What maintenance step can help prevent pressure surges in irrigation systems?

Installing pressure regulators is a vital maintenance step for preventing pressure surges in irrigation systems. Pressure surges can occur due to sudden changes in water flow, causing potential damage to the system and plants. Pressure regulators serve to maintain a consistent and stable water pressure, ensuring that fluctuations are minimized. This stability not only protects the irrigation components but also promotes healthier water distribution to the plants.

While regularly adjusting timer settings can optimize system operation, it does not address the root cause of pressure surges. Flushing the system monthly is useful for eliminating debris and maintaining water quality but does not directly prevent pressure variations. Using more powerful pumps can actually exacerbate pressure surges by increasing flow rates too quickly, creating the very issues that pressure regulators are designed to mitigate. Thus, installing pressure regulators is the most effective measure to maintain consistent pressure within the irrigation system.