How to Keep Your Irrigation System Working Like a Charm
Your irrigation setup does a lot of behind-the-scenes work to keep your plants happy. But just like any tool, it needs a little TLC now and then. Without regular care, you might end up wasting water, dealing with dry patches, or paying for repairs that could’ve been avoided.
Here’s a friendly guide to help you stay on top of your irrigation game.
1. Give It a Spring Check-Up
When the watering season rolls around, it’s smart to do a full walk-through of your system.
🔍 What to look for:
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Any parts that look cracked or damaged
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Heads that aren’t spraying right—or not at all
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Wet spots that shouldn’t be there
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Sprinklers hitting the sidewalk instead of your plants
Turn on each section one at a time and take a look around while it’s running. It’s the easiest way to catch problems before they turn into bigger ones.
2. Sprinkler Heads Need Love Too
Heads can get clogged with dirt, grass clippings, or hard water deposits. Sometimes they even shift out of place.
🧽 Quick fixes:
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Gently clean the nozzles with a small brush or cloth
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Make sure each head is upright and aimed where it should be
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If anything’s busted, swap it out with a new one
Little tweaks like these can make a big difference in how evenly your lawn gets watered.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Leaks or Pressure Drops
Leaks are sneaky. They waste water and can make parts of your yard too soggy while others stay dry.
👀 Signs something’s off:
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Mushy or overly green patches
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Sprinklers spraying oddly or weakly
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Strange noises when the system is on
If you’re not sure, grab a water pressure gauge and see if everything’s running at the right level.
4. Check Your Controller Settings
Your controller tells the system when and how much to water. If the settings are off, you might be over- or under-watering without realizing it.
🛠️ Make sure:
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The time and date are right (especially after power outages)
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Each zone has a sensible watering schedule
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Backup batteries (if you have them) are still good
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Smart controllers are syncing up with the weather properly
Updating your controller now and then keeps your watering schedule aligned with the season.
5. Give the System a Flush
Sediment and junk can build up inside your irrigation lines, especially in drip systems.
💦 Here’s how to clean it out:
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Open up the end caps or flush valves
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Run water through until it looks clear
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Close everything back up and check for smooth operation
Flushing once a year helps keep clogs at bay and ensures all zones get the right amount of water.
6. Don’t Forget Winter Prep
Live somewhere cold? You’ll want to winterize your system before the first freeze to avoid cracked pipes.
❄️ Winterize like this:
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Shut off the main water supply to the system
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Drain out remaining water (use compressed air if needed)
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Wrap up exposed parts with insulation
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Make sure your backflow preventer and valves are empty
This step’s a must-do if you don’t want surprise repairs in the spring.
7. Track What You Do
It might sound like overkill, but keeping a simple log of what you fix or change can save time later.
📝 Jot down:
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Inspection dates
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Parts you replaced
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Any strange issues you noticed
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Changes to your watering schedule
That way, if the same problem pops up again, you’ll have a record to work from.
8. Stick to a Simple Routine
A few quick checks throughout the year can go a long way. Don’t wait until something breaks!
🗓️ Suggested schedule:
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A mini inspection once a month during watering season
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Full reviews in early spring and fall
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A deep clean or system flush once a year
The more consistent you are, the less likely it is you’ll run into big issues.
Your irrigation system works hard—give it the maintenance it needs, and it’ll return the favor with healthier plants and fewer headaches. A little care here and there beats scrambling for a fix when things go wrong.