How to Retrofit Your Irrigation System for Maximum Efficiency

Picture this: It’s a hot summer day, and your lawn looks like something out of an old Western movie. The grass is parched and brown and your plants are wilting faster than a forgotten New Year’s resolution. 

Yet, your water bill is skyrocketing every month. So what gives?

Clearly, it’s time for an intervention - a retrofitting intervention for your irrigation system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make your existing irrigation setup more efficient, saving you money while giving your lawn and garden the love they truly deserve. 

Why Does Irrigation Efficiency Matter?

Ever feel like your lawn is drinking you dry? It's time to take a closer look at your irrigation system. With a few clever upgrades, you can save water, cut costs, and still keep your lawn looking lush! 

Ultimately, efficient irrigation isn’t just about saving a few bucks on your water bill - though that’s a nice perk. It’s about making a positive impact on the environment and boosting the overall health of your lawn or garden.

Here are three reasons to consider retrofitting your irrigation system to be more efficient:

• Save Water, Save the Planet: Water is a precious resource, and using it wisely can make a significant difference. Efficient irrigation systems minimize waste, making sure your water goes exactly where it's needed.
• Cut Costs: Lowering your water usage means lower utility bills. Simple as that. Plus, less water waste leads to fewer repair costs down the line.
• Healthier Plants: Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. Efficient systems deliver the right amount of water, promoting healthier root growth and greener, more vibrant plants.

Every drop of water counts, particularly in areas like ours in the Pacific Northwest that are facing water restrictions or droughts. Unfortunately, these droughts are becoming even more common, so it’s smart to plan ahead and consider how your irrigation will be able to handle the changing needs of our environment.

Irrigation Considerations for Washington Home & Business Owners

If you're in the Pacific Northwest, you're no stranger to our crazy weather patterns. One minute it's sunny, the next, it's pouring rain. This makes seasonal adjustments a crucial consideration for your irrigation system.

At Nasim Landscape, we make multiple adjustments throughout the year, with each one based on the season.

For example, we typically shut down our irrigation systems in October when the rainy season kicks in. This prevents freezing and damage to the system. We’ll help you blow out your pipes to avoid bursts from expanding ice.

When springtime rolls around, we try to get things up and running fast - no later than May, when the weather starts to heat up. Our grass here tends to have shallow roots, drying out quickly in hot weather. A thorough inspection before summer will make sure your system is ready to handle the heat.

How Can I Increase My Lawn Irrigation System Efficiency? 12 Tips for Success

Want to make your irrigation system more efficient? Here are twelve helpful tips to think about as you consider how you want to retrofit your existing system to meet the needs of the future:

1. Start By Assessing Your Current System

Begin by giving your current irrigation system a thorough once-over. Check for leaks, clogged nozzles, and uneven water distribution. This wastes water and creates dry spots and puddles that can damage your lawn.

You might want to also think about what kind of sprinklers you have and whether they’re currently passing muster. After all, not all sprinklers are created equal. Gear-drive sprinklers are often more efficient than impact sprinklers, offering better control over water distribution. Consider what types you currently have and whether upgrading could help.

Don’t worry about resolving these yourself right away; you can always hire an irrigation pro like Nasim Landscape for that. However, it’s a good idea to walk your lawn ahead of time and get an idea of irrigation problems that might need some TLC.

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2. Upgrade or Replace Sprinkler Heads

Old sprinkler heads are like the flip phones of the irrigation world - outdated and inefficient. 

Switching to newer, high-efficiency sprinkler heads will distribute water more evenly and at a slower rate, which helps the soil absorb water more effectively and reduces runoff.

Look for models that offer adjustable spray patterns and pressure regulation. These features make sure that water goes exactly where it’s needed, minimizing waste and maximizing coverage. Plus, modern sprinklers often have built-in filters, reducing the likelihood of clogging.

For some areas, you might also consider rotary nozzles, which apply water slowly and uniformly, making them ideal for slopes and heavy soils. They’re also less prone to wind drift, meaning more water reaches your plants and less evaporates into thin air.

3. Install a Smart Irrigation System Controller

Welcome to the future of irrigation. You can say goodbye to the days of manually adjusting your sprinkler schedule based on the weather. 

Smart controllers adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather data, soil moisture levels, and even plant types. This means no more watering during a rainstorm or overwatering your succulents. 

There are plenty of user-friendly options that connect to your smartphone, letting you monitor and adjust your system from anywhere. We prefer Weathermatic and install these on all of our client properties, for free! Ask us more about this during your consultation. 

Imagine sipping a latte at your favorite café while making sure your garden gets just the right amount of water. It’s a hands-off approach, and it makes sure each plant and each blade of grass gets exactly the right amount of moisture, when they need it most. 

4. Add Drip Irrigation to Your Plant Beds

Drip irrigation is like giving your plants a slow, steady IV drip of hydration. Unlike traditional sprinklers that spray water everywhere, drip systems deliver water directly to the plant roots. 

This minimizes evaporation and runoff, making it an incredibly efficient way to water your garden beds, where sprinklers might not make as much sense, and the water needs to be a bit more contained. Some studies have found drip irrigation systems to be up to 90% efficient at allowing plants to access water, compared to 75% for traditional sprinklers.

A landscaping pro can install a drip system relatively quickly.

5. Use Soil Moisture Sensors

Ever wonder if your plants are thirsty? Soil moisture sensors take the guesswork out of watering by providing real-time data on soil moisture levels. 

These nifty gadgets are buried in the ground near your plants and send information to your irrigation controller. If the soil is sufficiently moist, the system won’t water - saving you water and preventing overwatering. It’s like having a personal assistant for your garden.

6. Add Remote Access

Gone are the days of being tied to your control box. Many smart controllers offer remote access through smartphone apps, letting you tweak your watering schedule from anywhere in the world. 

Vacation mode, anyone?

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Again, Weathermatic for the win here. 

7. Install Rain Shutoff Devices

Why water when Mother Nature is already doing it for you? Rain shutoff devices can be added to your existing irrigation system to automatically stop watering during and after rainfall. 

These devices are inexpensive and can be quickly installed. They work by detecting moisture levels and sending a signal to your irrigation controller to pause the system. It’s a simple yet effective way to conserve water and avoid unnecessary watering.

8. Adjust the Water Pressure

High water pressure might sound like a good thing, but it can actually lead to inefficient watering and sprinkler damage. 

Use a pressure regulator to maintain optimal water pressure for your irrigation system. This makes sure that the water is distributed evenly and prevents the misting effect that often occurs with high-pressure systems. Your plants get a gentle, thorough watering without wasting water.

9. Optimize Your Watering Schedule

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to watering your garden. The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler, and evaporation rates are lower. 

Avoid watering during the heat of the day, as most of the water will evaporate before it reaches your plants’ roots. Set your irrigation controller to water at these optimal times to maximize efficiency.

10. Group Plants According to Water Needs

Not all plants have the same hydration requirements. Grouping plants with similar water needs allows you to tailor your irrigation system to provide the right amount of water to each group. 

This practice, known as hydrozoning, prevents overwatering or underwatering specific areas of your garden. It’s a win-win for your plants and your water bill.

11. Use Mulch to Retain Soil Moisture

Mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and suppress weeds. Applying a layer of organic mulch around your plants creates a protective barrier that keeps the soil cool and moist. 

This means less frequent watering and healthier plants. Plus, mulch adds a polished, professional look to your garden beds.

12. Check for Damaged Components

Unfortunately, we’re not immune to problems related to vandalism here in the Pacific Northwest - both intentional and not. All it takes is one prankster driving across your lawn and crushing your sprinkler heads to completely derail your irrigation system.

Even if your property stays safe from errant teenagers, regularly checking for damaged components is a smart move. Look for broken or cracked sprinkler heads, leaking hoses, and corroded fittings. 

This kind of damage can lead to water loss and uneven distribution, undermining all your water-saving efforts, but addressing any issues promptly will help prevent further damage and keep your garden thriving. 

What Does It Mean to “Retrofit” My Irrigation System?

A retrofit involves updating or modifying your existing irrigation system to make it more efficient. This can mean a lot of different things for a lot of different homeowners, but in general, you’re giving your old, reliable system a more high-tech makeover.

Introducing New Technology and Equipment

It could mean swapping out those ancient sprinkler heads for shinier, newer, more efficient models, or adjusting the layout of your system for better coverage and efficiency. 

It might also involve installing advanced technology like the Weathermatic, which will adjust your watering schedules based on real-time data.

A few other examples of new technologies include:

• Advanced Sprinkler Heads: Newer sprinkler heads are designed for efficiency. They distribute water more evenly, reducing runoff and ensuring that every part of your lawn gets the hydration it needs. High-efficiency nozzles and rotary nozzles are some of the options available. Rotary nozzles, for instance, are up to 30% more efficient than traditional spray heads.
• Smart Controllers: Smart controllers take the guesswork out of watering. They adjust your system based on weather conditions, ensuring your lawn gets the right amount of water. Brands like Weathermatic offer controllers that can be managed remotely, giving you complete control from your smartphone.
• Wireless Rain Sensors: A wireless rain sensor can shut off your system when it detects rainfall, preventing overwatering. This not only conserves water but also protects your lawn from potential harm caused by excessive moisture.
• Flow Meters: Flow meters help you monitor water usage and detect leaks. They provide real-time data, allowing you to make informed decisions about your watering schedule. Installing a flow meter is a great way to keep tabs on your system's efficiency.

Adjusting to Meet Changing Needs

Landscapes evolve over time, and so do your needs. The tree canopy may be more extensive than it was when you first moved in, so now you have a heavily shaded area that’s getting way too much water.

It may also involve rethinking what you currently have planted to consider whether you might be able to install drought-resistant or native plantings. You’ll still need to water them the first year or so to get them established, but once they’ve set good roots, you can say goodbye to inefficient, time-consuming irrigation.

Handling Repairs and Fixes

While upgrading your system, you need to address any necessary repairs. Even relatively new systems can suffer from leaks or failures due to weather conditions. If any sprinkler heads are releasing less water than others or in odd directions, you may have some damage. Pooling water is another red flag, indicating a potential pipe leak.

Working with a company that specializes in irrigation retrofits is a wise choice here. We’ll not only be able to weed out potential problems as we notice them, but we can also get you on the calendar for regular inspections and maintenance checks. We’ll look for signs of wear and tear, and make sure all components are functioning correctly. 
We will also do some zone-by-zone checks, checking for leaks, breaks, and pressure issues in each zone. This thorough approach will make sure each and every part of your lawn receives the right amount of water.

Ultimately, retrofits can drastically improve your system’s efficiency and functionality, leading to significant water savings and a healthier lawn.

Let Nasim Landscape Help You Update Your Outdated Irrigation System

Need help retrofitting your outdated irrigation system? Nasim Landscape is here to help you create a more efficient and sustainable garden. 

Before we initiate the process, we’ll ask a few guiding questions: What system is currently installed? What needs to be changed, and why? And what’s your budget? As a special offer for all of our new clients, we’ll gladly swap your old system's clock to Weathermatic (and hang on to your old one for you, just in case!) at no charge. Beyond that, we provide comprehensive services, including design, installation, and retrofitting, all tailored for a sustainable approach. 

And it’s not just about irrigation. Whether you’re looking for commercial landscaping, residential landscaping, or snow and ice management, our dedicated team is eager to help you. 

We meticulously evaluate your irrigation system zone by zone, checking for leaks, breaks, and pressure issues to ensure optimal performance. Let’s work together to make every drop of water count…all while improving the health and beauty of your landscape!