Regular irrigation monitoring is essential to ensure the system is delivering the required output and distribution of water in the required pattern. Variations in output and distribution could be due to:

Incorrect selection of components

Incorrect pressure in the system

Wear in the components

Faults or breakages in the components

Blockages in the components

Any large problems in your irrigation system are normally pretty obvious and will be identified because of either (a) Dry patches in the grass which is usually due to blockages or (b) wet patches which is a sign of a wear or a break.

Some examples of the sysmptoms of faults can inlcude;

Problem Evidence

Leakage at the coupling Check for pressure or damaged sealing rings or pipes

Abnormal rise in pressure Check for blockages in the lines or filters, a drop in pressure just behind a much higher one should point to the location of the blockage.

Water leaking from bearing Check for dirt/grit that could be lodged between the of rotary sprinklers bearing surfaces.

Too much water is being delivered Check for damage and wear by sprinklers or channels.

Too little water being delivered Check for damage or blockage in line, syphon, channel by emitters or channels or furrow.

Pop ups or sprinkler's not rotating Check for grim or worn gears

Smaller variations in output and distribution can only be determined by measuring the actual output from the emitters. Random checks of output from emitters throughout the system should be carried out on a regular basis. Any problems should be checked and fixed immediatly.

Repair or Replace?

Components need to be replaced if they cant be repaired

Consider replacing the older components rather than repairing. If similar components in a system are starting to break down, consider replacing them all rather than repairing them.

Repairing or replacing depends on costs of repairs and labour compared with costs of replacement parts and installation.

Replacing Faulty Components

There are some important steps in replacing faulty components in an irrigation system, these include; Shutting down the system.

When shutting any pressurised irrigation system there is a sequence that should be followed. If the correct system is not followed, components in the system may be damaged. the sequence can be different for the various types of systems. The sequence is normally specified in the system operation specifications or in the technical manuals associated with the system components.

Some systems you may have to drain the water from the system. with gravity-fed systems, simply shutting off the water at the source may be all that is required to shut down the system.

Isolation procedures

After the irrigation system has been shutdown, the part of the system containing the problem needs to be isolated. Procedures for this are found in system specifications and technical manuals.

Secure the Area

Once safe shutdown or isolation has been confirmed, safety or security lock-off devices and signings should be installed where appropriate.

Replacing irrigation systems components

The faulty components are removed from the system according to instructions in manufacturer's maintenance manuals. The specifications of the faulty component should be noted and determined from the system specifications. Suitable high quality replacement parts should then be obtained.

Installing replacement components

Replacement parts should be installed in accordance with the system specifications and technical manuals. You will need to be able to identify the range of components that need to be replaced and demonstrate the correct replacement procedure for each component.

Returing System to normal operating status

Once the faulty components have been replaced, the isolation or shutdown compondents are returned to service in accordance with system specifications and technical manuals.

Operational tests

Once the faulty components have been replaced, the system needs to be tested to ensure that the system is operating correctly.