Seasonal Preparation and Key Maintenance Points for Irrigation Systems

Seasonal Preparation and Key Maintenance Points for Irrigation Systems

The stable operation of an irrigation system depends on careful preparation and maintenance before and after each season. This is similar to seasonal maintenance for your car, effectively preventing malfunctions, extending equipment lifespan, and ensuring the system is ready to operate reliably when the irrigation season arrives. The following are key maintenance points for the two critical periods: before and after the irrigation season.

I. Before the Irrigation Season: Comprehensive "Awakening" and Inspection

Before the first use of the system in spring, conduct a thorough inspection and preparation.

Water Source and Power System Inspection:

Clean the water pump inlet filter and foot valve, removing weeds, silt, and other blockages.

Check if the water source (well, pond) has sufficient water level.

For diesel engine water pumps, check the engine oil, diesel fuel, and coolant; for electric motor water pumps, check the cables, switches, and voltage for proper operation.

Pipeline System Inspection and Flushing:

Key step: Slowly open the main pipeline valve, allowing water to slowly fill all pipes and expel air. Then, inspect all above-ground pipes, joints, and valves in sections for cracks or leaks caused by freezing or aging.

Flush the pipes: Open the valves at the end of the field to allow water to flush for a period of time, removing any accumulated sediment and impurities from the pipes.

Field Equipment Inspection:

Check that sprinklers and drip irrigation tapes (pipes) are intact, without blockages, damage, or missing parts. Clean or replace clogged sprinklers and drippers.

For mobile equipment such as sprinkler machines, check the tires and mechanical transmission parts and add lubricating oil.

Control System Testing:

Test the manual valves to ensure they open and close smoothly.

If equipped with timers, controllers, or pressure switches, perform functional tests to ensure they are set correctly and operate properly.

Trial Run:

After a comprehensive inspection, start the system for a short trial run. Observe whether the water pump is working smoothly, the pressure is normal, and all sprinklers and drippers are working evenly. Find and repair any leaks.

II. After the Irrigation Season: Thorough "Hibernation" and Protection

Before the arrival of late autumn and winter, and before the system is shut down, perform proper maintenance to prevent freezing and damage. Core Task: Thoroughly drain all stored water!

This is the most important step in winter maintenance, especially in cold regions.

For the water pump: Open the drain plug at the bottom of the pump body to drain all accumulated water.

For the pipelines: Open all drain valves at low points in the system or manually disconnect some connections to ensure that all water is drained from the main pipes, branch pipes, and all field pipelines. For pipes that cannot be drained completely, use an air compressor to blow them dry.

For filters, fertilizer tanks, and other equipment: Drain all accumulated water from these as well.

Cleaning and Storage:

Rinse the filters and clean the surface of the pump body.

Clean and store all removable equipment such as mobile sprinklers, hoses, and small filters in a dry, dark indoor location.

Equipment Maintenance:

Lubricate the water pump bearings and other parts requiring lubrication.

Check and tighten all critical connections.

Recording and Planning:

Record the maintenance performed and any problems found to prepare for repairs or parts replacement in the coming year.

In summary, the core principle of seasonal maintenance is: Before the season, "check, flush, and test" to fully activate the system; after the season, "drain, clean, and store" to prevent frost damage. By properly performing maintenance during these two critical periods, your irrigation system will operate reliably year after year, becoming a powerful tool for ensuring a bountiful harvest. Remember, the time spent on preventative maintenance far outweighs the long waits and losses incurred from emergency repairs after a breakdown.