Daily Use and Maintenance Tips for Irrigation Equipment (Water Pumps and Pipes)

Daily Use and Maintenance Tips for Irrigation Equipment (Water Pumps and Pipes)

Maintaining the long-term reliability and efficiency of irrigation equipment (water pumps and pipes) is crucial, and it hinges on developing correct daily usage habits and simple maintenance awareness. The core of these tips is "prevention is better than cure," avoiding small problems from escalating into major malfunctions or causing water waste through standardized operation and timely maintenance. Proper management of these "blood vessels" and "heart" of the irrigation system will ensure its smooth operation.

Correct Daily Usage Habits:

Pre-start check: Before starting the water pump each time, take a minute to check. Ensure the water pump's inlet pipe is tightly connected and free of leaks; clean any weeds, leaves, or other debris from the inlet filter; check that the power cord or diesel engine fuel and oil levels are normal.

Smooth starting and stopping: For electric pumps, avoid frequently switching the power on and off directly; use the accompanying starter if available. After starting, let it run idle for a moment to observe if the pressure and water flow are normal. When stopping, close the outlet valve first before cutting off the power; this provides protection for some pumps.

Avoid dry running and cavitation: Ensure the water pump is filled with water before starting (for self-priming pumps) or that the impeller is submerged in water (for submersible pumps). It is strictly forbidden for the water pump to run dry or without water for extended periods, as this will severely damage the mechanical seal and components.

Pipe usage: Open valves smoothly to avoid water hammer impact on the pipes. When moving hoses, avoid pulling or dragging them forcefully to prevent loose or damaged connections.

Daily and Regular Maintenance Points:

Timely cleaning: After each irrigation, if the water source is turbid, let the water pump run briefly with clean water to flush out any sediment that may have accumulated inside. Wipe the pump body surface clean and keep it dry, especially the motor's heat dissipation area.

Check seals and lubrication: Regularly check the water pump shaft seal (where the pump shaft extends) for excessive leakage (a slight drip is normally acceptable for lubrication). For pumps requiring lubrication (such as some bearings), add or replace the specified lubricant according to the instructions.

Pipeline system maintenance: After each use, drain any accumulated water from the hoses, coil them neatly, and store them in a cool place to prevent aging from sun exposure. Regularly inspect all pipe connections and valves for leaks, and promptly replace aging seals or repair cracks. Before winter arrives, be sure to drain all water from pipes and pumps to prevent freezing and cracking.

Filter cleaning: This is crucial for preventing blockages in drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Before and after each irrigation cycle, inspect and clean the filter screen at the water inlet or main pipe.

Long-term storage: After the irrigation season, thoroughly inspect, clean, and dry the water pump. Apply a small amount of rust-inhibiting oil to metal parts. Store the equipment in a dry, well-ventilated indoor location.

Develop good record-keeping habits:

Create a simple "health record" for your water pump, recording the date of each maintenance, replaced parts, and any problems found. This will help you track the equipment's condition, predict component lifespan (e.g., seals usually need replacing every 1-2 years), and enable proactive maintenance rather than reactive repairs.

Remember, cleaning and frost protection are the two most basic and important maintenance tasks. By following these common-sense practices, your irrigation equipment will reliably serve you year after year, becoming a valuable asset in your field management and saving you unnecessary repair costs and irrigation season headaches.