Avoiding Home Sprinkler Waste

Recent studies have shown that up to half of a given water supply in a residence is used for lawn sprinklers – but up to a third of that total might be wasted regularly. Not only do these waste issues cause issues to your lawn and garden, they waste water and increase your energy bill.

At Greenside, we’ll our residential sprinkler services include perfecting your system to help avoid waste. Here are a few things you can do to help yourself along that path.

Understand Water Use

For basic domestic purposes, the average family of four uses about 3,000 gallons of water each month. Outdoor uses, however, can be up to about the same amount per irrigation cycle – so this could mean you use over half your water outside.

To understand your use, check your utility bill and focus on water and sewer charges. Water rates will be tiered – when certain use amounts are exceeded, the cost per gallon goes up. Cutting waste will show up on this bill, and you may drop down in tiers.

Seek the Leak

If you notice any soft or wet spots around the sprinklers, or water flowing up, this could signal a broken pipe or a leak in your system. Expose this and call our experts for repairs if needed.

Spray Patterns

One of the biggest causes of waste in the sprinkler system is inefficient spray patterns. Overgrown grass or shrubs may block spray – trim them to avoid this. Adjust sprinklers to avoid overspraying onto streets or neighboring yards. Change sprinkler heads if needed, and choose carefully for spray pattern and distance.

Mowing Habits

Adjust mowing height up a half inch or inch from what you’d usually use, unless you already mow high. This will increase moisture absorption. Also be sure to keep blades sharp to prevent brown grass tips.

Mulch

Keep 2 to 3 inches of mulch on beds of shrubs and flowers, around trees and in other bare areas to retain moisture and keep weeds away.

To learn more about avoiding waste, or for any of our home sprinkler repair services, speak to the pros at Greenside today.