The right sprinkler system will make it much easier to keep your lawn green and beautiful year-round in Austin, TX. When you invest in a sprinkler system, it’s a good idea to know how long it will last.

These types of systems come with many components needing to be maintained over time. With proper maintenance and occasional sprinkler repair in Austin, you can make sure your system lasts for a very long time.

Life Expectancy of a Sprinkler System in Austin, TX

Determining how long your sprinkler system will last depends on the type of components you have installed. Just like with many things, you get what you pay for when you hire someone to install a lawn sprinkler system. You’ll have the choice between different quality sprinkler heads and other components.

When maintained properly, your sprinkler system can last a very long time. Some systems will last as long as 20 years without needing to be replaced.

If you choose high-quality sprinkler heads, you can expect to get 10 to 15 years out of each head before it will need to be replaced. However, lesser-quality heads may only last two or three years.

The pipes installed with your system are the most durable component. Sprinkler system pipes can last as long as 40 years before they need to be replaced.

However, you’ll likely need to replace the nozzles multiple times before you replace the pipes. Nozzles will last a couple of years in Austin, depending on the quality of your water.

Another component of your sprinkler system you may need to replace often is the wires. If you hire a professional installer, they will last a little bit longer, but the wires of a sprinkler system still tend to corrode over time.

The final two components you will need to replace periodically are the valves and the controllers. Valves will last up to 15 years, while controllers will give you about five to ten years before needing to be replaced.

Of course, outside factors, such as rodents or improper installation may impact how long your sprinkler system lasts in Austin. Make sure you hire a trained professional to install your system if you want to get the longest life expectancy.

Regular Maintenance Equals a Longer Sprinkler System Lifespan

If you want to make sure you get the most out of your sprinkler system, you’ll want to keep up with maintenance. The key components may need to be replaced, on occasion, but you can make sure they last longer with proper care.

Spring Start-Up Care

You may not need your sprinkler system as much during the winter season in Austin. When the spring rolls around, you’ll want to follow the proper start-up procedure including:

  • Full Checkup – Make sure all components are in good working order and functioning properly.
  • Check Overlap – Make sure your sprinkler heads are giving you full coverage of your yard
  • Avoid Water Hammer – Turn the water valve on slowly or you could end up with a pressure surge known as water hammer.

Mid-Season Maintenance

During the change from spring to summer, you want to fine-tune your system for better performance. Inspect all your sprinkler heads to ensure they are not blocked or clogged. You will also want to look for any damage needing to be repaired.

Fall Winterization

During the fall, it’s time to winterize your system to protect it from weather changes in Austin. While it doesn’t get as cold in Austin as it may get in other parts of the country, it can still get cold enough to damage your system.

Make sure you perform a full winter blowout using compressed air to get rid of any residual water in the system. If you don’t have the tools or knowledge to winterize your system, hire a professional sprinkler repair company in Austin to help.

With proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your sprinkler system. It’s important to choose high-quality components when having a new system installed. When you take care of high-quality sprinkler heads, they will last much longer than lesser-quality heads.