We offer a full service sprinkler department, from the smallest repair to complete systems installed to your specifications. We are available for emergency repairs and everything from monthly system checks to major overhauls. We can also set your system to run automatically in full compliance with any and all restrictions in your neighborhood or city.
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| We will help you achieve perfect coverage for your lawn and landscape. |
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Getting the most out of your sprinkler system
Today´s sprinkler systems are designed to deliver water efficiently and effectively to your landscape. Below is some basic information on sprinkler systems and what you can do to ensure your system is always operating at it´s highest capability.
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| A typical backflow valve on the back wall of a house. |
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Set your clock correctly
Most of us living in Douglas County are under watering
restrictions which tells us what days we can run our sprinklers. While
it is important to follow these guidelines, perhaps more important to
the health of your lawn is when you water. Watering during the day leads
to huge losses in effectiveness due to evaporation; the water is gone
before it gets a chance to soak in. Watering in the evening can lead to
disease problems, as the grass will be wet for long periods of time,
allowing pathogens the chance to develop. The most efficient time to
water is early in the morning. We like to set sprinkler clocks to turn
on around 4 a.m., which gives the water a chance to soak in before the
sun rises and dries the grass off.
Do seasonal adjustments
As
the growing season progresses we go from the cool of spring to the heat
of summer, to the cool of autumn. Taking the time to adjust your system
on a monthly basis will pay for itself in savings on your water bill,
and ensure your landscape gets the water it needs.
Check your system for problems
Dogs
chew on them, cars drive over them, kids pull on them, and yes,
occassionally lawn mowers hit them. It is no wonder then that broken
sprinkler heads are the most common problem we see. And if you have ever
seen the geyser created by a broken head, you know how quickly a break
can waste water. It makes sense then to do a regular inspection of your
system while it is running. We like to do this monthly when possible.
Most clocks will have a manual turn on switch, allowing you to check the system without needing to reset the clock when you are finished. This is also a
good time to check the various valves that control each zone of your
system.
Protecting your sprinkler system in cold weather
We are often asked what should be done to protect sprinkler systems from freezing weather in the spring and fall. As we all know, one day in Colorado can be 70 and sunny, the next day can be 25 and freezing! Normally, everything underground in your system will be okay from mid-April (when we recommend turning on sprinklers) thru October and into November (when we recommend turning off and winterizing systems). The vulnerable component is your backflow valve, which prevents water from coming back from your sprinklers and into your home´s water supply. These are often located above ground outside your house in an exposed location. Taking the precaution of insulating this valve assembly can help prevent the unpleasant experience of waking up to a frozen valve and a geyser in your back yard! There is insulation specially designed to go over backflow valves, however an old blanket will do in a pinch. It is also wise to know where the water shutoff to your sprinkler system is located inside your home in case of an emergency. If you would like some help with this, or have any other questions about your sprinkler system, please give us a call at 303-681-2085. We are always happy to help.
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Brent Ehlinger is our sprinkler technician. Brent is a native of Iowa, and has been with Rampart for over 10 years. He is very familiar with all types of sprinkler systems, from large turf areas to small drip lines going into flower pots, from systems with 30 or more zones to those with just a few. If you have a problem with your sprinklers, or would like to make some changes on your existing system, give Brent a call at 303-681-2085.
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