For all residential and commercial properties there are two very important tasks to perform at this time of year: your fall clean-up and draining your underground irrigation. A good fall clean-up will save you a lot of time and effort in the spring, and draining your underground irrigation will ensure sprinkler system will survive the winter intact and not require costly repairs when the ground warms up.
A Final Check
Before we drain your sprinkler system we will do a thorough check to make sure everything is working properly. We can perform a series of tests designed to spot problems like not enough water pressure, issues with fittings, poor drainage and rocks and pebbles stuck in your sprinkler heads. We can also make sure your sprinkler heads haven’t rotated since they were set, and so are still watering effectively and efficiently. The earlier you spot these problems and the more promptly they are repaired, the better.
Why Drain Your Underground Irrigation
Draining your underground irrigation is a task that needs to be performed correctly. If there is even just a trace amount of water trapped in the pipes, serious damage could be caused. When the ground freezes, pipes also become colder and more brittle. Any remaining water in the pipes will freeze, and thus expand. Pipes can then crack. When you start your irrigation back up in the spring, water will be forced through the crack instead of to your sprinkler. Your sprinklers will obviously not work properly, and you will be stuck with a large underground leak.
Underground leaks are difficult to repair. The crack in the pipe can be very hard to find, and so a lot of digging is usually required. Once the leak is found, a section of the pipe will have to be replaced. All of this requires time and labour.
When we come to drain your irrigation, first we will turn off the main water valve. For larger systems, like those of some of our commercial properties, we then go to each of the individual drain boxes to open the valve and let as much water drain out that way as possible. Finally, we will “blow out” each zone of your system. We use compressed air, as this is the most effective way to make sure all the water has drained and been expelled.
Underground Sprinklers Save Time and Money
At Mirage Landscaping, we have been installing and maintaining underground irrigation systems for decades. Installation is less costly than you may realize, and a properly maintained sprinkler system will last your entire business career and then some.
Without a sprinkler system, you, or someone you pay, has to take the time to water the grounds. It is an inefficient use of your labour or payroll. Once installed, set into zones and operated by a timer, your watering is a forgettable task between spring and fall.
Watering zones set up with the optimal type of sprinkler for the type of vegetation they cover, and deliver the exact amount of water necessary to keep your plants nice and healthy without any waste. By watering in the cool of the early morning, you’ll limit the amount of applied water that evaporates uselessly when watering is attempted later in the day. In addition, many underground systems come with rain sensors that know when moisture has fallen, and will shut itself off until it is the right time to water again, relieving any worry about “overwatering.” Regularly watering plants at the same time, on a daily schedule, according to the needs of the various elements of your lawn and plantings, promotes the efficient use of the resource.
Mirage Landscaping Serves Southeast Calgary
Come winter Mirage Landscaping in Calgary works through the “off season”, performing snow removal services for our commercial and residential clients to keep your business’s property snow and ice-free.
With three generations of landscaping residential and commercial properties in Calgary, we have experience to take on just about any project imaginable. Have a look at our portfolio and contact us for a free quote on any outdoor project.
