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Summer is here and the weather is getting warmer by the day. That means you and your family need to find ways to cool down fast. While it’s tempting to let the kids play in your Denver sprinkler system, it’s not always the best option. The more you run the system, the higher your water and electricity bill will be. Worse, you could flood out your lawn and create major issues for your landscaping. But we’ve got you covered. Here are a few great ideas to help you beat the heat without having to deal with an obscenely high utility bill. 

Use Water Guns

Nothing says “summer” like a water gun fight on the front lawn. And it’s the perfect way to beat the heat without relying on your sprinkler system. Head to your local dollar store and pick up a multi-pack of water guns or go big with a water cannon. Fill each one with cold water and get to squirting.

It’s fun for the entire family and it uses far less water than the standard run through the sprinkler system session. This means you’ll stay cool without using more water than you really meant to. For best results (and less water wasting) fill buckets of water and place them around the yard. Let people refill the water guns from the buckets rather than running the hose or water spigot. 

Fill Up a Kiddie Pool

Kiddie pools are perfect for lounging and splashing in, even if you’re a full-grown kid-at-heart. Fill the pool with cool water from your hose, grab a good book, and sit in the small pool to beat the worst of the heat. 

You won’t get your entire body wet, but those precious few inches of water will be enough to help you stay cool on those hot summer afternoons. Just remember to put the pool in the shade. You’ll feel cooler and get to avoid that troublesome sunburn so many people dread during the warmer months. 

Have a Water Balloon Fight

If you’re willing to deal with a bit of a mess afterwards, have a water balloon fight in your yard. Grab a few buckets and fill them with water balloons full of cold water. Then, get to throwing!

When each balloon pops, you’ll get bathed with cold water, taking the brunt of the heat away and helping you stay cool. On extremely hot days, consider wearing a loose t-shirt and athletic shorts for the balloon fight. As the fabric dries, it will cool your skin, making even hot and sunny afternoons bearable. 

Wrap a Damp Bandana Around Your Neck

Believe it or not, there are some parts of your body that facilitate cooling better than others. And we’re not talking about your forehead…we’re talking about your neck. 

Grab a clean bandana, scarf, or even a dish towel, and dunk it in cold water. Wring it out until it’s wet but not dripping and drape it over the back of your neck. If you can, tie the ends together so you can walk around and be active without the fabric falling off.

The cold water will cool the blood in your veins which, as it circulates, helps cool down the rest of your body. It’s like walking around with a portable air conditioner!

Skip the Hot Shower

Hot showers feel great in the spring, fall, and winter. But they can often feel like torture during the summer months. So, skip them. 

Turn the tap on cold and bathe in cold water. It’s bracing, but after a few minutes, you’ll adjust to the temperature just like you would in a cold swimming pool. You’ll end up getting clean without steaming up the bathroom or making yourself warmer than you were when you got in.

If you’re feeling extra hot but don’t have access to a pool, fill your tub with cold water and soak away. You’ll have the added benefit of a deeper pool of water than you’d get with the kiddie pool and you won’t have to worry about sunburn, bugs, or other summer nuisances. 

For those extra hot days, add a few cups of ice to the bath and soak for a few minutes. Remember, you want the water to be comfortably cool, not freezing. Otherwise, you won’t be able to stay in the water long enough to cool off!

Supplement Your HVAC System with DIY AC

Air conditioning is by far the biggest source of energy use during the summer and it can make your energy bill skyrocket quickly. But there is a way to beat that high energy bill without turning the thermostat up and suffering through the heat: create your own DIY AC system. They’re perfect for kids’ rooms and areas of the house that never seem cool enough.

All you need to do is put a few plastic water bottles in the freezer until they’re solid. Then, set them on a table and point a fan directly at the water bottle. Table-top fans and desk fans work best. Sit yourself in front of the breeze and bask in the cool air. The plastic bottles can get re-frozen once they melt. 

Though it’s not a complete substitute for your central AC system, it can help you stay cooler without having to lower your thermostat. This will save you money over the summer and helps reduce the wear and tear on your air conditioning unit. The less you rely on it, the more time it gets to rest. That means fewer maintenance appointments and less chance of unexpected breakdowns. 

Beat the Heat This Summer

Denver seems to be extremely warm these days. Use these tips to help you and your loved ones stay cool this summer without worrying about your utility bill. And use your sprinkler system to keep your landscaping properly hydrated. 

Not sure if your system is working properly or just want an experienced professional to make sure it’s up to coping with Denver’s intense sun? Contact us to schedule a maintenance appointment. 

A damaged sprinkler system is a major issue. It hurts your landscaping which can decrease your home’s curb appeal almost immediately. But if you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably wondering what repairs you should expect to experience throughout your time owning your home. Though every sprinkler system is unique, your Denver sprinkler installation team has seen several problems that happen far more frequently than others. And the sooner you learn to recognize the signs, the better off you’ll be. Here are a few of the most common sprinkler repairs to watch for. 

Clogged Sprinkler Heads

Your home’s sprinkler heads pop up when they’re watering your yard and retract when they’re not. This helps keep you from accidentally walking into them when you’re out in the yard. While it does protect them from damage, it can lead to clogs in your sprinkler heads. 

Remember, the heads sit flush with the ground. They’re exposed to dirt and debris every time they pop up and retract. When the soil is soft, dirt can get into the mechanism and clog the spray head. If you notice that your sprinkler isn’t spraying when it turns on, schedule a repair appointment. Getting it cleaned professionally will likely solve the problem.

Broken Sprinkler Heads

Though sprinkler heads are durable, they’re not invincible. If you’re not paying attention when you’re mowing or the kids are playing outside, it’s possible to break the sprinkler heads. And sometimes, the problem can happen seemingly on its own. 

Pay attention to the way your sprinkler heads work when the system turns on.  If you notice that one head isn’t popping up or spraying, contact an expert. Sprinkler heads can break for many reasons. And the only way to know for sure what’s causing the problem with your system is to get it inspected by a professional. They’ll be able to assess the condition of your entire system and find the root cause of the problem. And once they do, they’ll be able to fix it. 

Improperly Programmed Timers

When your sprinkler system doesn’t turn on, it’s normal to panic. Nothing is worse than having to hand-water your lawn.  But the problem might not be a catastrophic issue with your sprinklers. It could be related to the timer system. If you don’t know how to use it correctly, you might have improperly programmed timers. 

If this is the case, your sprinkler technician will be able to check the system and make sure you know how to use your timers. If the timers are outdated or not able to handle the demands of modern technology and wiring systems, they’ll be able to help you find a replacement that better fits your needs. 

Jammed Valves

Inside every sprinkler system, there are valves that control the flow of water to each sprinkler head. When they open properly, you get the flow you expect and your lawn gets the water it needs regularly. But when the valves get jammed, your sprinklers won’t work properly.

Unfortunately, there are tons of different causes of jammed valves. It could be debris around the mechanism or it could be a fault with the system itself. The only way to know for sure is to get it inspected by a professional. They’ll make sure your valves are working properly every time. And if they identify an issue, they’ll fix it quickly so you can get back to watering your lawn and landscaping on a regular basis.  

Sprinkler Heads Sitting Too High

Sprinkler heads pop up when the system is set to turn on. It’s how they spread a steady supply of water over your lawn and landscaping. But sometimes, they pop up too far and this exposes them both to the elements and to possible landscaping hazards. Worse, it can change the spray and cause the sprinklers to hit the wrong part of your yard. This can cause your yard to suffer and keeps your lawn from looking as great as it should.

If you notice a head sitting higher than the others or see that your sprinklers aren’t spraying where they should, it could be a problem with the height of the heads. Your technician will be able to find out what’s making your sprinklers pop up too high. And they’ll be able to fix the problem so you can enjoy the lush lawn you love.

Broken or Leaky Pipes

Unfortunately, even the best sprinkler systems rely on pipes to supply water to your system. If the pipes are damaged or have leaks, it can impact the quality of your watering system. When this happens, you’ll see a decrease in water pressure for the heads that rely on that pipe or water line for their supply.

If the spray looks like it’s underperforming, make an appointment with your technician. They’ll be able to find the leak or break in the pipe, even if the pipe is underground. Once they do, they’ll help you figure out the best solution to fix the damage. Once it’s fixed, your sprinklers will perform as normal.

Damaged Electrical Components

Let’s face it…almost everything convenient relies on electricity. And your sprinkler system is no different. That means it has a complex electrical system that controls the sprinkler heads popping up, the spray patterns, and the frequency that the system runs. But if the electrical components are damaged, you’ll notice problems almost immediately.

If you see that your system isn’t working as it should, book an appointment. If it’s an electrical issue, you’ll need a professional to fix the problem. There are dozens of possible causes of electrical issues. And if you don’t know how to spot them, you’ll end up addressing the wrong issue. 

Get Your System Inspected

The best way to stay on top of potential maintenance issues is to schedule a full system inspection with your sprinkler repair expert. The sooner you do, the easier it will be to fix minor issues before they turn into major problems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced team.

Your landscaping is one of the most important parts of your home’s exterior. When it’s in good shape, it makes your home look and feel nicer. But in order to get the most out of your landscaping, you need the space to be functional. To do this, you need to make it easy for people to access different parts of the yard. Walkways are a great way to make your landscaping both more impactful and more eye-catching. But to make it work, you need to implement the right design. Here are a few simple tips from your Denver sprinkler maintenance pros to help.

Know How You’ll Use the Yard

Before you can start installing your walkway, think about how you’ll use the space. Are you looking for a simple way to get from the front door to the driveway? Or are you looking to direct traffic away from certain parts of the yard? Further, do you use the space for entertainment purposes or are you looking for a way to add a unique look to your space? Knowing how you’ll use the walkway will help you better determine the right design for your home.

Think of Where You Want to Direct Traffic

Walkways provide a clear spot for people to walk on. This helps reduce the risk of trampled plants and landscaping. But it also helps keep your guests safer. After all, no one wants to deal with a trip and fall injury when they’re supposed to be entertaining friends and family. When creating the design, figure out where you want to direct traffic. This will help you determine the perfect placement for those pavers, cobblestones, or concrete slabs.

Consider the Materials You Want

Walkways can be made of almost anything. Some people choose to install wooden decking to create a raised boardwalk feel. Others prefer to lay down natural stone. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll want to create a look that works with your home exterior. Think about the types of materials you have in the space already. Are there hardscaping features you already love? Get inspiration from those things. Remember, a walkway is a great way to build off those accents you enjoy looking at. Use stones that mimic the look of retaining walls or look for materials that match the stonework around the house to create a unique and cohesive look.

Look at Your Budget

All landscaping work costs money. But responsible contractors will work with your budget to help you get the look you want at your home. This means you’ll need to have a firm number in mind before they can start looking for materials and laying down those new walkways. Think about how much money you’re willing to devote to the project. Do you have savings you can draw from? Or are you planning on taking out a loan to fund the project? And if you are, can you afford to make the payments each month? 

The last thing anyone wants to do is take on a project that’s going to put strain on their monthly budget. Make sure you know how much you can afford, what you’re willing to spend, and how you’ll pay for the work before you speak with a contractor. Once you have this number in mind, you’re ready to start getting estimates.

Think About Who Will Be Using the Path

The materials you choose are only part of the path’s design considerations. You also need to think about who will be using the path. This can determine the placement, width, and even the types of materials that are best suited for your purposes. For example, if you’re using the walkway as a decorative piece in your back yard or want to make gardening access simpler, any type of flagstone should work just fine. 

But if you’re trying to improve the entrance to your home, you may want to make the walkway as accessible as possible. Concrete slabs or smooth paving stones may be the best choice. These reduce tripping hazards and make it easier for people to get from the driveway to the front door if they’re not completely steady on their feet. 

Consider How Much Work You Want to Put In

The walkways themselves are typically low-maintenance. But some materials require more cleaning and care than others. For example, you’ll need to keep the grass and plant matter between paving stones mowed to reduce the risk of tripping hazards and to make sure people can appreciate the look of those stones. Concrete or paved walkways often require less frequent maintenance. Think about how much work you’re willing to put into keeping the walkway looking great. This will help you narrow down your choices.

Be Mindful of Your Sprinkler System

You need your walkway to be functional. But that doesn’t mean you should install one along the most direct path. In fact, doing so could put your landscaping and your sprinkler system at risk for extensive damage. Before you start work on your walkway, make sure you know where each sprinkler head is located. You may also want to schedule a consultation with your sprinkler repair expert to make sure the equipment under the soil can support the weight of the pathway without getting damaged. This will allow you to map out the best path for the walkway to reduce the ongoing impact it has on the rest of your yard. 

Walkways Elevate the Space

The right walkway can make all the difference in your home’s exterior and can even add to your home’s resale value. But you need to get it installed by an experienced professional. This way, you’ll get the design that works best for your home and lasts for many years to come. Even better, you’ll avoid the stress of having to work on large-scale yard improvements on your own. Don’t wait. Contact Water Solutions today to schedule a free estimate. Our experienced landscaping contractors are ready to help you bring your vision to life.

4 Common Causes of Low Water Pressure in Your Denver Sprinkler System

When you turn your sprinkler system on, you expect to see a strong spray pattern. This is what helps you keep your yard properly hydrated and thriving even when the weather is overly hot. When the water pressure drops, your sprinklers won’t be able to adequately water your yard and your plants will suffer. If you’ve noticed that the spray from your sprinkler heads is weak, don’t panic. It’s likely an issue that your Denver sprinkler repair team can fix quickly. You still want to understand what causes the low water pressure. These are a few of the most common causes.

1. There’s a Leak in the Water Line
Your sprinkler system receives its water supply from your home’s main water line. When the water line is in good condition, it maintains constant pressure which keeps the water flowing at the same rate you expect. However, if the water line has a leak—even a small one—it can cause the water pressure to drop. This is because water is seeping out and air is getting into the lines. 

There are a few things you can look for to see if you have a water line problem. Check the yard for abnormal wet spots between watering sessions. Look for water bubbling out in spots throughout the lawn and pay attention to the way each sprinkler head is working. If the pressure drops too low, some sprinkler heads may not receive water at all. 

It’s also a good idea to look at your water bills and see if they’ve been steadily increasing over the last few months without a clear reason. If so, you likely have a leak that’s wasting water and causing your bills to skyrocket.

If you notice any of these signs, call your sprinkler repair expert immediately. They’ll be able to make the necessary repairs so your sprinklers can start working normally. Even better, the sooner you get the leak repaired, the lower your water bills will be. 

2. The Sprinkler Heads Are Clogged
Anytime you mow the lawn, you generate tons of grass clippings and kick up dirt. Though some lawn mowers collect those clippings, others don’t and this can pose a serious problem for your home’s sprinkler system. All that plant debris will sit on top of the sprinkler heads. As they pop up and retract, the debris and clippings can get stuck inside the mechanism or inside the head itself. 

Over time, it’s common for debris to build up enough to block the flow of water or severely reduce it. When this happens, your sprinklers won’t put out enough water no matter how many times you run the cycle. 

Take a look at each sprinkler head and make sure the mechanism is clear of debris. If you notice dirt building up, gently remove it or scrub it away. This should get rid of any low pressure issues and will make your sprinkler system work normally in no time. If you can’t get rid of the debris or the problems continue, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your repair technician may need to remove the head and clean it out more thoroughly.

3. Roots Are Growing Into Your Water Line
Trees and shrubs add a lot of value to your property. They make your house more eye-catching and can even help keep your home cooler during the warm summer months. However, they can pose a hazard to your water main. 

As those trees and shrubs grow, their roots spread throughout the soil and drive themselves deeper into the ground. Those roots are incredibly strong and can push rocks out of the way or even puncture your water line and grow into it. When this happens, you’ll end up with a clogged water main. 

Any obstruction to your home’s water line will decrease your water pressure. The same amount of water has to push past whatever is blocking the line, slowing the flow rate that your sprinklers are able to put out. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to repair this on your own. You’ll want to call your repair technician as soon as you can. 

4. The Main Valve Isn’t Open All the Way
As a responsible homeowner, you should always winterize your system. This process involves shutting off the water supply to your sprinkler system and blowing out any remaining moisture from the lines. When spring rolls around, all you have to do to get your system up and running again is to turn the water supply back on.

This is something you can easily do on your own. However, since those shut-off valves don’t get used very often, they can get sticky over time. When you go to turn on the water supply, you may think that you opened the valve fully. However, that doesn’t mean you did. If your water pressure has been steadily underwhelming since you turned your system back on, check your shut-off valve. See if it’s open all the way or if you accidentally opened it only part-way. 

If you did, turn the water supply back off and try opening it again. This is typically enough to break up any dust or sediment making the valve hard to operate. If it is open all the way, contact your repair technician. There may be a clog somewhere in the line and they’ll need to repair it before you can use your sprinklers the way you normally would. 

Get Your System Inspected
If you think your water pressure isn’t as high as it should be, don’t leave it alone for the rest of the summer. Schedule an inspection with Water Solutions Sprinkler Service and let our experienced technicians figure out what’s going on.

We’ll take a look at your entire system and troubleshoot the cause of your low water pressure. Once we find the cause, we’ll make sure to fix the problem once and for all so you can get back to using your sprinklers the way you always have. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Denver is well-known for having some seriously bad hailstorms. Just think of how many commercials you see advertising hail sales on brand-new cars! Though you know hail is a huge problem for your house and your car, did you know it’s also the leading cause of damage for your home’s landscaping? Unless you take steps to protect your plants from damaging storms, you’ll need to know how to help your plants recover as quickly as possible. Here are a few simple tips from your trusted Denver sprinkler system experts to help you get your yard back to its former glory in no time.

Inspect Your Trees First

Your trees should always be your first priority. Small hailstones aren’t likely to damage established branches, but larger ones almost always will. As soon as the storm is over, walk around your property and inspect your trees. Look for any downed limbs and remove them to clear the yard and prevent additional damage to your grass. Check the canopy for broken limbs and branches that haven’t fallen to the ground yet. If you’re comfortable removing them yourself, do so as soon as you can.

 If not or if you don’t have a ladder tall enough, hire an experienced landscaping team to get rid of the damaged limbs quickly. The sooner you do, the safer your property and the rest of your plants will be. Keep in mind that your landscaping team may need to trim certain parts of your trees back to reduce the risk of disease or decay. Your trees’ shape may change, but this simple change will help keep them healthy and reduce the risk of future hailstorms causing serious damage.

Pay Attention to Your Shrubs

Your shrubs, like your trees, can easily be damaged by hailstorms and will need a little extra TLC to get them back in shape. Check your shrubs for damaged limbs and remove the broken ones with hedge trimmers. A few days after the storm, make a plan to trim the plants back and keep them pruned throughout the summer. Keeping the limbs trimmed back will reduce the risk of breakage in future storms.

Check Your Flowers

Unfortunately, flowers are susceptible to severe damage even in minor hailstorms. Even pea-sized hail is enough to shred the blooms and damage the leaves in a matter of seconds. That said, the hail won’t kill most flowers. It just destroys the blooms until the flowers can recover. 

The best thing you can do is trim back the damaged growth and leaves quickly. Make sure you use sharp garden shears to trim the growth away. This will make it easier for your plants to recover quickly. If the bulk of the flowers are damaged, trim the entire plant down to the ground. The plants will eventually grow back with regular care and watering.

If you have annual flowers (ones that won’t grow back after you plant them each year), you likely won’t be able to save them. Instead of leaving the flowers in place, you may want to pull them up and replant new flowers for the rest of the growing season. This is because these types of flowers just aren’t able to rebound quickly.

Look After Your Veggies

Like annual flowers, vegetables are very easily damaged by hail. After the storm, take a look in your vegetable garden. Remove damaged vegetables to prevent rot on the vine. Prune torn up leaves and trim back broken stalks carefully. If the bulk of the plant is undamaged, you should be able to see a normal harvest by fall. However, if the plants are truly damaged, you’ll either need to start over or call it a season and remove the damaged plants for good. 

If you end up needing to replant some vegetables, look for already sprouted or growing versions at your local garden center. This way, you’ll have a better chance of getting the harvest you expect. It may also be worth planting the new vegetables in large pots so you can move them to a covered area when severe storms are expected in the forecast. 

Inspect Your Sprinkler System

Though sprinklers are designed to stand up to the elements without damage, severe hailstorms can damage the sprinkler heads if you’re not careful. Walk around your yard and look at each sprinkler head up close. If everything looks okay, run the sprinklers through a quick cycle. Make sure the heads pop up normally and fully retract at the end of the cycle. If they aren’t popping up or retracting completely, you’ll need to schedule a repair appointment.

It’s also a good idea to look at the spray pattern each head puts out. Large hailstones can knock the heads out of alignment and change the spray pattern, putting your landscaping at risk. If the sprinklers aren’t working the way you want, your repair technician will be able to realign the heads so they work normally. 

Have a Plan for Future Storms

Prevention is always better than dealing with unexpected damage. Find ways to mount covers over your fragile plants. Hoop houses and tarps mounted on tall posts are great and easy solutions. Stay on top of pruning and tree trimming throughout the growing season to reduce the risk of fallen branches and snapped limbs. If possible, try to plant annual flowers in pots that are easy to move when storms roll in. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty they provide without worrying about severe weather killing them prematurely.

Need Repairs?

If you’re worried about your sprinkler system after a strong storm rolls through the Denver metro area, don’t let the repairs wait. Schedule an appointment with the team at Water Solutions Sprinkler Service. Remember, the growing season lasts for several months. The sooner you get the repairs taken care of, the sooner you’ll be able to focus on your garden like normal. Contact us today to schedule a repair or to get a free no-obligation estimate from our experienced staff.