Maybe you’re one of those homeowners who loves to handle your own lawn chores.
You have a garage full of tools and wake up early on Saturday mornings ready to tackle your list.
Or you’re rolling your eyes right now and keep a list of home and garden repair companies handy in your phone contacts list.
Either way, your sprinkler system needs occasional attention.
Here in Orlando, our irrigation systems get a real workout, so regular landscape and lawn sprinkler maintenance is a must.
Here’s a handy lawn sprinkler system maintenance checklist. Or, call us and head back to bed.
1. Check Your Irrigation Controller
It’s the brains of your entire irrigation system, so you might as well start here.
Is it plugged in firmly?
Make sure the sensors and wires are connected properly.
Check all the run times and update the watering schedule for the season. Is your system watering your landscaping too much or too little for the time of year?
In spring, your lawn and landscape don’t need the same amount of water as they do in the scorching heat of summer. And when the temperature drops in the fall, you need to readjust your system, so it delivers less water.
Different parts of your property have different watering needs, too. If half your lawn is in the shade, it won’t need as much water as the half that spends all day in full sun. Adjust your zones accordingly.
2. Check Sprinkler Heads: A Key Part of Lawn Sprinkler Maintenance
Another important irrigation system maintenance tip, don't assume your sprinkler heads are OK. They go through a lot.
Over time, they can get clogged, hit by a lawnmower, or sink too low into the ground. One or two might get misdirected, spraying water on your driveway instead of your flower bed.
Inspect each one to make sure they’re getting the job done.
3. Flush the Irrigation System
Your sprinkler system needs clear pipes and steady water pressure to do its job.
Turn on the water at the beginning of the season to flush any debris or dirt trapped in the lines. Let the water run until you see clear water coming out of each sprinkler head.
4. Do a Two-Minute Sprinkler Test
Run each zone in your system for a couple of minutes to make sure everything’s working well.
What are you looking for as the water sprays? A few things:
- Are any heads leaking or broken?
- Are any spots too wet or too dry? If so, you’ll need to adjust the watering time for those zones.
- Is water hitting only where it should, and not over spraying on pavement or hitting buildings? Maybe a nozzle is too big, spraying 12 feet when it only needs to spray 8.
- Are any nozzles clogged with debris?
- Does anything look like it needs repair?
5. Check the Backflow Device
This allows water to go through your irrigation system in one direction but prevents it from going backward in the opposite direction.
Make sure the handle on your backflow is on. When it’s off, it restricts any water from flowing past the backflow and to your sprinkler system valves.
Don’t Have Time for All This Sprinkler Maintenance Stuff?
If you feel your stress level rising with each lawn sprinkler maintenance task, calm down.
That’s why we’re here. You want to enjoy your yard, not spend all your free time on maintenance.
A commercial irrigation inspection will zero in on any water waste. Irrigation technicians will also spot the little issues that can lead to bigger problems later, from cracked lines and leaky valves to clogged nozzles or broken spray heads.
It doesn’t take long for a healthy green lawn or landscape to turn brown and die without enough water.
Trust Your Landscape and Lawn Sprinkler Maintenance to Ground Source
Maybe you’ve got your lawn sprinkler maintenance covered. Or maybe you want to hand it all over to the pros and hit the pool or patio.
Or maybe you’re happy to handle a few of the chores, and partner with us to tackle the tougher stuff.
Whatever works for you.
We’re irrigation experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.
Sod, irrigation, landscape design: Let us transform your yard from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive yard you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.
Image source: irrigation controller
