Sprinkler Maintenance 101

It is hard to believe, but before we know it the summer watering season will be upon us. That is why now is a good time to make sure your sprinkler is in tip top shape. 

If you have an automatic sprinkler system, you will need to turn on your system and walk through each zone to make sure that it is functioning correctly. If it is not, be sure to address any issues prior to starting it up for the season. Check out our  spring checklist for more sprinkler system maintenance tips that will help you save you money, water, and time. 

Similarly, if you use a sprinkler attached to a hose, you will need to make sure that your outdoor spigot, hose, and sprinkler are all in good working condition.  If they are not, take the opportunity to tackle any problems or to replace items that are not working properly.

Since our spring and early summer are often wet, we also recommend that you use our Weekly Watering Number as a guideline for how much to water each week. The Weekly Watering Number is based on the weather in your zip code and will alert you when to start watering more as summer temperatures climb and then when to start watering less as it cools down into the fall.  

Regardless of which type of watering system you use, your sprinkler system is a critical tool your landscape watering efforts, and that makes it a critical part of your water conservation efforts. Below are some general guidelines for caring for and maintaining your irrigation system during spring start-up, summer maintenance and fall shut-down.

Spring Start-up Checklist

Spring is the time to start checking your sprinkler system for peak summer performance — one of the most important things you can do to keep your system operating efficiently. 

Here’s what to do:

• Close all manual drains (they were probably left open when sprinkler system was drained last fall).
• Slowly open the main valve, allowing the piping between it and the cross connection (backflow) prevention assembly to fill with water.
• Pressurize the mainline from the backflow prevention assembly to the control valves. Have one of the control valves open while you do this, so air trapped in the piping can escape through the sprinkler heads as the pipes fill with water.
• Have the cross connection assembly tested by a state-certified tester.  Contact your local water provider for specific information on rules and regulations - be sure to ask for the cross connection or back flow specialist. 
• Run the entire sprinkler system, one zone at a time. As you do this, check the following:
  • Signs of leakage, especially damage to sprinkler heads or piping which could have occurred over the winter. Repair and replace as needed.
  • Accurate spray patterns. Adjust your sprinkler heads so they water your landscape and not sidewalks or pavement.  Also make sure their spray isn’t blocked by plants or other materials.

  • Clean clogged nozzles and sprinkler heads

Summer Maintenance Checklist

• Set it, but don’t forget it.  Automatic sprinkler systems aren't completely automatic. For example, they don’t adjust themselves when the weather gets hotter, or when it rains. Set a base schedule that provides 1” per week in lawn areas (less for shrub and tree zones) and adjust that schedule regularly according to weekly weather trends. Most controllers have a ‘water budget’ or ‘percent adjustment’ feature that makes adjusting your schedule a very easy process.
• Check for broken or misguided heads