AS HOME BUYING SEASON KICKS
OFF, THE SPRINKLER EXPERTS AT RAIN BIRD PROVIDE SPRING HOUSE
HUNTERS WITH TIPS FOR
DO-IT-YOURSELF IRRIGATION INSPECTIONS
The Irrigation Experts Pick-Up Where Home Inspectors Leave
Off With A Few Simple Steps That Will Prevent Luscious Lawns
From Becoming Desolate Deserts
GLENDORA, CA (March 14, 2006) - Peak home-buying months
are just around the corner, which means that thousands of
Americans will soon begin scanning the Sunday papers, slowing
down for open house signs, and scouring the suburbs for the
perfect place to hang their hat. And, with the help of trained
inspectors, most potential problems inside the home can be
found and fixed before the final papers are signed. But,
while the foundation, plumbing, roof and walls are scrutinized
for signs of trouble, most homebuyers leave the lawn and
garden sprinkler system unchecked for problems that may not
surface until after the keys are handed over.
Recognizing that the last thing a new homeowner wants to
wake up to is their once beautiful lawn gone wrong, Rain
Bird’s irrigation expert Dave Johnson offers a few
tips that every house hunter needs to know in order to make
sure that the one thing that they are not buying is someone
else’s outdoor irrigation issue.
Lawn and garden sprinkler check list:
Find and check the automatic sprinkler timer
and make sure it is plugged into an unobstructed and visibly
safe power supply in a weather-safe environment. An improperly
placed electrical timer box is more susceptible to an
electrical
short, which can wreak havoc on an automatic irrigation
system.
Test the timer to make sure that each individual
sprinkler zone can be turned on manually from the timer itself.
Failure of zones to turn on may indicate that the timer is
improperly wired, or needs replacing. Most timers are easily
turned on using the “RUN STATIONS MANUALLY” option
located on the face of the controller.
After the system has been turned on for a few minutes,
stroll all around the house and yard to check for any moisture
in unusual spots, exposed pipes that may be prone to cracking,
major brown spots around sprinkler heads, saturated turf
or soil, sick and diseased plants. Each may be an indication
of improper watering caused by a faulty irrigation system.
The sprinkler system valves are often located outside where
the water supply exits the house, and are usually grouped
together in a single location. Open and close each individual
valve manually, checking for any moisture caused by cracks
or broken seals in the pipes or valve’s exterior
casing. Most valves contain a screw or knob on top that
can be easily
turned by hand.
Using the valves or timer, turn on each watering
zone and check each sprinkler head. Any head that does not
pop up, or otherwise operates improperly may need to be replaced.
It is also possible that a sprinkler head that does not pop-up
is a sign of a problem with the water pressure, and may indicate
that there is a leak in the system somewhere. Let the system
run for 3 minutes and then check the area to see if there
are any extremely soggy spots or rising “blisters” that
may be caused by a cracked pipe underneath the soil.
If the system is connected to a rain sensor,
make sure it is connected to the timer and located in a
place
on the property that is free of obstructions so that watering
does not occur when it is raining. You can test the rain
sensor by first turning on one of the zones, then give
the rain sensor a good soaking with a garden hose. If the
irrigation
system does not stop, there may be a problem.
In climates that are prone to freezing temperatures,
prospective homebuyers should inquire with the seller regarding
the winterization of the irrigation system each fall. By
asking the seller if they have a maintenance record, or
a receipt from the last time they had the system winterized
by a professional, buyers can be assured that the system
has been prepared for the onset of freezing temperatures,
decreasing the chances of cracked pipes or other problems
caused by below freezing temperatures.
If buyers are not comfortable conducting an inspection
of the sprinkler system themselves, then find a local landscape
professional to do a routine inspection. Whether homebuyers
do the inspection themselves, or pay a professional to
do it, the time and/or money uncovering any potential problems
will be well spent. After all, a well maintained lawn and
garden will not only increase the value of your property,
but also gives a homeowner a feeling of peace and relaxation
in knowing their home is a place of beauty and refuge.
For more information on irrigation systems and water conservation
in the yard visit www.rainbird.com.
ABOUT RAIN BIRD’S CONSUMER PRODUCTS DIVISION
Rain Bird’s Consumer Products Division has the widest
range of do-it-yourself irrigation products and services
available. Since Rain Bird introduced the impact sprinkler
nearly seven decades ago, consumers have come to rely on
Rain Bird’s innovative, industry leading and technologically
advanced products to beautify lawns and gardens worldwide.
Rain Bird's consumer-focused approach provides homeowners
with solutions for the entire irrigation process from its
customized sprinkler design service to its toll-free technical
support at 1-800- RAIN BIRD or (1-800-724-6247). Rain Bird
products are durable and dependable and backed by an industry-leading
customer satisfaction policy. Rain Bird’s consumer
products are available at large home centers, co-ops and
hardware stores worldwide.
ABOUT RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
Rain Bird Corporation, based in Glendora, CA, is the leading
manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services.
Since its beginnings in 1933, Rain Bird has offered the industry’s
broadest range of irrigation products for golf courses, sports
arenas, farms, commercial developments, and homes in more
than 130 countries around the world. Rain Bird has been awarded
over 130 patents, including the first in 1935 for the impact
sprinkler. Rain Bird and The Intelligent Use of Water™ is
about using water wisely. Its commitment extends beyond products
to education, training and services for the industry and
the community. Rain Bird maintains state-of-the-art manufacturing
assembly facilities in the United States, France, Sweden
and Mexico. For more watering tips, visit www.rainbird.com,
or contact your local Rain Bird retailer.
