If you have exceptionally bad retic flow and pressure then it could be that you have a restrictor fitted to your water meter.
This can limit the flow to 9l/min and mean that it’s very difficult to get an efficient system up and running.
If you aren’t sure then check with your plumber. You may go from 9l to 30l overnight!
I have had a call each year for the last two years to come and replace the turf at this small backyard in Butler. A combination of young dogs and a shaded area means it has been tough for the lawn to survive.
It starts with a dig out of the old turf. Only 12m so not too much hard work. You can see the patchy old lawn below.
Then it’s time to screed and update the sprinklers with some mp rotators. The regular Toro nozzles were getting blown around in the wind and dirtying the pool fence.
And from here it was a case of laying the Sir Walter slabs and making it look good again.
Hopefully he won’t need to call next year!
It’s pretty miserable outside today but Sunday and Monday are looking very nice!
Call us to ensure you’re retic Controller is working and set correctly.
Today’s job was to install a backyard system for a client in Jindalee.
There was no retic in the place at all so we began with the sprinklers plumber, then the master valve and just one station solenoid to serve the lawn using MP Rotators.
The trencher got a good workout in the established turf and we finished in good time.
If you need retic installed in your backyard then be sure to give us a call!
A common misconception is that retic should run for 10 minutes.
NOT SO!
You are allowed to apply 10mls of water on your watering day. This is where the confusion comes from.
10ml not 10min!
So different nozzles require different run times.
Normal Toro – 10-15 minutes
MP Rotators – 45-60 minutes
Gear drives – 20-40 minutes
(The difference is related to the spacing between the sprinklers.)
But don’t buy the 10 minutes thing!
If you see water running down your street like this from the sprinkler at the bottom of the hill then it means you have at least one leaky solenoid.
The next step is to locate the correct solenoid and change it over. We can do this quickly with our solenoid detector and we can generally get the location perfect which minimises the digging in your lawn.
Here you can see we have been able to pinpoint the faulty valve.
Then once the valve is exchanges we test it and make sure all is working as it should be.
And just for good measure we go back to the sprinkler that was causing the problem and ensure it is no longer weeping.
Problem solved!
Like everything in life, the preparation matters!
When laying turf it matters to:
– get a good thick layer of quality soil
– ensure your retic covers all areas
– screed the ground to dead level
– spread fertiliser
– water the ground
Then lay turf…
If you do all of the above you can expect an excellent result. If not then it may turn out lumpy or it may not have the same vigorous start that new lawn needs
It’s what we do.
We can often get a whole house done in a day, like this one up in Two Rocks that we did this week.
If you have an established lawn then our trencher will cut thru it and we will get the new system installed neatly and quickly. We can supply soil to fill those trenches and get everything looking clean and tidy at the end.
So if you’re looking for a new system then give us a call! Generally we will discuss the project with you on the phone, give you a ballpark price range and then if we are working from the same budget then we will come out and meet you onsite to talk thru the job more carefully and work out what you need.
Everyone has their personal favourite. Some like the hardy but soft leaf type of buffalo – the Sir Walter in the picture above or Palmetto are the two most popular.
These are beautiful lawns and if looked after will really increase the value of your home.
Wintergreen is also a very nice lawn but with a finer leaf. The down side to wintergreen is its invasive nature, so you need to make sure your garden beds are protected as this lawn will get into them and if it is left unchecked will be very hard to get rid of.
Velveteen is a fine leaf couch but a bit more dense than wintergreen. It’s said that it is best for homes near the ocean, but I tend to feel that any lawn that is looked after will look good whether it’s close to the ocean or not.
The other that is very popular is Empire zoysia a mid sized leaf and a deep emerald green. If you are a lawn fanatic and willing to do the work to look after it then this is the lawn for you.
If you just want a lawn that will take care of itself then kikuyu may be the best choice for you!
If your sprinklers are barely spraying then it will be one of a few issues.
The most likely is that the system has a leak and pressure is getting released at a point other than the nozzles. Most likely is that a riser has broken and needs replacing.
Another possibility is that all nozzles are blocked. Rather than trying to unblock them you’re probably better off just replacing them.
Another possibility is that the solenoid has seized and is partially shut. This is the least likely option.
So
a) check for leaks around the base of sprinklers.
b) remove a nozzle and check to see if there is good water pressure.
c) if neither of the above resolve the issue then you may need to check out the solenoid.
By a process of deduction you should be able to find the problem!