Sprinkler systems are a complex mix of components that when well designed, work together and can handle all the many elements that they are exposed to. However, depending on equipment chosen, and the different forces that they have to contend with they do experience problems.
Sprinkler system repairs occur for many reasons. After a harsh winter on Long Island, it is not uncommon to find a broken sprinkler head or pipe due to freezing conditions and frozen ground. Hard freezes cause the ground to expand around buried sprinkler equipment exerting extreme pressure that will cause breaks, punctures, and pulling apart of equipment. Another source of repairs is due to snow plows, tree removal, landscape and excavating equipment. Many times the operators of this equipment are unaware of location of sprinkler heads and pipe and cannot avoid damaging.
Broken pipes are not uncommon due to age of pipe and begin to breakdown and become brittle over time. The freeze – thaw action that occurs over many years can pull pipe fittings apart as well as cause rocks and debris on the outside of the pipe to grind against it and cause ruptures. Pipe damage can also occur during the growth of tree roots. As the roots grow and develop they wrap themselves around pipe and either strangle the pipe or push it apart. Think of what they do to a concrete sidewalk! They are powerful! At Rain Rich we only use pipe that is manufactured and rated to withstand 100 psi and last for 25 years. These manufacturers include Oil Creek and Charter Manufacturing.
Sprinkler heads, especially rotary sprinkler heads, are exposed to problems as they water large lawn areas and equipment such as core aerating and thatching machines can damage them if they are not marked out beforehand. Rotary sprinklers have many internal gear driven components that can fail for many reasons particularly due to dirt and debris in the system. Every manufacturer, including Hunter Industries, Rainbird, and Toro make different grades of rotary sprinklers with different price points and unfortunately the lesser grades do not hold up well over time. I always recommend the best sprinkler heads from these companies as investing up front in top equipment will handle more abuse, last longer, and save you money over time as well as provide dependability. You don’t want sprinkler head failure during the spring and summer!
It is best to take great care in maintaining your sprinkler system and winterize in the fall.
Turning your sprinkler system on early in the spring and addressing any problems before you require regular watering insures that you can water when your lawn and landscape need it.
In the spring, when we activate your sprinkler system we have a check list to inspect for items such as leaks in pipe, proper rotation of sprinkler heads, valves opening and closing properly, so you can feel confident that your sprinkler system will perform as expected during the summer.
If you would like to learn more about Rain Rich and irrigation systems please click on our website at www.rainrich.com. To inquire about having your sprinkler system turned on and evaluated please click here or call 631-423-2211.
Rain Rich Sprinklers has been serving Long Island for over 37 years. Rain Rich prides itself on providing outstanding service and the best value.
