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Video how-tos - Automated irrigation systems |
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Written by lee ann mcvay
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 The following videos show ways you can adjust your automated irrigation system to save water and keep your lawn healthy.
Ten things to know to save water and build a better lawn: - ►Install a rain sensor. This can save you up to 30 percent on your outdoor water use.
- ►Follow the water schedule established by your utility. LCRA recommends: a twice-a-week summer watering schedule.
- ►Yearly checkup: Check for needed repairs and to improve your system’s efficiency.
- ►Got fresh batteries? Be sure your controller box has a fresh battery so that it can hold onto the watering schedule in the event of a power outage.
- ►Look for problems. Periodically look for leaks and broken sprinkler heads.
- ►Make landscaping adjustments. Prune or relocate plants that block sprinkler heads and adjust heads.
- ►Can help. Place straight-edge cans or cups in each zone to find out how long it takes to generate ½ inch of water.
- ►Did you know? Irrigation systems on a typical suburban lot use up to 3,000 gallons of water during one cycle. Ten times and that's enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.
- ►Shoot, don't spray. If you see large amounts of fog and mist contact your irrigation firm to install a pressure regulator. Overpressurized irrigation systems can lose up to 25 percent of the water due to fogging.
- ►Throttle back on new yards. When new sod is installed landscapers often set the system to run as often as twice a day. But after the lawn is established, adjust to the maintenance schedule recommended by your water utility.
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