LES ANSLEY OF SMART IRRIGATION: Preparing Your Irrigation System for Winter in Greyton
G reyton winters are mild. We don’t deal with frozen pipes or heavy frost damage. But that doesn’t mean irrigation systems should be ig- nored. A bit of attention now will prevent blocked pipes, pump problems and electrical faults when spring arrives. Here’s a practical winter checklist for our valley conditions. 1. Adjust – don’t abandon – your Watering Schedule Plants grow more slowly in winter and evaporation drops significantly. Most gardens need far less water between May and August. Reduce watering times by 50–70% and space out watering days. Don’t simply switch the system off entirely unless we’re experiencing consistent rainfall. Drip lines and valves benefit from occasional use to prevent seals drying out and debris settling. If your controller has a “seasonal adjust” setting, use it.
2. Clean Filters and Flush Lines Winter is the perfect time to clean your sys- tem properly. Sediment from tanks, dams or boreholes gradually builds up in filters and pipes. If left unchecked, this reduces pressure and leads to uneven watering. Take time to: • Clean and rinse all filters. • Open end caps or flush points on drip lines. • Check that water flows evenly. • Replace any visibly damaged fittings. This small job now prevents frustrating blockages later. 3. Inspect the Pump Moisture and cooler weather can expose weaknesses in pumps and fittings. Check for: • Leaks around joints. • Air entering the suction pipe. • Corroded electrical connections. • Pumps switching on and off repeatedly (a sign of a small leak somewhere). If your pump runs from a dam or tank, ensure suction lines are secure and not drawing in air.
4. Walk the Garden Winter growth slows down, which makes leaks and problem areas easier to spot. Look for: • Areas that stay permanently wet. • Sprinklers that have sunk or tilted. • Pipes exposed by soil shrinkage. • Broken fittings or cracked risers. Catching small issues now avoids major water loss in summer. 5. Plan Improvements while Demand is Low Winter is the ideal time to rethink layout problems. If certain areas are always dry or others are over-watered, adjustments can be made without pressure from peak-season demand. Consider: • Separating beds from lawns if they share a zone. • Improving drainage in heavy soil areas. • Correcting poor spacing or coverage.
Greyton’s winters may be gentle, but preparation still matters. A system that is checked, cleaned and adjusted now will start spring efficiently — and you’ll avoid that first hot-day breakdown when everyone suddenly needs water at once. A simple winter service is far cheaper than a December emergency.
For all your agricultural, building, hardware and gardening needs.
GARDEN IRRIGATION
LES ANSLEY 066 216 9667
028 254 9767 • greyton@vilko.co.za • 20 San Lucia Rd
13
MARCH/APRIL 2026
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