An automatic irrigation system keeps the garden alive, especially for villa owners whose house stands empty for long periods. But the system itself needs looking after too. A blocked dripper can leave a tree without water, and a cracked pipe can leak unnoticed for months. Checking it twice a year, before winter and before summer, prevents most of these problems.
Before winter (October–November)
Winters in Fethiye are wet, and most of the garden needs less extra watering during this period.
- Adjust the timer. Shorten the watering programme or switch it off. If you have a rain sensor, make sure it works.
- Change the batteries. Battery-powered controllers and valves either stop working or can get stuck open when the battery runs out.
- Clean the filter. Sediment and sand in the main filter lower the system's pressure.
- Protect against frost. Where frost occurs, such as the higher parts of Seydikemer, drain or insulate exposed pipes and valves. Frozen water can crack a pipe.
- Check for leaks. Run the system briefly and look for wet patches, spurting water or low pressure along the lines.
- Don't forget the garden taps. Drain taps and hoses that won't be used.
You'll find what to do for the rest of the house in the guide on winterising an empty house.
Before summer (March–April)
Before the summer heat arrives, you need to be sure the system is working at full capacity.
- Flush the lines. Open the ends of the lines and let the water run for a while to clear out sediment that has built up over winter.
- Test each zone one by one. Run each zone in turn from the controller and check by eye that every sprinkler and dripper works.
- Clean or replace blocked drippers. Hard water leaves limescale on dripper tips.
- Adjust sprinkler directions. The water should go onto the plants, not the walls, the terrace or the road.
- Allow for plant growth. For trees with spreading roots, you may need to move the drippers away from the trunk towards the root zone.
- Update the schedule for the season. Increase watering time and frequency as the weather warms up.
When to water
In the hot months, early morning is usually the best time. In the midday heat, part of the water evaporates, and with late-evening watering the leaves can stay wet for a long time. Watering less often but more deeply, rather than little and often, keeps the roots of most plants healthier. The right duration depends on the soil, the plant and how much sun it gets.
Common problems
- A zone doesn't run at all: There may be a fault with the valve, the wiring or the battery.
- A zone won't switch off: There may be dirt in or damage to the valve seal. In this case water runs continuously; close the main valve and have it checked.
- Low pressure: A blocked filter, a leak or too many zones running at once.
- A patch of garden that is always wet: There may be a leak in an underground pipe. For details, see the guide on signs of a hidden water leak and the meter test.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch the irrigation off completely in winter? In most gardens it can be switched off during the rainy period. But during long dry spells, potted plants and newly planted saplings may still need water.
Drip or sprinklers? For trees, shrubs and pots, drip irrigation delivers water to the root zone and usually uses less water. Sprinklers are common on lawns.
How do I keep track of the system while I'm away? The safest way is to have each zone run and checked during regular visits. These checks are part of the garden maintenance service.
This guide is for general information. Every home is different; for your own home, ask a company that has seen the work on site for a written quotation.