One of aluminum pipes' greatest advantages is minimal maintenance compared to steel or PVC. But minimal doesn't mean none. Proper seasonal care ensures your system performs flawlessly for decades.
Spring - Season Preparation (March-April)
Before first startup:
- Visually inspect every pipe for mechanical damage from winter storage or machinery.
- Check all couplings and collars for proper tightness and gasket condition.
- Replace any gaskets showing wear, cracking, or hardness.
- Clean sprinklers by soaking in mild vinegar solution for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits.
- Check pump - oil, seals, suction hose.
- Test system at low pressure before full operation.
Summer - Routine Maintenance (May-September)
Weekly during irrigation season:
- Measure pressure at the start and end of main line - a difference greater than 20% indicates leaks or blockage.
- Clean pump filters - clogged filters reduce flow and pressure.
- Visually check sprinklers - uneven patterns signal blockage.
- Walk the line checking all joints for visible leaks.
- Watch for wet zones around couplings - an early warning sign.
Fall - Disassembly (October-November)
After the irrigation season:
- Completely drain all water from pipes - leave tilted to drain for at least 2 hours.
- Disassemble starting from lateral ends toward the main line.
- Clean each pipe end of soil and debris.
- Inspect every coupling and replace worn gaskets immediately rather than waiting until spring.
- Mark any mechanically damaged pipes for replacement.
Winter - Storage (December-February)
Aluminum pipes require no corrosion protection - they won't rust even outdoors. However, we recommend:
- Store in a dry, covered area if possible.
- If stored outdoors, raise pipes off the ground on pallets.
- Store rubber gaskets indoors, protected from frost and sunlight.
- Store sprinklers and small fittings in labeled boxes by diameter.
Component Lifespan
- IRRIGO aluminum pipes: 50+ years.
- Rubber gaskets: 3-5 seasons (inexpensive replacements).
- Couplings and collars: 20-30 years.
- Sprinklers: 5-10 seasons depending on water quality.
IRRIGO supplies all replacement parts. Contact us: +381 65 668 8225 | info@irrigo.rs
When replacing gaskets and collars, browse our full selection of couplings and fittings for genuine IRRIGO replacement parts.
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