Common Operational Problems and Repair of Center Pivot Irrigation Systems

Center pivot irrigation systems are efficient and cost-effective when they are working properly; however, when they are experiencing problems and require irrigation system repair, they can be extremely frustrating.

Fortunately, most of the issues that irrigation system services see with these setups are based around the same operational problems that are fairly easy to prevent.

With some knowledge and good observation, anyone with a center pivot irrigation system installation can avoid these frustrating and resource-wasting problems and experience great service from their system.

  • Operating Water Pressure Issues - Every center pivot irrigation system installation is designed to operate using certain water pressure. When water pressure drops below the minimum recommended pressure for the system, it might seem like the system is not performing well and irrigation system repair is necessary, but this is not always so. Reduced water pressure due to wells and other water sources lowering and terrain elevation making it harder to pump water to the system are prime reasons for poor performance. Leaky nozzles and worn water pump impellers can also reduce water pressure within the system, affecting performance.
  • Nozzle Type and Sequence - To achieve uniform water delivery at the correct pressure, it is essential that the right replacement nozzles be purchased from irrigation system services, and that those nozzles properly maintained. Each system is designed to work with a specific nozzle and all nozzles must be cleaned regularly to prevent mineral and debris buildup that can lead to blockages and out-of-sequence irrigation.
  • Control Panel Programming - Every center pivot irrigation system comes with a control panel and center pivot application chart to help determine how the system should be programmed to irrigate as required. Many of the reasons that some believe they need irrigation system repair simply boils down to incorrect programming with the control panel. It is essential to be fully informed on how the system programming works with respect to travel speed and gross water application, what is required for the crop, and how to achieve that with the control panel. Deviations to this, whether that means delivering too much water or not enough, will result in lower crop yield.

While center pivot systems sold by irrigation system services are extremely effective for helping farmers get the highest yield from their crops, these three common problems can prevent that.

Whether the issue is a poor understanding of system programming or a required irrigation system repair due to clogged nozzles or worn-out water pump impellers, staying observant of these three issues will ensure better system performance and higher crop yield.

Avoid Costly Damage by Winterizing Turf Irrigation systems Now

The temperature is dropping and with winter setting in, groundcover and grass will all soon be dormant, storing up energy for that spring growth spurt.

Your turf irrigation system won’t be seeing much use from this point on, as dormant turf doesn’t need much watering.

Mother nature can take care of things until springtime.

Shutting Down an Irrigation Sprinkler System

What you need to take care of in the meantime is shutting down your turf irrigation system so it doesn’t become damaged once the ground starts freezing.

It might take more than one or two freezes for the ground to freeze to the level of the irrigation lines but once it does, that is when the damage can occur.

Water trapped in those thin pipes can destroy the whole system as it freezes and expands, bursting PVC water supply lines.

The worst thing is that you may not realize it until much later, after many gallons of wasted water has passed through broken water lines once the water can flow again.

Simple to Shut Down Turf Irrigation Systems

Fortunately, “winterizing” a turf irrigation system and preventing this damage is very easy to do.

It can be accomplished in only 4 easy steps:

  • Turn off the system and any timers controlling it.
  • Turn off the main water supply to the system.
  • Open all valves and drain the system.
  • Insulate any above-ground components to protect them.

Importance of Draining Turf Irrigation Systems

Of the four steps, draining the turf irrigation system is the one requiring the most attention.

Depending on the system, it might have an automatic draining function that should be activated or you may have to drain it manually, just refer to the instructional manual for your system for directions.

In most cases, this just involves opening certain valves that are positioned in specific locations to evacuate the water lines.

You may also be able to perform a system blow-out draining using a compressor.

Regardless of the method used to drain a turf irrigation system, this fifteen minutes of effort can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars that might otherwise end up being spent on repairs or even replacing the whole system.

Using last winter as a prime example of just how unpredictable Texas winters can be, it is time well spent protecting the investment that has been made on a lawn or turf sprinkler system.

Seek A Turf Irrigation System Pro For Help!

For help winterizing your system in the next few weeks, contact a turf irrigation system service that can talk you through the process or come out to take care of it for you, if necessary.

Irrigation System Design Tips that Will Save Your Farm

Any time of the year, farm and ranch owners can and should make sure their irrigation system is working correctly as money and time can be saved through repairs, upgrades, and revisions.

An entire farm or ranch investment can be protected by a good irrigation system design and property value can be enhanced significantly.

Get Professional Irrigation Services

Seeking the services of farm irrigation professionals is the best way to begin the process of making sure a farm stays green.

Professional advice, product recommendations, irrigation system design, and other services are provided by quality irrigation companies.

Most irrigation systems need to designed right from the start and that requires knowledge and professionalism to set up the layout needed to ensure crops grow well.

Specific Irrigation System Needs

Head to head water coverage is a must when designing an irrigation system as water coverage needs to overlap in a proper irrigation system design as the water from heads should reach the heads to the sides as well as across from them.

For example, the heads should be spaced fifteen feet apart if they have fifteen-foot nozzles which can be clearly designed by irrigation system services.

It is important that the irrigation system devices are fine-tuned.

For slopes, the heads should be either pointed slightly downward or upward plus there are adjustable nozzles that can be set for various angles or static nozzles that come in a variety of angles.

Use State of the Art Advancements for Improved Performance

Great versatility can be achieved with the programming abilities of today's wide array of cutting edge irrigation system controllers.

It is advisable to use a digital electronic type as this is your most user-friendly option according to the vast majority of farm owners and they are affordable.

Many people and some professional irrigation system specialists overlook the value of automatic rain shut off sensors that are easy to install, very affordable, and not very big.

These should be incorporated into any farm irrigation system design plan.

In Summary

Because there are so many different options for irrigation system services, going to the professionals is the best solution.

Experienced irrigation system design professionals have the years of experience necessary to make sure the job is done right.