Those are just two of the many reasons that regular maintenance is needed to keep your sprinkler system running efficiently year after year. Here’s another: Damage from lawn equipment or improper winterization can result in costly leaks and other serious problems.
An Ounce of Prevention
Here are a few simple checks to perform on a monthly, annual or periodic basis to ensure your sprinkler system is operation at an optimal level:
Every Month During Growing Season…
Inspect the controller and make sure it’s plugged in and functioning.
Check the connection on all of the wires and sensors.
Adjust sprinkler head positions and spray patterns to avoid watering sidewalks or structures and to provide necessary clearance over growing plants.
Remove obstructions that prevent sprinklers from distributing water evenly.
Check the pressure. Pressure can change over time and negatively affect your system’s efficiency. If the pressure is too high, it’ll result in significant runoff.
Inspect your system for leaks — a huge water waster. This step requires the help of your irrigation contractor. He’ll not only check for leaks and broken or clogged spray heads; he can also advise you about common problems to watch for between visits.
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Once a Year…
Winterize, winterize, winterize! This routine maintenance procedure is critical. Overlook it, and you can expect costly damage to your system. But this is something best left to the professionals. Your irrigation contractor has specialized equipment to flush out the water that could otherwise freeze, resulting in cracked pipes, valves and other parts. (See related article, “How to Winterize Your Landscape Irrigation System.”)
Get your back flow checked. Federal and state laws require that your backflow connection be tested annually by a state-certified tester. (This is typically part of the winterization process.)
Once in a While or As Needed…
Now and then, it’s a good idea to have your system audited. Hire a Certified Irrigation Auditor to conduct an audit and uniformity test. If your system is watering unevenly or improperly, he can make the necessary adjustments.
Replace your controller’s back-up battery whenever you replace your smoke alarm batteries.
Adjust the watering schedule to reflect the current season and irrigation needs of your landscape.
With the proper routine maintenance, your irrigation system will serve you well for seasons to come!
Becoming a certified WaterSense professional demonstrates to your customers that you have the knowledge and experience to help them save both water and money.
And certification entitles you to exclusive EPA benefits. Such as:
Work opportunities for new home projects, federal facilities, and LEED® projects.
Use of the WaterSense promotional label on business cards and marketing items.
Increased exposure to customers through national recognition from EPA as an environmental steward.
Access to helpful tools and materials created by EPA.
Certification Programs
WaterSense offers the following certification programs for landscape irrigation professionals:
Irrigation System Design Program
The design program teaches you how to tailor irrigation systems to match the surrounding landscape and local climate conditions. This course is offered by the national Irrigation Association.
To become a Certified Irrigation Designer (CID), you must:
Register for the exam. Recommended: three years of irrigation-related experience or education in an irrigation-related field.
Pass the general landscape/turf exam. The four-hour general landscape/turf exam includes 150 equally weighted, multiple-choice questions on irrigation equipment, hydraulics, system components, scheduling, precipitation and application rates, spacing, soil-water-plant relationships, efficiency/uniformity, economics and pumps.
Pass a landscape/turf specialty irrigation exam. Candidates have four hours to complete a specialty exam in commercial, golf course or residential landscape irrigation. See the Certification Candidate Handbook for details on specialty exam content. Candidates may not take both the general landscape/turf exam and one of the landscape/turf specialty exams on the same day.
Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance Program
The installation and maintenance program teaches you how to select the appropriate equipment, lay out the site, and ensure proper scheduling for optimal irrigation system performance.
To become a Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC), you must:
Register for the exam. Recommended: three years of irrigation-related field experience.
Pass the irrigation contractor exam. The 3½-hour exam includes 150 equally weighted, multiple-choice questions on irrigation design, irrigation installation, irrigation scheduling, water management and conservation, maintenance and repair, federal laws and codes, and general business management. Candidates have 3½ hours to complete the exam.
The irrigation auditingprogram teaches you how to identify systems that are distributing water unequally or inefficiently and determine how to improve performance.
Are You Already Certified by the IA?
If you already have an Irrigation Association certification, and wish to become WaterSense certified, you’re in luck!
All you have to do is apply for the WaterSense certification and agree to uphold the terms of the WaterSense Partnership Agreement. No fees are required to become a WaterSense certified partner if you already hold an Irrigation Association certification.
To become a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA), you must:
Pass the irrigation auditor exam. The three-hour exam includes 125 equally weighted, multiple-choice questions on irrigation audit procedures, soil-plant relationships, irrigation scheduling and equipment/technology.
Submit a landscape irrigation audit. Audits must be completed independently and verified by an IA-certified professional in good standing within one year of acceptance into the certification program. (See audit guidelines and worksheets.)
The WWLP training presents a holistic watershed approach to outdoor water use efficiency, emphasizing plant, soil, water relationships, and rainwater as a resource. Certified professionals assess the proper functioning of irrigation systems, perform irrigation water audits, recommend watering schedules, and conduct whole-site evaluations. This certification also requires a solid understanding of the principles of watershed management in the landscape. The program is available throughout the United States.
To receive this certification, you must:
Complete the two-day (16 hour) WWLP coursework offered in your area by a G3 Qualified WWLP Trainer.
All exam fees for programs offered by the national Irrigation Association are $250 for national IA members and $495 for non-members. If you’re not currently an IA member, you can save money by joining now. Here’s how:
Because the Ohio IA is an affiliate member of the national association, all Ohio IA contractors are eligible for a $100 discount off of the $520 regular IA membership rate.
The IA membership year is Jan. 1-Dec. 31. If you join midyear, you must remit full-year dues ($420) with your IA membership application; however, your dues will be prorated in the second year of membership.
Results Are in for Two-Year
Water Efficiency Study
Outdoor water efficiency programs work.
That’s the conclusion reached by the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) following its two-year Landscape Transformation study. The AWE researched 14 different community-driven programs from across the country. In the final analysis, the AWE determined that these programs reduced outdoor water usage by 7 to 39 percent for program participants.
The water efficiency programs studied included incentives for efficient irrigation technologies, free distribution of mulch, turf removal and water-wise re-landscaping, and customer site audits. Water savings were achieved in every community, regardless of the climate, program type or incentives for participation. (To download the Landscape Transformation Executive Summary, click here.)
According to the EPA, nearly nine billion gallons of water are used each day outdoors, mainly for landscape irrigation. In addition, as much as 50 percent of water used outdoors is wasted due to evaporation, inefficient or broken equipment, and overwatering.
AWE President and CEO Mary Ann Dickinson sees this as an opportunity:
“There are still significant water savings to be found by changing the way we look at our lawns. As communities consider their long-term supply options, they should look at landscape transformation programs to help their water utility avoid more costly infrastructure-based solutions.”
Survey Says…
In addition to the impact analysis of water utility programs, the AWE’s study also surveyed 3,000 North American homeowners to determine their interest in landscape transformation.
They found that homeowners typically misjudge the amount of water they use outdoors. More than half of those surveyed believe they use 10 to 30 percent of their overall water outdoors. But most homeowners in fact use 30 to 60 percent of their water outdoors, depending on the region and climate. (According to the EPA’s WaterSense program, the average American household uses more than 300 gallons of water per day.)
The AWE’s survey also revealed that most homeowners believe they are already efficient users of outdoor water. For instance, 41 percent stated that they already owned water-efficient sprinklers. However, industry manufacturers report that less than 20 percent of sprinkler head sales are for efficient models.
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Seeking Sustainability
Survey respondents also indicated a growing interest in sustainable landscapes. Low water use was one of the top three selected landscape attributes (42 percent). Most homeowners surveyed are looking for a variety of landscaping features, preferring more trees, shrubs, flowers and entertaining space than lawn.
Almost 80 percent of respondents were dissatisfied or only somewhat satisfied with their current landscaping, and half believed their lawns are unhealthy or only partially healthy. But 85 percent believe they would need assistance with a landscape makeover; they’re looking to landscapers and irrigation professionals to help them change their landscapes.
The good news is: Survey respondents who had participated in an alternative landscaping program, were overwhelmingly (91 percent) satisfied with their new landscape. So homeowners want to use more sustainable landscaping, but they need help. That’s where irrigation professionals come in.
Advice from WaterSense
When consulting with homeowners about reducing their outdoor water waste, offer the following suggestions from WaterSense:
Use regionally appropriate, drought-tolerant, or native plants that thrive in your climate.
Add mulch to plant beds.
Check sprinkler heads for breaks or leaks and make sure water is going where it’s needed.
Test your irrigation system to ensure the zones are programmed correctly.
Check your irrigation system to look for water efficiency improvements.
Create an irrigation schedule that makes seasonal adjustments easy.
Retrofit your irrigation system with new, water-efficient technologies, such as a WaterSense labeled controller, rainfall sensor, or high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles.
Beautiful and Smart
Clearly, homeowners are beginning to realize that they don’t have to sacrifice a beautiful landscape in order to become more sustainable.
AWE’s Dickinson summed it up nicely:
“Beautiful landscapes are a source of pride for homeowners, but [they] also want to be smart water users. Whether it’s installing a more efficient irrigation system, opting for drought-tolerant turf, or re-landscaping with climate-appropriate plants, we need to communicate that a sustainable landscape can be beautiful and water-conscious.”
Are your customers aware that efficient irrigation can save them water and money?
July is Smart Irrigation Month. What better time to position your company as a leader in water-saving practices with customers, business partners and peers?
For the past 15 years, the national Irrigation Association (IA) has used the month of July to showcase the social, economic and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation technologies, products and services in landscape and turf irrigation.
New Smart Irrigation Month Tools
This year, the IA has created a host of new tools to help you promote smart irrigation throughout the month. Such as:
Do you send out monthly statements to your customers? Smart irrigation statement stuffers are the perfect way to remind your customers of some simple smart-watering tips.
What about your company newsletter? The IA offers several articles on irrigation best practices can easily be included.
Get Everyone on Board!
But that’s not all. As in previous years, there are a myriad of other ways that you can demonstrate smart leadership:
Participate in Technology Tuesday on July 9, 2019, by using #smartirrigationmonth on social media.
Add the SIM logoto your website, email signature, ads, customer presentations, field signs, invoices and more.
Submit a press release or letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
Encourage sales and marketing staff to participate in dealer and distributor Smart Irrigation Month activities.
Host a live demonstration of water-saving irrigation technologies in the field or at your location.
Feature water-efficient products and services in displays, ads, promotions and product demos with the SIM logo.
Make smart irrigation the theme of sales calls.
Distribute awards to customers and/or business partners who promote water-efficient practices.
2018 Video Contest Winner
Also included in IA”s July promotion is the smart irrigation video contest. Last year’s contest winner was Colorado-based Water Ketch Sprinkler. Take a look:
Did you know that installing a landscape irrigation system is one of the top five improvements you can make to increase your home’s marketability?
It’s true, according to the popular informational website LifeHacker. Real estate appraiser Tom Ferstl of Little Rock, Ark., explained that many homeowners don’t want to be bothered with maintaining a stunning, landscaped garden. “So planting tons of trees, bushes or flowers isn’t necessarily going to elevate your home’s value. But everyone wants green grass, so adding a sprinkler system that automatically turns on and off is a good investment.”
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A landscape irrigation system can help ensure that your home has maximum curb appeal — a key factor if you’re trying to sell. In this way, the system indirectly increases a home’s market value. Since attractive landscaping requires sufficient watering, the automatic irrigation ensures protection of your investment. By enabling plants to live longer and grow healthier over time, the system increases property value.
The Convenience Factor
A landscape irrigation system also adds value through convenience. Many potential home buyers want a yard that is easily maintained and convenient to water, and an irrigation system meets those demands. HGTV agrees that for homeowners who are pressed for time, “an irrigation system is ideal.”
According to Freshome, “An irrigation system that works properly and covers the full yard can add value.” The online home improvement magazine listed installing an irrigation system as one of the “15 Best Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home.”
But it’s important that the system be installed by a professional, Freshome states. A poorly designed irrigation system can significantly detract from the value of a property. (And you can end up doing more damage than good, says appraisal expert Leslie Sellers.)
Likewise, the system should be kept fully functioning, as proper maintenance and upkeep contribute to its added value.
The Value of Smart Technology
Did you know that millennials represent the largest share of potential home buyers? That’s according to a recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) study. So, if you’re selling your home, this is a market you can’t afford to ignore.
And what are millennials looking for in a home? Smart technology. In fact, Better Homes and Gardens recently found that 64% of the millennials they surveyed were interested in having smart technology in their homes. To this market, smart irrigation just makes sense, as a time saver and for water conservation purposes.
Which is why Upnest, a realtor-comparison website, recently included smart irrigation systems as one of “7 Smart Home Technology Upgrades That Increase the Value of Your Home.” Energy efficiency is another important factor to millennials, and what could be more efficient that smart irrigation? Instead of requiring the homeowner to set a schedule, smart irrigation controllers use real-time weather information to create a watering schedule that better matches plants’ water needs. (See related article, “Saving Water Through Hydrozoning.”)
The EPA estimates that replacing a standard clock timer with smart controller can save nearly 8,800 gallons of waterannually.
The Bottom Line
Even the most expensive landscaping isn’t worth much unless it’s maintained through proper irrigation.
The bottom line: A landscape irrigation system will help your home sell quickly. This is especially true if you’re competing with other homes in the same area. So if you want home to stand out and become more marketable, contact an Ohio irrigation contractortoday.
Inspect the controller and make sure it’s plugged in and functioning.
Inclusion in the WaterSense online 
The water efficiency programs studied included incentives for efficient irrigation technologies, free distribution of mulch, turf removal and water-wise re-landscaping, and customer site audits. Water savings were achieved in every community, regardless of the climate, program type or incentives for participation. (To download the Landscape Transformation Executive Summary, 
Almost 80 percent of respondents were dissatisfied or only somewhat satisfied with their current landscaping, and half believed their lawns are unhealthy or only partially healthy. But 85 percent believe they would need assistance with a landscape makeover; they’re looking to landscapers and irrigation professionals to help them change their landscapes.
Check sprinkler heads for breaks or leaks and make sure water is going where it’s needed.
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But that’s not all. As in previous years, there are a myriad of other ways that you can demonstrate smart leadership:
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And what are millennials looking for in a home? Smart technology. In fact, 
