It’s thunderstorm season again, and you may be concerned about or wonder if thunderstorms zap sprinkler systems. Lightning from a storm is a powerful force, and can most definitely affect your system. If preventative measures are taken, however, you can avoid damage.
Because you have zone wires running all over your property, your sprinkler system is a target for lightning. With one strike, the valve solenoid and timer could be damaged or even demolished. It could even get into your home’s electrical system.
After a storm has passed, check the control panel to ensure it hasn’t been scrambled, and also take notice of any electrical burn smells or burn spots. These are indicators that some damage has occurred. The damages that won’t be as obvious are shorted or burned out solenoids and melted wires or insulation because they are all underground.
Expensive and extensive repairs to your sprinkler system, and possibly to other systems in the home, can be prevented by hiring a well-trained irrigation contractor. They will know how to properly protect your sprinkler sytem parts from storm damage and advise you of other ways to keep your irrigation system working properly.
Remember that damage could take weeks or even months to present itself, so take precautionary action by inspecting the control panel after storms. Have your system inspected for proper grounding, and have it done correctly if it’s faulty. Don’t let one lightning strike cause a potential laundry list of repairs, replacements, and an eventual decline of your lawn.