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Prevent Damage to Irrigation Equipment: Proper Spring Preparation

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Introduction Winter's harsh conditions can wreak havoc on even the most well-maintained irrigation systems. Frozen pipes, cracked components, and misaligned sprinkler heads are just a few of the issues that can arise. That's why, as temperatures warm and the growing season approaches, it’s essential to perform a thorough spring startup check, and necessary maintenance, on irrigation equipment.    This guide will walk you through the critical steps of preparing your irrigation equipment for spring, ensuring you avoid costly repairs, and that your irrigation equipment performs optimally. As a bonus, save our spring preparation checklist (at the bottom of this article) to refer back to later.    Pre-Start-Up Checks Before starting up your irrigation system for the spring, the weather is the first thing to consider. If the ground is still frozen, turning irrigation equipment on could damage components and lead to expensive repairs. To avoid this damage, wait until after ...

Common Post-Winter Issues in Irrigation Systems and How to Address Them

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  As the winter frost retreats and Ontario's landscapes begin to awaken, it's time to revive your   irrigation system . Perhaps you’ve already set up your irrigation system for the season. But, if you’re here, maybe it’s not working quite as you expected it to. There are a host of common issues that irrigation systems can face, even if it’s worked well for you year after year. In this article, we’ll dive into a few of them, from frozen pipes to electrical malfunctions. These problems can hinder your system's performance, lead to costly repairs, and even endanger your clean water supply.    Understanding the common culprits behind post-winter irrigation troubles is the first step towards a solution. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, a meticulous golf course superintendent, or a landscaping contractor or customer, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to troubleshoot and resolve these issues, ensuring your irrigation system is primed for ...

Drip Irrigation for Agriculture

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Drip irrigation systems are quickly becoming the top choice for thousands of farmers in Ontario due to their precision, resource efficiency, and ease of system adaptability. These systems work by delivering water and nutrients directly to the root zone of the plants, ensuring that every drop counts. In a world where water scarcity is a growing concern, drip irrigation provides a sustainable solution that can boost crop health and yield.   Netafim DripNet PC – Pressure Compensating Drip Irrigation Netafim DripNet PC - Thinwall Dripperline (LWD) Wide pressure range:  With a regulation pressure range of 6 to 36 psi, DripNet PC can adapt to varying soil types and water sources. Customizable flow:  Offering adjustable flows, tubing sizes, and dripper spacing, DripNet PC can be customized to fit the unique needs of your fields. Innovative flap outlet:  Prevents soil ingestion and root intrusion, ensuring uninterrupted, clog-free operation, even on uneven ground. ...

Irrigation Start-up Best Practices - Expert Recommendations

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  Spring is near, which means it’s almost time to start thinking about charging up your irrigation system. The colder winter months can take a heavy toll on an irrigation system. It’s critical to perform routine start-up maintenance of your system components before the heavy watering season begins. De-winterizing your irrigation in the spring is just as important as winterizing! Whether you’re running a commercial, agricultural, golf, or residential irrigation system, the efficiency and performance depends on starting up your system with care. Protect your irrigation investment by following these expert recommendations.   When to Start Up Your Irrigation System Timing your irrigation start-up can be a gamble. If you open it up too soon, you run the risk of freezing the pipes you worked so hard to protect over the winter. This is an expensive mistake. If you wait too long, however, you shorten the window of time available to address any repairs or replacements your system requi...

Top 8 Tips for Winterizing Your Golf Course Irrigation System

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  Why Winterize? Winterization is the process of eliminating all water from an irrigation system to prevent the potential damage of any of its components. In cold climates where freezing is inevitable, winterizing is critical. Water expands in volume approximately 9% as it transitions from liquid to solid, resulting in ruptured equipment within a closed system. However, with proper winterizing of your golf course irrigation system, you’ll be able to relax and keep warm over the cold months, knowing your equipment will be prepared to perform again in the spring. The time invested now in winterizing your system will pay off dividends when you next need it. Preparing to winterize a  golf course irrigation system  can feel overwhelming; the system covers a broad area, and there are many components requiring attention. Furthermore, an average golf course network of pipes can hold 22,000 to 27,000 gallons of water - a significant volume to drain! Golf course operators and comme...