Unexpected Summer Tips Part 1: Irrigation

This summer series is brought to you by Austin-based Home Inspector Butch Gilley. Inspect with Precision aims to deliver bite-sized tips that are simple and affordable that can be taken week after week to summer-proof your home for 100+ degree weather. 

You’ve seen it before: Water trailing in a small, narrow stream passing house after house from a leaking irrigation system. Then the bill comes, and when summer surcharges from ERCOT coming on your City of Austin Utilities bill combine with the fee for all that extra water, you’ll quickly find bills approaching or exceeding $500. 

Here are two simple moves you can make this week to protect yourself from this outcome. 

1. Reprogram your timer

This first step is often overlooked, but crucial during long summer months where the sun rises and stays up for 12 hours. A 6:15AM start for your sprinkler system works well in winter months, but with sunrises beginning at 6:30AM in Texas this summer, you’ll want to consider switching the times the water turns on. A 4AM start is a good time to allow your lawn to absorb the water before the sun begins to hammer it. 

2. Repair any leaks with Irrigation Solvent Cement

If you test your sprinkler system and find a leak, you can easily repair it on your own by simply making a trip to Home Depot. Make sure you choose a Solvent Cement for a material that matches your irrigation system– your local Home Depot should have several and they will be easy to find online if you have a particular type in mind. 

Taken together, these two steps can save you from charred grass, high water bills, and will really set you up for success this summer. Tune in next week for additional tips to summer-proof your central Texas house.