After a wet season defined by extreme rainfall and localised flooding, the transition to the dry season can catch many by surprise. While the ground is still damp now, the tropical heat will quickly deplete soil moisture once the rain stops. At Think Water Darwin, we know that the best time to service your system isn’t when the grass starts turning brown, it’s right now.
Heavy wet season conditions can be tough on infrastructure. Receding floodwaters often leave behind silt in valve boxes, debris in sprinkler heads, and potential electrical issues in pump motors. Taking the time to audit your system now ensures you aren’t caught in the mid-season rush when the dust settles.
1. Inspect and Clear Sprinkler Heads
Floodwater and heavy downpours often wash grit and organic matter into pop-up sprinklers. Manually test each station to ensure heads are lifting correctly and providing an even spray pattern. Blocked nozzles lead to “dry spots” and wasted water, so give them a thorough clean or replace any that have been damaged by debris.
2. Pressure Test for Leaks
Soil shifting during heavy rain can stress underground pipework, leading to hairline cracks or loose fittings. Run your system and look for unusually damp patches or “bubbling” in the lawn. Identifying a leak now prevents a massive water bill, and a loss of pressure, later in the season.
3. Pump and Filtration Health Check
If your property relies on a bore pump, the wet season is the most critical time for a check-up. Ensure your pump is hitting the correct pressure and listen for any unusual bearing noise that might indicate water ingress. It is also the perfect time to check your filtration systems; sediment levels in bores often fluctuate after heavy rain, and a fresh filter set will protect your downstream drippers and sprinklers.
4. Adjust Your Smart Controllers
As the rain slows down, your irrigation schedule needs to ramp up, but not all at once. If you use a smart controller, now is the time to update your seasonal adjust settings. Transitioning your watering frequency gradually as the humidity drops ensures your plants acclimate without stress. Ensure your rain sensors are clean and functional so you can still take advantage of those final late-season showers.
5. Professional Support
Preparation is always cheaper than repair. If your system was submerged during the recent floods or if you’ve noticed a drop in performance, our team is here to help. We stock a full range of replacement products and parts, and offer the technical expertise to get your residential, agricultural, or commercial system ready for the months ahead.
Beat the heat and get your system sorted today. Visit us in-store at Coolalinga or contact our team to discuss a professional system check.