This property had several issues with the irrigation system, there were heads that were not installed correctly. as soon as I started to test the first of four stations I noticed that some of the recently installed heads were not threaded on properly. In other areas I noticed that there were indications of ruptured lines under soil. I informed the buyer that part of the irrigation system had recently been repaired, but appeared to have been done poorly. I recommended that a licensed landscape contractor further evaluate the whole system.
“Exterior wood siding” Poor installation of sprinkler heads will have an adverse effect on all type of siding. Especially on wood siding, it will cause dry rot and decay, the landscape professional should make sure that the sprinklers are not too close to the structure and that the direction of the spray is away from the structure siding.
There are two ways in order to prevent water from coming back from the irrigation system to the house, either there is a atmospheric vacuum breaker installed or if you can not find one there have to be a double check valve installed.
Here we can see a leaking sprinkler head at the drive way with low pressure. The sprinkler heads at the drive way corner are prong to damage. To have the sprinkler head replaced by a professional it will cost you n between 50 USD and 120 USD depending on the region you are living.
this sprinkler irrigation system, it is easy to see that it was installed recently. All materials are free of rust, cracks, apparent leaks or rot. It is also notable that a proper manifold was installed for three irrigation zones. In better installed systems we may find an extra one in anticipation of the growing needs of the homeowner. It was very nice to see that although we are in a no-freeze zone, they have installed a purging valve as well as an emergency shut off valve.
this sprinkler irrigation system, it is easy to see that it was installed recently. All materials are free of rust, cracks, apparent leak , manifold was installed for three irrigation zones. It was very nice to see that although we are in a no-freeze zone, they have installed a purging valve as well as an emergency shut off valve.
Irrigation System:
It is important when inspecting an irrigation system to confirm that all of the critical components are in good condition and verify the proper operation of the system. It is especially important to note the presence of a back flow prevention valve, or double check valve assembly to prevent any contamination of the home potable water system.
This is an example of a head in an irrigation system that is not properly secured. The soil has washed away from around the head and there is nothing that is supporting it. This will result in the spray pattern not being consistent.
A sprinkler system should be installed with a proper backflow preventer. This can be an atmospheric vacuum breaker or a double check valve. This picture is of the atmospheric vacuum breaker type. It should be installed 6 inches higher than the highest sprinkler head and can be identified by the bonnet on top and two valve handles.
If a home is located in an area where the overall lot drainage is toward the house, swales can be used to divert water away from the foundation. Swales are an important tool for irrigating the garden, mitigating stormwater runoff, and reducing erosion.
On the east side of the home I observed a irrigation control box covered by grass. Primary purpose of control box is to secure the valves in a clean environment and prevents damage to the wires.I recommend applying grass killer in this area to ensure control box is accessible for maintenance and repairs.
Exterior walls are vulnerable to damage from recurrent wetting from lawn sprinkler systems. Perhaps it was originally properly set but a mis-adjusted lawn sprinkling system or irrigation system spray head struck by a mower or other event, may become turned so as to soak the building. Algae growth, rot, and fungal infection can then become a problem. Additionally, there is a risk of mold growth inside the wall cavity.
The head near the rear fence to the right of the tree did not oscillate during a manual test of the zone. The Client may want to consider engaging a licensed sprinkler contractor to fully evaluate the system and to perform any remedial actions required to provide proper operation and to help maximize water efficiency
I learned that details are important when inspecting sprinkler systems. The level of the head, coverage radii, types of plantings, etc. all need to be considered. Mature landscapes may also cause issues as plantings grow and may impede water distribution. It’s too bad the course didn’t cover rain sensors and bypass switches…
Lawn irrigation systems are used to water grass and landscaping plants and or gardens. If the grass has brown areas there may be an issue with irrigation. We also find on almost daily that irrigation systems spraying home systems or the structure.
Irrigation systems are used to supply water to lawn, landscaping and or gardens. We frequently find irrigation systems that are spraying home systems or the structure. Several times we have found broken irrigation system heads where staining was noted at the soffit and erosion pattern was noted around the irrigation head.
One item not covered is the need to check system batteries. I have found that several residences do not check or change the units batteries. Corrosion damages the controller / timer. Battery change out should be completed at least annually.
The diagram of the basic irrigation system is a good outline to offer all clients to have a better understanding of their system. The outline should demonstrate the requirements for annul inspection and maintenance. Most do not realize the unseen components.
Brown spots in the sod indicated that the irrigation system was not operating properly or designed properly. We recommended having the irrigation system evaluated by a qualified professional technician and repaired or redesigned as needed. This was on a new home with newly installed sod.
This Dale Sherman and this is my essay on irrigation systems.
During a home inspection on a house in west Fort Worth, Texas we inspected the irrigation system. We generally start at the controller/ clock and look for a zone map on or near the box to identify the zones and where to start to look at the spray heads. The photo attached is from the 1st zone. As you can see the head is completely broken and the water is shooting 5 feet in the air.
