Houston Sprinkler Repair And Installation Experts
8070 Taylor St. , Houston Tx 77064
10 Feb 2021
frozen sprinkler system

Sprinkler Freeze Alert For The Houston Area

Repair freeze damaged sprinkler systems

The temperature is expected to plunge in the Houston area for most of this week. Starting on Monday we’ll see a low of of at least 17 degrees, and some reports state that it could get into single digits and we will have snow fall.

During hard freezes like this it is critical to properly winterize your system and prepare it early as possible. Water freezing inside your irrigation system can cause a variety of parts to fail and leak water once the freeze passes. It’s not uncommon for us to receive hundreds of calls after a freeze from customers with broken backflow preventer, PVB damage, broken pressure vacuum, split valve damage and more.

What Do I Do When My Sprinkler Has Freeze Damage?

If you suspect that your irrigation system is damages during the freeze, you will want to have it professionally inspected and repaired. Turn off the water to your system and call our service team at 281-744-6909. Our service call time slots fill up fast so contact us as soon as possible so we can help you fix the freeze damage before any additional money and water is wasted from leaks.

We know that hard freezes are rare in the Houston area and these weather related repairs can catch us off guard. JB Irrigation is here to help you through the entire process, from offering water saving tips, to winterization and emergency repairs, so call or email our team today and we will take care of all of your sprinkler system needs.

10 Jun 2020
summer-sprinkler-maintenance

High Temperatures Expect Throughout The Week – It’s Time To Service Your Sprinkler System

The Houston area is expecting temperatures to rise to the mid-nineties throughout the week. Hight heat can damage your lawn without proper irrigation.

Did you know that improperly adjusted sprinkler systems, leaky pipes and broken sprinkler heads can waste thousands of gallons of water. Have your system serviced by JB Irrigation’s technicians now before the summer heat is in full swing. You’ll save water and ensure that you’ll have a healthy green lawn all summer long.

21 Aug 2019
mobile sprinkler control

Control Your Lawn Watering From the Palm of Your Hand With Our New Wi-Fi Controllers

Upgrade to an App Based Smart Irrigation Controller

With the rise of the smart home, more and more homeowners are interested in being able to see and control their irrigation right from their phone.

Some common benefits include:

  • Run system manually from any location without accessing the control panel
  • Water savings
  • Automatically watering plant the right amount based on weather
  • Alerts to electrical issues

INTRODUCING the Rain Bird ESP-ME3 Irrigation Controller with LNK

When the ESP-ME3 is installed with Rain Bird’s LNK Wi-Fi module, users can set up and manage their irrigation with Rain Bird’s free mobile app.

Already have a Rainbird ESP-ME3 irrigation controller installed by JB Irrigation?

While the ESP-ME controller itself isn’t Wi-Fi based, it’s easily upgraded to a Wi-Fi enabled controller with the LNK Wi-Fi module. With the module and accompanying app, you can operate and monitor the irrigation system from anywhere, with real-time alerts and water management tools.

Check out the following video or ask the Professionals at JB Irrigation about Wi-Fi enabled controller options.

18 Mar 2019
JBIrrigation_sprinkler

How do I start up my sprinkler system this season?

Spring start up can be easily done by following these steps.

1. Turn on the water supply.
2. Activate each station on the system with the controller
3. Walk through each station to verify the proper operation
4. Program the controller for automatic operation
5. Verify weather sensor is operational

The first step is to turn on the water supply. The valve for the water supply could be in the water meter box, a small valve box just outside the water meter box, or on the backflow preventer. Some systems may have more than one or all of these valves.

The second step is to run each station by turning each one on with the controller. Your controller will have a selection on it to run the system manually either zone by zone or run a manual cycle. Some controllers even have an option for a “Test Cycle”. Test cycle will run each zone in order in an abbreviated cycle of 1, 2, or 3 minutes.

The third step is to walk the system zones once you have turned them on manually or with the Test Cycle. Observe the pressure coming out of the heads. If it is low, you could have a leak or a valve problem. Make sure the water is directed where is supposed to. Make sure rotating heads are oscillating back and forth to cover the entire area.

The fourth step is to program the control panel to run automatically. Depending on your landscape’s water needs you will need to select your watering schedule and duration. Set the system to come on as many days of the week as you need. Set a cycle start time. This is the time irrigation will begin. Set the duration of time each zone will run. This is the number of minutes that each zone will irrigate its respective portion of your landscape.

The fifth step is to check your weather sensor. Make sure your sensor bypass selector switch on the control panel is in the “active” position. Most sensors have a small button on the top of the “spindle” of the rain sensor. Push the spindle or button down for a few seconds while a helper looks at the control panel for the “rain indicator” or a change in the control panel’s readout. If the display indicated “rain” or otherwise indicated, the sensor has taken the system offline while the spindle button is pushed then your weather sensor is likely working.

27 Feb 2019
JB_Trucks_2

Getting Our Fleet Ready For Your Sprinkler System Service Calls – Oil Change And Fleet Maintenance Days At JB Irrigation

The weather has been rainy, cold and damp. You’re probably not thinking of Irrigation. We are! We are getting ready for you!
Check out behind the scenes here at the JB Irrigation yard where we are getting our trucks ready so we can service your sprinkler system this season!
JB_Trucks

 

20 Sep 2018
SprinklerSystem

Maintain & Upgrade Your System

Irrigation systems need regular maintenance to keep them working efficiently year after year. Damage from lawn equipment or improper winterization can cause leaks and other serious problems.

Inspect your system monthly. Check for leaks, broken or clogged sprinkler heads, and other problems. Clean clogged screens and micro-irrigation filters as needed.

Adjust sprinkler heads. Remove or correct obstructions that prevent sprinklers from distributing water evenly. Adjust sprinkler head positions and spray patterns to avoid watering sidewalks or structures and to provide necessary clearance over growing plants.

Check the pressure. Pressure can change over time and negatively affect system efficiency.

Inspect the system for leaks. Leaks are a huge water waster. JB Irrigation can perform regular maintenance checks for leaks, broken or clogged spray heads, and other problems.

Install a rain shutoff switch. JB Irrigation installs these sensors that can be retrofitted to almost any system and help compensate for natural rainfall by turning off your system in rainy weather.

Look for savings. Many water utilities offer rebates for certain water-efficient products. Consult with your local water provider.

Have your system audited. Hire JB Irrigation to conduct an irrigation check and test to verify areas are being watered evenly and appropriately, and make necessary adjustments.

Winterize your system. JB Irrigation can prepare your system from a freeze that can crack pipes, valves. and sprinklers.

Justin Bielamowicz,
Owner, Licensed Irrigator #7396
JB Irrigation & Services
www.JBIrrigation.com
Phone: 281-744-6909

07 May 2018
irrigation-check

Are You Ready For A Summer Pre-Season Irrigation Check?

Numerous home owners and entrepreneurs know that spring is prime time for a cooling check—nobody needs to have the A/C breakdown when summer temps hit triple digits. But most individuals may not understand that it’s additionally an ideal time to complete an irrigation check.

Irrigation systems across the nation are relied on during the hot summer months to keep landscapes alive and healthy, so a spring inspection can keep your system free of irrigation issues when you should be enjoying your outdoor spaces.

Following these irrigation checks can help prevent problems and even help save water this summer.

1. THE WATER BILL
The first sign of any major problem can show up on the water bill. Does it seem high compared to the previous month or year? Is it comparable to others in the neighborhood?

Are you concerned about how much water you are using? Are you interested in potential water-saving solutions?

2. DO A WALK AROUND
Are there signs like soggy turf or erosion? Are your plants and grass healthy? A quick walk around the property can help reveal any obvious leaks or issues.

3. INSPECT EACH IRRIGATION ZONE
Head to the controller and run and inspect each zone, one by one. Check for missing or clogged emitters, or sprinklers that are broken or out of alignment.
If you see any odd spraying that could indicate broken or chipped nozzles.

4. CHECK FOR WATER PRESSURE PROBLEMS
If the water use is high, but the turf seems dry, low water pressure may be an issue.

A rainbow that appears as the zone is running can be telltale sign of high pressure. Spray heads are meant to run at max of 30 PSI and will begin to fog or mist at higher pressure. Pressure regulating spray bodies or rotors, or another device may be necessary to get the pressure right.

5. CHECK THE IRRIGATION SCHEDULE
It’s always good to double check the watering schedule.

If a controller was left to its default settings after a power outage, someone meddled with the settings or there were any recent site changes (new plants or removals), then adjustments may be necessary.

To get the right watering schedule dialed in, make sure you understand the irrigation controller, system outputs, plant water needs, and soil type.

6. DOUBLE CHECK THE DRIP
It’s smart to check out the drip filter, even if it was cleaned at the start of the season. If it’s loaded up with debris, you may need to clean the filter more frequently.
Pay special attention to drip irrigated areas. When water is applied more slowly, it can be more difficult to tell when overwatering is occurring, so check the area for signs.

7. A QUICK WIN TO SAVE WATER
Most spray heads are really inefficient, with a distribution uniformity (DU) of 40 percent, meaning only 40 percent of the water gets to the plants roots. The problem is how fast they put out water.

Hurricane Harvey put sixty inches down in some parts of Texas over 72 hours. That’s a precipitation rate of 0.83 inches per hour. Most fixed sprays apply water at twice that rate.

This usually leads to ponding, runoff and a lot of wasted water. Swapping fixed spray heads with high-efficiency fan-spray or rotary nozzles can double the efficiency on most systems, saving hundreds of gallons each week. In most cases all you have to do is change the nozzle.

In the meantime, make sure any spray nozzles are scheduled for short run times with delays in between to allow water to soak in, not run off.

High-efficiency fan-spray or rotary nozzles water more slowly, so the water reaches its target.

JUST ASK FOR SUMMER SUCCESS!
Start the season off right with these checks by JB Irrigation to help your save water and money! Call us now to schedule a Technician out ! 281-744-6909

Irrigation Inspection Checklist
1. Ask About the Water Bill: Are there any water use concerns?
2. Walk the Property: Inspect plant health and signs of issues.
3. Inspect Each Zone: Check sprinkler alignment.
4. Perform a Pressure Check: Watch for misting and under-performing heads.
5. Check the Schedule: Adjust controller as needed.
6. Double-Check the Drip: Check filter and signs of overwatering.
7. Save Water: Upgrade sprinkler nozzles to high-efficiency models.

30 May 2017
rainbird

Water Conservation Ideas and Tips for Your Sprinkler System #2

Adjust your irrigation controller (timer) run time for seasonal changes in weather once a month. Simply making a monthly change to the irrigation operation times can save more water and money than any other thing you can do. It costs nothing but a few minutes of your time each month. Most controllers even have a % key that makes changing the time quick and reasonably painless. Put a reminder on your calendar so you are reminded each month. Even greater savings come with weekly time adjustments, but monthly will provide the most return in water savings for your time invested.

Call JB Irrigation today and we can audit your sprinkler system and show you how to save water with you Irrigation System.

Justin Bielamowicz, Owner
Licensed Irrigator #7396
JB Irrigation & Services
Phone: 281-744-6909

05 May 2017

Water Conservation Tips and Ideas For Your Sprinkler System #1

Run your irrigation system during the morning hours, especially if you use sprinklers. Less water is lost to evaporation when the temperature is cooler, plus in most areas the wind doesn’t blow as hard in the mornings. Watering in the evenings can lead to turf and plant disease problems because the water sits on the plants all night, especially in humid climates.

25 Apr 2017
drip-irrigation

There Are Many Ways To Save Water

The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Fix a Leak Week might be coming to an end, but you don’t have to wait until next year to continue saving water!

There are more ways to prevent water waste than only protecting your pipes from bursting, breaking or busting. Try these tips from JB Irrigation to conserve water all year round.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation allows for low volume amounts of water to reach your plants right at the root, preventing overspray, runoff and evaporation and uses 20 to 50 percent less water than conventional pop-up sprinklers. JB Irrigation can easily convert your conventional sprinklers into drip irrigation.

Irrigation Smart Controllers

Manage your irrigation system with smart, water efficient controllers that take the guesswork out of scheduling run times, which saves time, money and water!

JB Irrigation’s smart controllers include features that factor in weather patterns, rainfall probability, temperature forecast, zone specific calculations and more to avoid over watering and prevent water waste.