Waterways Irrigation Inc.

60 Corbin Ave. Bay Shore NY 11706

📞 (631) 360-3305

Irrigation Tips & Expert Advice

Professional insights from 28 years of irrigation experience on Long Island. Learn how to keep your lawn healthy and your irrigation system running efficiently.

When to winterize irrigation system
Winterization

When to Winterize Your Irrigation System on Long Island

📅 October 15, 2024 ⏱️ 5 min read

Timing is everything when it comes to protecting your irrigation system from freeze damage. Learn the optimal window for winterization in Nassau and Suffolk counties, what weather signs to watch for, and why waiting too long can cost you thousands in repairs.

Key Takeaways: The ideal time for Long Island winterization is late October through mid-November, before the first hard freeze. We'll explain how to monitor temperatures, what the 32°F threshold really means for your system, and why professional blowout service is essential for complete protection.

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Lawn watering schedule Long Island
Lawn Care

The Ultimate Long Island Lawn Watering Schedule

📅 September 28, 2024 ⏱️ 7 min read

How much water does your Long Island lawn really need? Too little causes brown spots and stress. Too much wastes money and promotes disease. This comprehensive guide breaks down the science of proper watering schedules for every season.

Covered Topics: Optimal watering times (early morning vs. evening), frequency vs. duration, seasonal adjustments for Long Island's climate, how to account for rainfall, soil type considerations, and smart controller programming tips that can reduce water usage by 30-40%.

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Different sprinkler head types
Equipment

Sprinkler Head Types: Which is Best for Your Lawn?

📅 September 15, 2024 ⏱️ 6 min read

Not all sprinkler heads are created equal. Understanding the differences between spray heads, rotors, and high-efficiency nozzles can save you water and money while keeping your Long Island lawn healthier. This guide explains each type's advantages and ideal applications.

What You'll Learn: Traditional spray head coverage patterns and best uses, rotor advantages for larger areas, multi-stream rotating nozzles and their 30% water savings, matched precipitation rates (MPR), and how wind affects different head types in Long Island's coastal climate.

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Smart irrigation controllers
Technology

Smart Irrigation Controllers: Are They Worth It?

📅 August 30, 2024 ⏱️ 8 min read

Smart irrigation controllers promise significant water savings through weather-based watering. But do they deliver for Long Island homeowners? We analyze the technology, real-world savings data, and whether the investment makes sense for your property.

Deep Dive Into: How weather-based controllers work, WiFi vs. sensor-based systems, actual water savings data from Nassau/Suffolk installations (20-40% reduction), payback periods, smartphone app features, integration with rain sensors, and which brands perform best in Long Island conditions.

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Spring irrigation startup guide
Spring Startup

Spring Irrigation Startup: DIY or Professional Service?

📅 March 15, 2024 ⏱️ 6 min read

Spring has arrived on Long Island, and it's time to activate your irrigation system. While some homeowners attempt DIY startup, professional service catches problems early and prevents costly mid-season failures. Here's what's really involved in proper system activation.

Critical Steps Covered: Checking for winter damage before pressurizing, proper valve opening sequence to prevent water hammer, zone-by-zone testing procedures, head adjustment after winter settling, backflow preventer inspection, controller programming for the new season, and common startup mistakes that cause expensive repairs.

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Irrigation system leak detection
Troubleshooting

Signs Your Irrigation System Has an Underground Leak

📅 July 20, 2024 ⏱️ 5 min read

Underground leaks waste water, increase bills, and damage your landscape—but they're often difficult to detect. Long Island's sandy soil can mask symptoms until problems become serious. Learn the warning signs and what to do if you suspect a leak.

Warning Signs Include: Soggy spots that appear when the system runs, unexplained increases in water bills, areas of unusually lush or tall grass, low pressure in specific zones, visible water bubbling at the surface, and sunken areas in your lawn. Plus, professional leak detection methods and typical repair costs.

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Early morning lawn watering
Water Conservation

Why You Should Water Your Lawn Early Morning (Not Evening)

📅 June 10, 2024 ⏱️ 4 min read

The timing of your watering cycle dramatically affects your lawn's health and water efficiency. While evening watering might seem convenient, it promotes fungal disease and wastes water. Here's the science behind optimal watering times for Long Island lawns.

Science-Based Recommendations: Why 4-6 AM is ideal (minimal wind, low evaporation, perfect absorption), how evening watering promotes brown patch and other fungal diseases common on Long Island, midday watering losses to evaporation (up to 50%), and how to program your controller for optimal timing.

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Irrigation cost savings
Cost Savings

How Much Can Smart Irrigation Really Save You?

📅 May 25, 2024 ⏱️ 7 min read

Smart irrigation technology promises significant savings, but what do the numbers actually show? We analyzed water bills from 50 Long Island homes before and after smart controller installation to reveal real-world savings data you can trust.

Real Data Analysis: Average 35% reduction in water usage, typical annual savings of $400-700 for Nassau/Suffolk homeowners, ROI timeframes (2-3 years), additional savings from reduced lawn disease, environmental impact (thousands of gallons saved annually), and which controller features provide the most value.

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Compliance

Understanding Long Island Backflow Testing Requirements

📅 April 18, 2024 ⏱️ 6 min read

Annual backflow testing isn't just good practice—it's required by law in most Nassau and Suffolk County municipalities. This critical safety device protects your drinking water from contamination, but many homeowners don't understand the requirements or consequences of non-compliance.

Essential Information: What backflow preventers do and why they're critical, annual testing requirements in different Long Island municipalities, what happens during testing, costs and time involved, consequences of skipping testing (fines, water shutoff), certified tester requirements, and how to schedule service.

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