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JB Irrigation Houston Sprinkler Repair

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JB Irrigation Houston Sprinkler RepairLatest News
13 Nov 2014
0 Comments By JustinB Sprinkler Maintenance

Insulate, Drain, or both? Winterizing your Houston, Texas Lawn Sprinkler System

winterization sprinkler freeze preventionIn the Houston, Texas area we have to worry only about exposed irrigation system piping and components. The underground piping is usually not affected by our kind of freezing weather because the soil acts as an insulator. The temperature of the soil your irrigation system is buried in typically stays above freezing. It is however VERY important to protect exposed pipes and sprinkler system components from freeze. System protection can be achieved by insulating a sprinkler system, draining a sprinkler system, checking o-rings and seals, electrical and more.

JB Irrigation can professionally insulate the affected areas of your sprinkler system. JB Irrigation’s techniques and professional insulating products will even allow your sprinkler system to be kept online through the winter, in case you need to continue to irrigate.
JB Irrigation can also drain your Houston area sprinkler system to prepare it from freeze. However, once the system is drained, it will be offline. If there is a need to irrigate through the winter, the system will need to be drained again to be protected. Draining key components of the system will help ensure no problems when it comes time to start-up the system in the spring.
If you feel you may have a harsh winter coming…for a worry free winter with your sprinkler system…Insulate and drain. If temperatures get low enough, even with insulation water can freeze. Also, it is possible for water to get trapped in a “pocket” or low point of the system or component and freeze.
Contact JB Irrigation to get your sprinkler system protected.

Save $10 by ordering your sprinkler winterization online here. 

11 Nov 2014
0 Comments By JustinB Sprinkler Maintenance

Winterizing Your Houston Texas Irrigation System

winterization sprinkler freeze preventionBefore the onset of the first freeze, it is essential to Winterize irrigation systems in preparation the arrival of winter. As temperatures drop and create freezing conditions, the cycling of freezing (expanding) and thawing (contracting) of any remaining water in the exposed irrigation piping and components can cause damage to the system. JB Irrigation provides a Winterization Service for your Houston area sprinkler system.
29 Jul 2014
0 Comments By MHoffpauir Lawn Care, News and Information

The Anatomy of a Water-Smart Irrigation System

A water-smart irrigation system in a landscape functions much like the systems in a human body. That’s a useful analogy you can share to educate your clients about the value of smart irrigation. Let’s compare the following water-smart products to different organs, functions, and systems in our physical selves.

Start with a smart controller, the brains of the operation

Think of the smart controller as the brain, overseeing all operations necessary for the system to function. By collecting data from sensors, or current weather data in your area, the smart controller will automatically adjust watering schedules to match the weather and the changing of the seasons. Explore smart controller options for your irrigation system, in particular WaterSense labeled smart controllers.

Sensors as the eyes and ears of an irrigation system

Sensors are like the eyes and ears, delivering information to the brain. Rain sensors detect rainfall to avoid overwatering. Sensors shut off an irrigation system during rain events, when the ground is already moist, or even when freezing temps arrive. Adding a rain sensor or temperature sensor will bring additional water savings, and the specific needs of your site will determine which sensors are best. Inquire about sensor options with a JB Irrigation representative today!

A circulatory system with sprinklers and nozzles

Just as high blood pressure can be bad for your body, so can excessive water pressure be unhealthy for an irrigation system. Maintain healthy circulation with water-smart heads and nozzles. These products create larger water drops or streams, which are more resistant to wind and will soak into the soil more easily. Water-efficient sprinklers and nozzles can reduce water use by 30 percent compared to traditional spray nozzles. Contact JB Irrigation for water smart heads and nozzles for your irrigation system.

27 Jun 2014
0 Comments By JustinB Lawn Care, News and Information

Ready for Smart Irrigation Month?

smart lawn irrigation watering
It has now been a decade since JB Irrigation has been promoting the efficient use of irrigation through the “Smart Irrigation Month” campaign. The purpose of smart irrigation month is to “…increase awareness of the value of water use… and grow demand for water-saving products, practices and services”. Glass Repair Jonesboro AR

JB Irrigation & Services supports this initiative and continues to introduce products and solutions that use water more efficiently. JB Irrigation has a full line of WaterSmart® products that offer solutions to save water while still providing for a vibrant and sustainable landscape.

14 Mar 2014
0 Comments By JustinB Special Offers

Promoting Water Conservation Just Makes Good Water Sense

More than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from homes nationwide each year—that’s a trillion reasons to get involved in water conservation. That’s why JB Irrigation is participating in Fix a Leak Week from March 17 – 23, to help promote water efficiency and conservation.Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program, Fix a Leak

Week is an annual reminder for Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems. Fix a Leak Week is only seven days long, but you can promote water efficiency year long by keeping your sprinkler system maintained.

JB Irrigation is offering $10 off your service call during Fix a Leak Week, when you have JB Irrigation repair or replace any leaking sprinkler system component.

10 Jan 2014
0 Comments By JustinB Sprinkler Maintenance

It’s Been Cold In Houston. Have Your Sprinkler Freeze Repair Done By JB Irrigation

houston sprinkler repair freeze damage Houston weather has taken a chilly turn over the last week or so. Our usual warm and humid environment disappeared and temperatures fell into the 20’s as the weathermen across the country spoke of “polar vortexes” and ice storms throughout the nation.

When a strong freeze hits Houston we are always faced with damage to our pipes and sprinkler systems. As that ice thaws out, you’ve got a real mess on your hands.

JB Irrigation specializes in sprinkler freeze repair and our team of well trained technicians are available to fix your sprinkler issues quickly – anywhere in the Houston area.

For more information on on sprinkler winterization and freeze repair, call Justin at (281) 760-3882.

12 Nov 2013
0 Comments By JustinB Lawn Care

5 Tips To Help Transition Your Lawn Care Into The Fall Season

As dawn comes later each morning and dusk comes earlier, we see the changing of seasons upon us. Summer’s harsh weather is ending and we are coming into the cooler temperatures of Fall. At this time you need to change your watering schedule and start preparing for even cooler weather coming in Winter, but you certainly shouldn’t neglect your lawn during this critical time of the year. Here are some tips to help you during this change:

1.  Drop your watering schedule down to 2 days a week. Water when your grass needs a drink.
2.  Plan your watering to match your lawn type. Different grasses need different amounts of water. Consult with us for more information.
3.  Repair and begin winterizing your sprinkler system.  This helps prepare your system for the cooler weather of Winter.
4.  Keep your lawn neatly trimmed.  Mowing the lawn on a regular basis will take away all the scorched grass from the Summer’s sun.
5.  You should begin your Winter fertilizing at this time to protect from the colder weather.

Remember, Fall is no time for standing around waiting – Your lawn needs your attention during these months.  Also, this time is perfect to address your sprinkler system repairs.  Your automatic irrigation systems generally put out a great deal of water and it is important to keep them working properly to avoid waste. Call JB Irrigation to come out and check your system, make sure that it is running as efficient as possible and repair any challenges you may have. We’ll also help with the winterization when the time comes.

11 Sep 2013
0 Comments By MHoffpauir Lawn Care

5 Must Haves For Smart Irrigation

1. Quality Soil

It might seem odd, but looking at your soil is one of the best places you can start for smart irrigation. That’s because the more moisture the soil can hold, the less frequently watering is needed.

AquaSmart Pro is a product that can actually increase the moisture-holding capacity of soil. Just a small amount of this super-absorbent polymer-coated sand is worked into soil—about four tablespoons per gallon of soil, or 40 pounds per 1,000 square feet. AquaSmart particles absorb water, then release it back out to the soil and plant roots over time. AquaSmart keeps new sod and plantings from drying out, and can treat dry spots in turf. It’s especially useful for areas with watering restrictions and drought. AquaSmart Pro can be purchased through JB Irrigation’s parts department.

2. Water Efficient Sprinklers and Nozzles

These types of sprinklers and nozzles are primarily designed to produce larger drops of water or streams that are more resistant to wind and that soak into the soil, preventing overwatering. They can typically reduce water use by 30 percent, compared to traditional spray nozzles. Look for low-precipitation rates (1 inch or less per minute). Popular models include Hunter’s MP Rotators, Rain Bird’s HE-VAN or R-VAN which all are available from JB Irrigation’s parts department or professionally installed on your site by JB Irrigation’s Service Technicians.

3. Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is a great choice for shrubs, trees and others plants. 90-100 percent of the water applied by drip systems goes where it’s needed: the roots! With the right design and quality products, drip irrigation can be a low maintenance and water saving option. Look to JB Irrigation for drip tubing and other drip irrigation parts, which are made from the highest quality plastics for improved durability. Available for purchase at our parts store of professionally installed by JB Irrigation Service Technicians at your home or business.

4. Rain and Temperature Sensors

Avoid watering during a rainstorm, or when the ground is already soaked! A rain sensor will detect rainfall. Some rain-temperature sensors will also turn on or shut off your irrigation system as temps increase or decrease.

If you have a rain sensor and it is more than a few years old you should consider upgrading to a new one. The new sensors we sell today use the latest technology available to insure that you don’t water when it’s not needed.

Conventional wired sensor or “go wireless”? It all depends on the specific site needs. Conventional wired sensors are cheaper. Wired units restrict where or how far from the controller the sensor can be located. Also running the wires can be difficult and time consuming. The wireless units are more money but offer flexibility of locating just about anywhere on a typical site. Wireless units offer easy and speedy installation. Regardless of wired or wireless, additional water savings can be achieved by having a new rain sensor. JB Irrigation stocks both wired and wireless sensors at our parts store and on all our service trucks.

5. Smart Controller

A smart controller is the brain for your smart irrigation system—it uses weather data to give your plants the right amount of water.

Using real-time data from sensors on your site, and historical weather data for your area, a smart controller will adjust watering schedules to the weather and season- on a daily basis.

Ask a JB Irrigation service professional about our smart controllers. We stock WaterSense labeled smart controllers which are proven water-savers by the EPA.

Save on Smart Irrigation

Be sure to check with your water provider for smart irrigation rebates. Many cities, MUD districts, and water companies offer rebates on smart controllers, water-efficient sprinkler nozzles and more. Call the phone number on your water bill and ask them if rebates are available in your area.

17 Jun 2013
0 Comments By JustinB Sprinkler Maintenance

Sprinkler Leaks Can Bring Costly Surprise

Sometimes it takes getting soaked with water-bill sticker shock for homeowners to find out about a leaking sprinkler system.

A leak the width of a dime in an underground sprinkler line can waste 6,300 gallons of water per month — doubling typical water use on some household water bills.

Aside from increased water bills, underground leaks from sprinkler systems may not surface until a sinkhole swallows a backyard deck or water bubbles up as an unintended bedroom fountain. Underground leaks from sprinkler systems, threaten pocketbooks and water supplies alike, particularly during dry seasons.

How much water can be lost to seemingly small leaks?

A leak near one sprinkler head can lose about 225 gallons during one 15-minute watering cycle. Run three times per week, that can waste about 3,000 gallons of water per month. The magnitude gets multiplied when it’s a community irrigation system or commercial-size system at a neighborhood, business, condominium or hotel.

How much can leaks increase water bills?

The water lost in that small leak near one sprinkler head can end up tacking an additional $20 per month onto water bills.

Larger leaks from irrigation systems can double a water bill in one month. Even when a leak is to blame for an inflated water bill, it’s the homeowner, in most cases, who still gets stuck paying.

To try to promote conservation, many city utilities (including City of Houston) charge higher rates for the largest water users, so one month of leaking can push a customer into that more expensive category.

What damage can leaks cause?

Leaks from sprinkler lines can create sink holes and below-ground cavities that crack or cave in pool decks, sidewalks and patios and also damage utility lines. Portions of lawns and other landscaping can be lost due to declining water pressure from a leaking sprinkler system that runs unattended.

 

How can you detect underground leaks?

Utility and water-management district officials recommend periodic leak testing of sprinkler systems. Leaks in sprinkler systems fed by wells don’t show up in water bills that charge for water supplied by local utilities. Checking for irrigation leaks includes looking for broken sprinkler heads and testing each sprinkling zone for reduced water pressure, which can be sign of below-ground leaks.

 

How do sprinkler leaks affect our drinking-water supply?

Landscape irrigation alone accounts for about half the public water supply used in most areas, according to management districts.

Pumping more water to feed leaking sprinkler lines and adds to the strain on underground drinking-water supplies.

Checking for leaks in irrigation systems and pools should become everyone’s conservation routine.

Written by: Andy Reid