Irrigation System Maintenance Schedule Online

Irrigation Startup

Dowco’s irrigation startup service includes everything you need to get your system up & running for the season.

Even though we tend to get a lot of rain in the spring, you should be proactive and get your system started and running as soon as possible. This allows time for repairs to be made to the system or backflow, if needed. Be proactive and catch those repairs early and not in the middle of the summer when we are going through another heat wave & drought.

The best thing you can do for your lawn, in addition to our fertilization program, is to feed it with lots of water! And those spring plantings & flowers need to be watered in to allow those new roots to grow and anchor.

After your irrigation startup, you do not have to run the system all the time. Dowco can install a rain gauge to shut your system down when there is water detected in the ground so you don’t see your system running and wasting water during those spring storms that we see so often in St. Louis.

Irrigation Startup and Backflow Test Includes:

Turn on the main water line in the basement and check for any leaks leading outside to the backflow device.
Inspect the backflow device for any leaks or damage that may have occurred over the winter months.
- If the backflow device passes, we will forward the results to the county for their records.
- If the backflow device fails, we will follow up with an estimate to bring the device up to code and retest after the repairs have been made.
Replace all batteries in your system including the timer or battery powered valves.
Run through entire system and check for leaks and non-functioning heads or valves. We will recommend and make repairs.
Check coverage on all heads and make adjustments as needed for optimum coverage.

You will need to be home in order for the technician to get to the main water line (usually in the basement) and the control timer(usually in the garage). We also encourage you to walk the system with the technician to discuss needed repairs and ways to optimize the system and the coverage provided for turf and plants.

Irrigation Shutdown

Dowco's irrigation shutdown service will ensure that your pipes are properly blown out & your system doesn't get freeze damage through the winter.

The leaves have started changing color and the temperatures are cooling and it’s time to think about shutting down your irrigation system and preparing it for the cold winter months ahead.

Something you want to consider when shutting down your system is whether or not you are having your lawn renovated this fall with aeration and over-seeding. If you are, you will want to keep your system running through October to ensure the seedlings are getting sufficient water during the early stages of germination.

Dowco recommends having your system shut down by the first week of November so that your system is winterized before the overnight temperatures get below 32° and we get a hard freeze.

Freeze damage to your system can cause pipes to burst and heads & valves to break. Repairs to the system can be expensive depending on how many areas of the system were damaged and if the backflow device is damaged. The repair costs can add up and range from. Dowco’s experienced technicians will be sure that you’re system is winterized properly year after year.

Irrigation Shutdown Service Includes:

Turn off the main water line in the basement.
Blow out the backflow and the entire irrigation system using a commercial compressor with 180 psi to ensure that no water is remaining in any pipes, valves, heads or the backflow device.
Ensure that valves in the bottom of the backflow device will remain opened ¼ of a turn to allow for expansion and retraction with the fluctuation of temperatures and the release of any condensation that occurs with moisture in the air.

You will need to be home in order for the technician to get to the main water line (usually in the basement) and the control timer (usually in the garage). We also encourage you to walk the system with the technician to discuss needed repairs that can be done during the shutdown, or put on the schedule to be completed during the spring startup.

Irrigation Inspections

Dowco's irrigation inspections are perfect for the property owner who doesn't have the time or knowledge to change their system as the seasons change. They are offered at a discounted rate.

Springtime in St. Louis means cool weather, moderate amounts of rain, and sun for about 12 hours a day.

Then we move into summer and the days are longer with 15 hours of sun. The temperature is in the high 80’s, 90’s and even some 100’s. It is important to have the system watering at the correct times of the day so you are not losing water to evaporation.

The spring showers are long gone and now is the first time to have your system inspected to adjust the cycle times for longer days and hotter weather. Dowco will walk through the entire system and check all your heads to make sure they are covering the areas they are supposed to; and not watering the street, sidewalk, driveway or the neighbor’s yard.

Irrigation Inspection Service Includes:

Adjust cycle times for weather changes
Walk the entire system and check all of the heads for proper coverage
Check for sprinkler system failures or malfunctions
Look for overly dry or wet spots in the lawn and landscaping
Unclog rotating heads or nozzles as needed
Recap the system and make recommendations to repair or enhance the system

When fall weather arrives and the temperatures cool off, we will want to ensure that we’re not over-watering to be fiscally and environmentally responsible. This is when we schedule the second irrigation inspection.

Average irrigation systems run for 150-200 days per year in St. Louis and under of pressure. That takes a toll on moving parts and connectors and they need to be periodically inspected because they can fail at any time.

Dowco’s irrigation inspections are provided at a discounted rate as a reward to our proactive clients. We will provide you with a recap of the system and any recommendations to enhance or maintain the system.

You will need to be home in order for the technician to get to the control timer (usually in the garage). We also encourage you to walk the system with the technician to discuss needed repairs and ways to optimize the system and the coverage provided for turf and plants.

Irrigation System Maintenance

Irrigation Startup

Dowco’s irrigation startup service includes everything you need to get your system up & running for the season.

Irrigation Shutdown

Dowco's irrigation shutdown service will ensure that your pipes are properly blown out & your system doesn't get freeze damage through the winter.

Irrigation Inspections

Dowco's irrigation inspections are perfect for the property owner who doesn't have the time or knowledge to change their system as the seasons change. They are offered at a discounted rate.

Dowco is ready to maintain your irrigation system. Simply schedule your appointment online today!

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