IRRIGATION
K-Rain has proven to be an outstanding partner to IMARK Irrigation members. On a recent visit to their website, I came across a sprinkler blog that addresses maintaining and upgrading a sprinkler system, and thought I would share…
If you’ve had your lawn sprinkler for many years, it may be showing some wear and tear. You regularly maintain your system, but you may be starting to replace parts on a regular basis.
Conversely, you may want to upgrade your system with a Bluetooth controller or a rain/ freeze sensor. Whatever the reason, you’re ready to improve your system to work more efficiently and save you money.
Recalibrating Your Sprinkler System
Driplines, bubblers and lawn sprinklers can all be upgraded with different technologies to save water, comply with city water ordinances or to fix chronic sprinkler problems.
Generally speaking, residential lawn sprinklers can last anywhere between 20 to 25 years depending on how well your system was installed and maintained.
Your sprinkler’s longevity also depends on where you live. For example, your lawn sprinkler gets used on a regular basis in Florida or Nevada compared to a water sprinkler system in Pennsylvania or Minnesota.
Homeowners in warmer climates use their sprinklers throughout the year while homeowners in colder climates use their sprinklers for six to eight months per year.
Plus, your irrigation system’s longevity will depend on how well you maintained your system throughout the years.
For example, if you check sprinkler and rotary heads monthly as well as clean them out, they will last longer compared to a system that isn’t maintained at all.
Additionally, homeowners living in colder areas of the US need to have their systems blown out before winter. And then, their water sprinklers need to be inspected by a professional before turning the water on again in mid-spring.
Here are six additional reasons why you need to upgrade your irrigation system:
- Your older sprinklers stopped working
correctly. The sprinkler heads won’t pop
up as high or even pop up at all, or they’re
not watering as efficiently as they did in
the beginning.
- You need to replace your sprinkler valves
because they won’t open or close. You can
upgrade your current valve system with a new
flow control or pressure regulation parts.
- Your system’s diaphragms aren’t working
anymore because they’ve dried out or cracked.
- The solenoids are no longer working because
they’re past their prime.
- If your sprinkler system was poorly installed,
problems in wiring or waterproofing weren’t
done. Construction can also damage
underground wiring.
- It’s time to upgrade your older controller to
one that’s connected with your smartphone,
allowing you to control your sprinkler system
any time during the day or night.
There will come a time, though, when you won’t
be able to find replacement parts for your
sprinkler system because they’re no longer
manufactured. Technology changes everything,
and not all older systems are able to be
upgraded.
Upgrading Your K-Rain Sprinklers
At K-Rain, our designers are always improving the
water efficiency and technological advancement
of our lawn and garden sprinklers. If a sprinkler
or rotary head breaks, you can find replacement
parts at our online store.
Here are 10 accessories and replacement parts you’ll find at K-Rain:
- Single station controller parts
- Nozzle racks
- Adjustment tools
- Rotor accessories and parts
- Spray accessories
- Valve accessories
- Pro EX 2.0 accessories
- Prosport® replacement nozzles
- 4000 series indexing valves and parts
- 6000 series indexing valve parts.
Stay in the know regarding new and upgraded K-Rain parts by
subscribing to our newsletter and regularly reading our blogs. We
post updates on our products every few months. You can upgrade
your K-Rain Sprinkler System on your own if you’re technologically
savvy. However, if you’re busy and don’t want to bother with your
sprinkler system, you can hire a contractor to upgrade it for you.
If you have questions about upgrading or replacing parts, contact
K-Rain customer support today at 800-735-7246.
WATERWORKS:
The recently formed Waterworks Advisory Council continues to
meet monthly and is happy to announce the addition of Shawn
Amaro from General Plumbing Supply, Sonora, California, to the
council. In other news, IMARK supplier partner Electrosteel USA
is excited to announce the opening of its new depot in Stockton,
California. Stockton greatly increases Electrosteel USA’s ability to
serve customers on the West Coast while fulfilling the company’s
commitment to expanding capabilities across the entire United
States. The 3-acre site is capable of holding more than $20 million
in pipe and fittings and allows for next-day delivery to communities
throughout the West Coast. Similar to its depot in Savannah,
Georgia, Stockton allows for container processing, storage and
distribution throughout the United States.
PVF: The Ripple Effect of Rising Material Costs, Shipping
Disruptions and Potential Port Closures
The global steel pipe industry, long reliant on a complex web of
international trade, has been severely shaken by rising material costs,
shipping disruptions and looming port closures. These issues are
compounding into a perfect storm that threatens the future of an
industry vital to global infrastructure, construction and energy sectors.
IMARK PVF supplier United Pipe and Steel recently cited import
welded steel prices would rise as a result of these factors.
One of the most immediate and critical challenges facing steel pipe
importers is the sharp increase in raw material costs, particularly
for iron ore and coking coal, which are essential in steel production.
Prices have surged due to a combination of reduced supply from
key producing countries, rising energy costs and increased global
demand as economies recover. The steel pipe sector has felt these
cost hikes acutely. For businesses importing steel pipe, rising material
costs create a dilemma. Higher input prices are either absorbed by
companies, slashing profit margins or passed onto customers, risking
competitiveness in a market already fraught with pricing pressures.
Shipping disruptions have compounded the strain on the steel
pipe import business. The global shipping industry is still reeling
from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered
widespread container shortages, port congestion and labor shortages.
Additionally, geopolitical tensions—such as the ongoing war in
Ukraine, trade disputes and energy crises in Europe—have added
volatility to an already strained system. And if that were not enough,
with major global ports already operating near or beyond capacity,
any port closure—whether due to strikes, natural disasters or
geopolitical factors—could have a catastrophic effect on the industry,
as here in the United States, labor disputes are bringing the threat of
West Coast port closures into sharp focus.