21 NCAC 23 .0602 BASIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

(a) An irrigation contractor shall establish a systematic maintenance schedule for inspecting, testing, and reporting the performance conditions of the irrigation system to the owner.

(b) An irrigation contractor shall inform the owner of any violations of minimum standards observed in the irrigation system.

(1) verify that the water supply and pressure are adequate for proper operation;

(2) adjust valves and flow regulators for proper pressure and flow operation. Valves must shut off tightly to prevent leakage and operate without abruptly opening or closing to prevent damage to the irrigation system caused by water hammer and pressure surges;

(3) verify that sprinklers are properly adjusted - check the nozzle, arc, radius, level, and attitude with respect to slope and ensure that water is not spraying on impervious surfaces;

(4) verify that sensors are working properly;

(5) look for debris (e.g., rocks, sand, and soil) lodged in sprinklers and drip emitters;

(6) examine filters and clean filtration elements at least once a year or when the irrigation system fails to operate properly due to clogged filters;

(7) verify proper operation of the controller. Confirm correct date and time input and functional back-up battery at least once a year;

(8) repair or replace broken hardware and pipelines with originally-specified materials or their equivalent, thereby restoring the system to the original design specifications;

(9) check for leaks and complete repairs to support the integrity of the irrigation design and to minimize the waste of water;

(10) move, adjust, add, or remove sprinklers or other hardware as required to compensate for blocked spray patterns or changes in the irrigation needs of the landscape; and

(11) test all repairs and flush pipes, valves, sprinklers, drip components, and filters as needed.

(d) In the event an irrigation contractor makes any changes to the irrigation system, he shall amend the irrigation record drawing to reflect those changes.

(e) An irrigation contractor shall establish a "winterization" protocol in areas where low temperatures will damage an irrigation system. Winterization consists of removing enough water from the irrigation system and equipment so that no damage occurs to any part of the irrigation system during temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This is accomplished by turning off the main water supply, opening all drains, and if necessary using compressed air to remove water from the irrigation system.

(f) An irrigation contractor shall establish an "activation/start-up" protocol. Activation consists of re-pressurization and inspection of the irrigation system.

(g) An irrigation contractor shall provide the owner with recommendations regarding updating and retrofitting existing irrigation systems with new technology that will reduce overall water use.

History Note: Authority G.S. 89G-5;

Eff. July 1, 2011;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. September 22, 2014;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2016.