Sprinkler Maintenance 101

Your sprinkler system is a critical tool your landscape watering efforts, and that makes it a critical part of your water conservation efforts.

Irrigation systems are not the “set and forget” systems we’ve been led to believe.  Proper and timely maintenance is essential.   Below are some general guidelines for caring for and maintaining your irrigation system during spring start-up, summer maintenance and fall shut-down.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Each fall, you should winterize your irrigation system to keep it in prime condition for the next spring and summer. To do this:

• Check to see that your sprinkler system is functioning correctly. Make sure that your sprinkler heads aren't blocked and are directed to the plants you would like them to water. 
• Look for perpetual damp spots in your landscape as these might indicate a leak or broken line that will have to be fixed.
• Get your back flow checked. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, chances are that you have a back flow connection that is required by law to be checked annually.
• Winterize your automatic sprinkler system by emptying it of water and turning it off for the season (this includes drip systems too!)   
• Put garden hoses away for the season and insulate outdoor pipes. Empty and disconnect your garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Also be sure to insulate your outdoor faucets and any exposed pipes for the winter.
• Clear debris from your gutters and downspouts. This will prevent overflow and keep the water from your roof directed where you want it to go during the winter rains. 

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