current, calculated and proposed schedules. After each analysis, a summary screen displays inspection results and calculations.
The app also allows you to capture before-and-after photos of repairs, document locations with integrated mapping, and provide details of issues encountered. Your customers will receive clear and concise communications.
Digital or PDF inspection forms and other documents can be stored in the GoCanvas Cloud.
Workflow Customization
Google-owned AppSheet allows users to create a customized app from a spreadsheet Technicians can access GPS, take pictures, and then upload to Google Suite. Workflows are then created by AppSheet using a designated list of jobs and adding photos as needed.
The tool allows you to automate workflows, which can then be emailed or saved as PDF documents. Can also be configured to send automatic alerts to customers.
Freebies!
As you can see, there are a ton of mobile apps available to irrigation professionals. But some of the best won’t cost you a dime. For instance:
Bosch Toolbox: This app lets you measure your jobsite, document (with photos, video, or notes), and export as needed.
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Milwaukee One-Key: Retain better control of your equipment and tools with this inventory and tracking app. Pairs with the TICK tracking device hidden on your equipment.
PlanGrid: Offers real-time access to drawings, punch lists, and other submittals via any mobile device. Eliminates the need for paper plans on site.
QuickBooks Time: No more paper time sheets or punch cards with this cloud-based time tracking and scheduling app.
And don’t forget about all the free weather apps (such as Accuweather, NOAA, and the Weather Channel) for up-to-the-minute forecasts and radar.
As an irrigation professional, fighting water waste is part of your job description. The EPA’s annual Fix a Leak Week is a great time for you to remind your customers of that.
Irrigation System Leaks
An irrigation system leak as small as 1/32nd of an inch (about the thickness of a dime) can waste around 6,300 gallons of water per month! So take time this month to remind your customers about the importance of a spring checkup. Residential irrigation systems should be inspected prior to startup to make sure the components haven’t been damaged by frost or freezing weather.
Are You WaterSense Certified?
Have you taken the time to become WaterSense certified? If not, why not?
Certification entitles you to exclusive benefits. Such as:
If you’re WaterSense certified(see sidebar at right), let your customers know that you’ve passed an EPA-recommended program specifically focused on water efficiency. Not only can you help identify and correct any irrigation system leaks, but you can also make sure their system is operating at peak performance.
More than 340 spray sprinkler bodies and almost 800 irrigation controllers have been certified by WaterSense as the most water-efficient products. You’ll want to carry a wide assortment of these products for your customers.
Other Household Leaks
Did you know that repairing a single leaky toilet can save up to 500 gallons of water a day? That’s the amount needed to fill the average backyard swimming pool.
By reminding your customers to check for leaky faucets and showerheads, and malfunctioning toilets, you’ll demonstrate that you’re serious about water efficiency.
Your customers can expect to save about 10 percent on their water bills simply by fixing minor household leaks. Here’s how:
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Pinpointing Leaks
Inform your customers of these simple ways to detect water leaks:
Take a look at your water usage during January or February. If it’s more than 12,000 gallons per month (for a family of four), you have some serious leaks.
Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period of no water usage. If the meter changes at all, you’ve probably got a leak.
To identify leaks in a toilet, place one drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait 10 minutes, then check the bowl. If the color shows up, you have a leak.
Some Simple Fixes
Leaky toilets can often be fixed simply by replacing the flapper.
For most faucet leaks, simply replace old or worn faucet washers and gaskets.
Got a leaky showerhead? Use plumber’s tape to secure the connection between the fixture and the pipe stem.
Record Number of Homeowners Reside in HOA Communities
Did you know that 74 million Americans reside in communities with a homeowners association? Almost all new housing units built for sale are governed by HOAs.
According to the Community Associations Institute, today there are more than 351,000 HOA-governed communities across the country. That figure translates to about a 350 percent growth since their inception in the 1970s. And approximately 8,500 of those HOAs are located in Ohio.
With the reduction in commercial irrigation contracts due to the COVID pandemic, it’s time to focus on the residential market.
This makes 2021 a good year to branch out into installing and updating irrigation systems within HOAs, most of which still have healthy budgets for landscaping and irrigation.
HOA Irrigation Systems
Increasingly, HOA-governed communities are choosing smart irrigation systems to promote lush landscaping and increase curb appeal. Healthy, well-maintained landscaping within an HOA is not only a source of pride for residents, it also attracts prospective buyers.
About Training
Even though most HOA irrigation systems installed today utilize automated controllers, there is often at least one designated and trained individual who can also adjust the system manually, if necessary. Some irrigation contractors and manufacturers include this training in their pricing.
While some HOAs choose to have irrigation systems installed only at the community’s front entrance or around their common areas, plenty of others will select to have the entire property irrigated. Most HOA irrigation systems use municipal water, but some pull from source ponds or private wells.
The majority of today’s HOA sprinkler systems utilize automated controllers, but the older manual-style controllers are also still in use. Those associations that still use the “old timers” are good candidates for updating their systems with smart technology.
The most widely used sprinkler heads within HOAs are pop-ups, and they typically utilize only one type of delivery system—either sprays or rotors. Using more than one delivery device requires zone segregation for the different devices to ensure matched precipitation rates. The choice of device will depend on the size and slope of the property being watered.
Benefits for HOAs
A community-wide irrigation system that uses smart technology is a wise investment for HOAs. But it’s up to you to sell the board members on the many benefits. Such as:
Save money on municipal water bills for common areas. An old or poorly maintained irrigation system wastes both water and money. (Ever drive by an HOA-governed community on a rainy day and wonder why the sprinklers are running?) As water rates increase every year, water conservation becomes increasingly important to HOAs. In addition, many water utilities offer rebates for installing smart controllers and other water-efficient technology.
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Eliminate overwatering, which can lead to water damage, pest problems, standing water and fungal issues. According to the EPA, replacing a standard clock timer with a smart irrigation controller can save an average home nearly 7,600 gallons of water every year. And switching out older or conventional sprays and rotors with WaterSense-rated nozzles can cut water use by 30% or more. Other smart irrigation features, like soil-moisture sensors, rain sensors and weather stations, are also a good fit for most HOAs.
Ensure uniform coverage and eliminate underwatering, which can lead to unhealthy lawns and plants, weed encroachment, and bald patches.
Preserve soil nutrients by reducing runoff and erosion.
Accommodate the shape of common areas and meet the needs of a community’s specific space, plantings, local soil and sun exposure.
Increase home values.
Reduce HOA member complaints and increase member satisfaction with regard to landscapes.
Know Your Customer
Working with HOAs is not a hard sell. The challenge is in finding the best system for each property’s unique characteristics. For instance, you’ll need to determine the number of water-supply connection points, the number of controllers per connection point, whether a pump is needed, etc. To this end, it’s important to visit the property to conduct an in-depth inspection of both the landscape and any current sprinkler system.
Only with a thorough inspection will you be able to recommend the best system for a new installation or the best retrofits for an old irrigation system. Oftentimes the best option for an HOA’s needs is not the cheapest one. Your homeowners will want to know why. If you’ve conducted a rigorous analysis, you’ll be able to provide answers.
For HOA board members who are interested in learning more about all the advantages smart irrigation can offer their communities, the Irrigation Association offers a free downloadable resource, The Homeowner’s Guide to Landscape Irrigation.
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Take a look at your water usage during January or February. If it’s more than 12,000 gallons per month (for a family of four), you have some serious leaks.
