How to Maintain Your Sprinkler System

Regular sprinkler system maintenance involves monthly inspections, seasonal adjustments, winterization, and annual professional servicing to ensure efficient watering and prevent costly repairs.

1. Spot Problems Before They Spread. Walk your property and check each sprinkler head for clogs, damage, or misalignment. Remove any grass, dirt, or debris blocking the nozzles. Look for cracked or broken heads that need replacement. Ensure heads are level with the ground and not tilted, which causes uneven water distribution.
2. Watch the Water Work. Run each zone for 5-10 minutes and observe the spray patterns. Water should reach all intended areas without creating puddles or dry spots. Low pressure often indicates clogged nozzles or damaged pipes underground. Adjust spray direction by turning the heads manually or using the adjustment screw.
3. Keep Flow Moving Freely. Locate the system filter, usually near the main water connection or timer box. Unscrew the filter housing and rinse the screen under running water. Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones with a soft brush. Dirty filters reduce water flow and strain the entire system.
4. Sync System to Season. Review your watering schedule monthly and adjust for seasonal changes. Most lawns need less water in cooler months and more during hot, dry periods. Test each zone manually to ensure the timer activates all valves properly. Replace the backup battery if your timer has one.
5. Find Leaks, Fix Quietly. Examine valve boxes for standing water, which indicates leaks. Check that valve covers sit flush and aren't cracked. Look for wet spots in your yard between sprinkler heads, as these often signal underground pipe leaks. Tighten loose connections but avoid over-tightening.
6. Match Water to Weather. Increase watering duration and frequency during summer months, typically running 15-20 minutes per zone. Reduce to 5-10 minutes in cooler seasons. Change watering times to early morning (4-6 AM) for best efficiency. Turn off or significantly reduce watering during rainy periods.
7. Protect Against Freeze Damage. Before the first freeze, shut off water to the system and drain all pipes. Remove any above-ground components that could freeze. Blow out remaining water using compressed air through the drain valves. Cover exposed pipes with insulation. This prevents thousands of dollars in freeze damage.
8. Get Expert Eyes Underground. Have a licensed irrigation technician inspect your system annually, preferably in spring before heavy use begins. They'll check underground components, test backflow preventers, calibrate timers, and identify potential problems. Professional maintenance catches expensive issues before they become major repairs.