How Often Should You Have Your Irrigation System Inspected?

Your irrigation system plays an important role in keeping your lawn and landscaping healthy, especially during the hot Central Texas summers. But because most of the system is underground or operating when you may not be watching it, problems can easily go unnoticed.

A broken sprinkler head, small underground leak, or poorly adjusted zone might not seem significant at first, but over time, these issues can lead to wasted water, higher water bills, dry areas, and damage to your landscaping.

Schedule an Irrigation Inspection at Least Once a Year

As a general rule, homeowners should have their irrigation system professionally inspected at least once a year. For many Central Texas properties, having the system checked in the spring before the hottest months arrive is a good time to identify problems and make necessary adjustments.

An annual irrigation inspection can help catch minor issues before they become larger repairs. It can also ensure your system is providing appropriate coverage throughout your lawn and landscape beds.

Properties with older irrigation systems, extensive landscaping, or recurring problems may benefit from more frequent inspections.

What Is Checked During an Irrigation Inspection?

An irrigation inspection is about more than simply turning on the sprinklers and making sure water comes out.

The SR Outdoors experts evaluate the overall operation of the system and look for signs that water isn't being distributed as effectively as it should be.

This can include checking sprinkler heads for damage or improper spray patterns, looking for leaks, testing individual zones, evaluating water pressure, reviewing the controller and watering schedule, and identifying areas with too much or too little coverage.

Over time, sprinkler heads can become damaged, landscaping can grow and block spray patterns, and changes to your yard can affect how well the original irrigation design works. Routine inspections allow your system to be adjusted as your property changes.

Don't Wait for an Annual Inspection if You Notice a Problem

While an annual inspection is a good starting point, certain warning signs mean your irrigation system should be checked sooner.

If you notice unusually wet areas, water pooling in your yard, dry patches, sprinkler heads that aren't spraying correctly, or water running onto sidewalks and driveways, there may be an issue with your system.

A sudden increase in your water bill can also be a warning sign. Irrigation leaks aren't always obvious from the surface, especially when damaged lines or components are underground.

Addressing these problems early can help prevent unnecessary water waste and additional damage.

Seasonal Irrigation Checks Can Make a Difference

Central Texas weather can put irrigation systems through a lot. Long periods of extreme heat can increase watering demands, while freezing temperatures during the winter can potentially damage exposed or vulnerable components. Because of this, it can be helpful to check your system when the seasons change.

Before summer, make sure your irrigation system is ready to handle increased demand. After freezing weather, inspect the system for signs of leaks or damaged components before returning to your normal watering routine.

It's also important to adjust your watering schedule throughout the year rather than using the same settings every season. Your landscape's watering needs in April are very different from what they may be in July.

Preventative Maintenance Can Save You Trouble Later

It's easy to forget about your irrigation system when everything appears to be working. However, preventative maintenance can help you identify inefficient watering, small leaks, damaged components, and coverage problems before they become more noticeable.

Regular inspections can also help protect the investment you've made in your lawn and landscaping. Plants and grass that receive too much or too little water can struggle, even when the irrigation system appears to be running normally.

Keep Your Irrigation System Working Efficiently

If it has been a while since your irrigation system was inspected, or you've noticed something doesn't seem quite right, SR Outdoors can help.

We provide residential and commercial irrigation services designed to keep Central Texas properties watered efficiently and irrigation systems operating properly.

Whether you need a routine system inspection, irrigation repair, troubleshooting, or system improvements, SR Outdoors can evaluate your system and recommend a solution based on the needs of your property.

Need your irrigation system checked? Contact SR Outdoors to schedule irrigation services today.