Watering System - Maintenance

Routine checks of any watering system are necessary to prevent water loss from unnoticed leaks and breakages. Early detection of faults means that minor problems can be mended before they become major and expensive repair jobs. Here are some minor problems found during a routine check of the systems in my garden and how they were fixed.

Problem:
An elbow joiner was found to be leaking.
It was also found to have no clamps attached.

Solution:
The old joiner was removed and a new one fitted.
Two new clamps used to attach it and tightened.
Hose was replaced in position.

Problem:
One adjustable dripper was found to be dirty and blocked, limiting it's functioning.
The top of the dripper was removed and the rest of the dripper found to be dirty.

Solution:
As this dripper is attached via a threaded stalk it was easily removed.
Clean water in a bucket was used to clear any blockage and all dirt from the dripper.
The hose at the point of connection was also cleaned of any dirt.
The dripper was replaced.

Problem:
A length of 13mm fixed in-line dripper hose did not have a tap on the end.
These are used to enable easy flushing of the lines through the season preventing the build up of salts or algae.

Solution:
The old end stop was cut off and a new tap fitted with a new clamp.

Problem:
One of the adjustable drippers was found to be flowing too fast.

Solution:
This was simply fixed with a quick adjustment until the flow was back to a drip.
The flow rate of these drippers needs to be monitored regularly.

General Maintenance:
As part of the end of season check the in-line filter the filter on the line that holds the 6mm in-line dripper tubing was found to be dirty (not blocked yet). A bucket of clean water and a scrubbing brush was used to clean the strainer in the filter. When clean it was replaced and the end clamps checked and the filter cleaned ready for use.

Problem:
Clamp on joiner and on a tap fitting was found to be broken.
This could result in the connection failing under pressure resulting in water wastage.

Solution:
Old clamps were removed and new clamps fitted and tightened.

General Maintenance:
At the end of the growing season some of the hoses are removed from the garden beds, cleaned and coiled. This is secured (with twist ties) and hung up in the garden shed to protect it from the effects of the weather.

Problem:
The flow through one of the 6mm fixed in-line dripper system hoses was found to be reduced.

Solution:
The end cap (a small section of 13mm poly hose) was removed and water allowed to flush through the line until the water was running clear. This effectively flushes any build up from the line.

General Maintenance:
Routine end of season flushing of poly hoses and fixed in-line dripper hoses.
All end taps opened to allow water to flush through till clear.
End caps removed on all lines for flushing.
Prevents build up of salt and algae in lines which can block drippers.

General Maintenance:
An old tool box is used to store all tools and spare parts necessary for inspections and repair work on the irrigation system.
This is easily carried around the garden for use on site in the areas needed.
A container is used to store old fittings for recycling.
The old hose is carefully cut and removed the fittings are cleaned and stored in the tool box.
The tool box is returned to it's spot on a shelf in the garden shed.