# Use WaterSense to Spruce Up Your Sprinkler System

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/use-watersense-to-spruce-up-your-sprinkler-system/
- Published: 2015-05-07T17:20:22-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

# **By Beth Livingston, WaterSense Brand Manager**

So let’s talk WaterSense. Many of us are ready to breathe a little life back into
our yards and [landscapes](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/08/help-share-watersenses-watersavingyard-challenge/).
In addition to withering plants, winter can also wreak havoc on sprinkler systems,
causing anything from cracked pipes to broken sprinkler heads that can result in
significant water waste. At a time when so many parts of the United States are experiencing
drought conditions, wasting water outdoors just doesn’t make sense.

Americans use nearly 9 billion gallons of water outdoors every day, primarily for
landscape [irrigation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/01/is-a-sprinkler-system-a-good-investment/).
But up to half of that is wasted due to evaporation, wind, and runoff caused by 
overwatering.

In fact, single broken or missing sprinkler heads can waste up to 25,000 gallons
of water and $90 on your water bill over a six-month irrigation season.

## If you have an outdoor irrigation system, you can give it a sprinkler spruce-up with these four steps: _inspect, connect, direct, and select_

Inspect your system for clogged, broken, and missing sprinkler heads. Next, look
for leaks where sprinklers connect to hoses and pipes.

Also be sure to direct sprinklers to water your landscape and not your driveway 
or sidewalk. And if you are currently using a clock timer to schedule watering, 
a WaterSense labeled weather-based irrigation controller, which uses local climate
data to provide only the water your landscape needs.

Not the do-it-yourself type? Consult a certified irrigation professional to spruce
up your sprinkler system. An irrigation professional certified by a WaterSense labeled
program is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to get your watering
system in tip-top shape, including:

![Many of us are ready to breathe a little life back into our yards and landscapes.
In addition to withering plants, winter can also wreak havoc on sprinkler systems,
causing anything from cracked pipes to broken sprinkler heads that can result in
significant water waste. At a time when so many parts of the United States are experiencing
drought conditions, wasting water outdoors just doesn’t make sense.](https://i0.
wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/sprinkler-spruce-up_infographic.
png?resize=780%2C537&quality=50&ssl=1)

#### **Audit**

Testing your irrigation system to confirm that it performs properly and efficiently.

#### **Installation, maintenance, and repair**

Selecting and servicing equipment and site layout, as well as ensuring proper scheduling
of your irrigation system to optimize performance

#### **Design**

Customizing your irrigation system to best suit your landscape and account for local
climate conditions.

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency is a simple way to identify water-efficient products, new homes, and programs.

In conclusion and to learn more about how to spruce up your sprinkler system, find
a certified irrigation professional. Also you can search for WaterSense labeled 
irrigation controllers, visit the WaterSense website at [www.epa.gov/watersense/](https://www.epa.gov/watersense).

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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