When it comes to proper lawn care, knowing how to water your lawn is only part of the picture. It’s also vital to maintain a well-maintained lawn sprinkler system to keep garden lust and green. Like any equipment, your sprinkler system requires regular care to ensure it functions efficiently throughout the seasons. By following a thorough maintenance routine, you can avoid costly repairs, conserve water, and keep your lawn looking its best through it all. Here’s the ultimate lawn sprinkler maintenance checklist to guide you through the process.

Check your sprinkler heads to ensure they aren’t clogged or damaged

1. Inspect Sprinkler Heads Regularly

Sprinkler heads are one of the most crucial components of your system, as they distribute water evenly across your lawn. Over time, these heads can become clogged, damaged, or misaligned, leading to inefficient watering or dry patches.

– Clean the nozzles

Use a soft brush or toothpick to remove dirt, debris, or mineral deposits from the nozzles. This helps ensure a consistent water flow.

– Check for damage

Look for cracks or breaks in the sprinkler heads. If they are damaged, replace them immediately to prevent leaks.

– Adjust the alignment

Sprinkler heads can become misaligned due to weather conditions, lawnmowers, or general wear. Ensure that the heads are properly aligned so they hit the grass, instead of sidewalks, driveways, or walls.

Keep an eye on the nozzles’ water pressure to ensure they spray water effectively

2. Examine Water Pressure

Water pressure is a critical factor in ensuring your sprinkler system works effectively. If the pressure is too high, it can damage the sprinkler heads or cause water wastage. Conversely, low pressure might result in insufficient coverage.

– Use a pressure gauge

Attach a pressure gauge to your system to measure the water pressure. The ideal pressure for most systems ranges between 275 and 350 kPa (kilopascals). 

– Adjust the regulator

If your pressure is outside this range, adjust the pressure regulator to achieve the desired level.

– Look for leaks

Low water pressure could be a sign of leaks in the system. Walk around your yard and check for soggy areas or water pooling, as these can indicate a leak that needs repair.

3. Inspect Valves and Pipes for Leaks

Leaks in your sprinkler system can waste water and cause uneven watering. Over time, wear and tear on the valves, pipes, or connections can lead to leaks.

– Visual inspection

Look for obvious signs of leaks such as puddles, wet areas, or unusual plant growth around sprinkler heads or pipes.

– Test the valves

Manually operate each valve to ensure it opens and closes properly. If a valve is stuck or malfunctioning, it could cause water to continue flowing after the sprinkler cycle has finished.

– Inspect pipe connections

Check the connections between pipes, especially in areas prone to shifting soil or heavy foot traffic. Tighten any loose connections or replace damaged fittings as needed.

4. Check the Timer and Controller Settings

The controller is the brain of your sprinkler system, responsible for ensuring the sprinklers operate at the correct times. Improper settings can lead to overwatering, underwatering, or wasteful water use.

– Review the schedule

Make sure your system is set to water early in the morning or late in the evening, when evaporation rates are lower. Adjust the schedule based on seasonal needs, reducing watering times in the cooler months and increasing them during hot, dry periods.

– Test the controller

Manually run through the system’s cycle to ensure the controller is working properly. Replace the controller’s battery if necessary, and update any settings that may have been disrupted during power outages.

– Consider a smart controller

If you’re finding that manual adjustments are time-consuming, you may want to invest in a smart controller. These devices boast several benefits, such as reducing water waste, lowering water costs, and offering ease of use, all of which can make lawncare an easier task from now on.

5. Winterize the System

In Canada, freezing temperatures can damage sprinkler systems if they aren’t properly prepared for the winter months. Proper preparation by winterizing your sprinkler system helps ensure that pipes don’t freeze and burst, which can lead to costly repairs.

– Shut off the water supply

Turn off the main water supply to the sprinkler system before the first frost. This prevents water from flowing into the pipes and freezing.

– Drain the system

Use the manual drain valve, automatic drain valve, or air compressor method to remove any remaining water from the pipes and sprinkler heads. It’s crucial to remove all water to avoid ice build-up in the system.

– Insulate exposed components

Cover any above-ground components, such as valves and backflow preventers, with insulation or foam covers to protect them from freezing temperatures.

6. Test the System in Spring

After the winter months, it’s important to test your sprinkler system before the growing season begins. Prepping your sprinkler system for spring will help you identify any issues that occurred over the winter and ensure your lawn receives proper irrigation.

– Open the water supply slowly

When turning the water back on, do so gradually to avoid a sudden surge of pressure that could damage the pipes or sprinkler heads.

– Run each zone

Manually run each zone of your sprinkler system to check for proper water flow, pressure, and coverage. Look for any damaged sprinkler heads or leaks that may have developed over the winter.

– Recalibrate the system

If necessary, recalibrate the controller settings to account for seasonal changes and the specific water needs of your lawn in the spring and summer.

7. Maintain the Backflow Preventer

A backflow preventer is essential for protecting your water supply from contamination. It ensures that water flows in only one direction—from the water supply to the sprinkler heads—preventing any potentially contaminated water from flowing back into your home’s water supply.

– Inspect the backflow preventer

Check for any visible signs of wear or damage. If the preventer is cracked or leaking, it needs to be replaced immediately.

– Test the preventer

Many local regulations require annual testing of backflow preventers by a certified technician. If required, schedule this inspection to ensure your system complies with regulations and remains safe to use.

8. Regularly Trim Vegetation Around Sprinklers

Vegetation can grow around your sprinkler heads, blocking the spray and preventing even water distribution. This can lead to dry spots in your lawn or wasted water being absorbed by nearby plants.

– Trim grass and plants

Regularly trim any grass, weeds, or plants that grow around sprinkler heads. Ensure that the sprinklers have a clear path for water distribution.

– Remove obstructions

Check for any rocks, debris, or other obstacles that may block the sprinkler’s path. Clear these away to maintain consistent water flow.

9. Check the Rain Sensor

Most modern sprinkler systems include a rain sensor that automatically shuts off the system during periods of rainfall. Knowing how the rain sensor works, and how it detects when it’s raining is vital to using your water as efficiently as possible. Regular inspections and maintenance on the rain sensor is key to preventing overwatering and conserving water.

– Inspect the sensor

Ensure that the rain sensor is clean and free of debris. Sensors that are dirty or blocked may not function properly.

– Test the sensor

Simulate rainfall by gently spraying water on the sensor to ensure it shuts off the system as expected. If the sensor doesn’t respond, it may need to be recalibrated or replaced.

Maintaining your lawn sprinkler system doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure your system remains efficient, conserves water, and keeps your lawn healthy and green all year round. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and seasonal adjustments will save you time and money in the long run, while also ensuring that your lawn receives the care it deserves.

When it comes to keeping your lawn sprinkler system prepped and ready, Augusta Green Sprinklers is here to help. We offer full-service landscape irrigation and lighting services, from sprinkler installation and lighting upgrades to help you make your landscape all the more appealing. Call us at (416) 277-1666 and upgrade your landscape now.