Give Your Sprinkler System a Tune-up

June 19, 2024

Are your sprinklers wasting water or leaving dry spots on your lawn? Have you checked them out lately? No matter how well-installed they may be, sprinkler systems are subject to the elements like the rest of your landscaping, and they may become less efficient or need maintenance after a while. 

If you’re seeing higher water usage than you remember, or your system just isn’t performing the way it used to, it might be time to give it a tune-up. Here are some simple, cost-effective steps to make sure your system is running its best before the next active season. 

Run Each Sprinkler Zone and Inspect the System 

Checking each sprinkler zone independently can clue you in to specific issues. While it’s often best to rely on an expert’s opinion here, there are a few things you might be able to spot yourself. 

One of the easier problems to spot are broken heads, which will spray erratically or not at all. Dirty nozzles can also cause uneven spray and distribution; even small blockages can affect coverage and lead to wasted water or dry patches. Fortunately, issues like blocks and dirty nozzles are simple enough to fix yourself—just gently wipe them clear of dirt and grime. Broken heads will need to be replaced, however, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for backup if you’re not sure about tackling it alone. 

Check Nozzle Alignment and Straighten Sprinkler Heads

Your sprinklers should be set at the right angle and alignment to not just cover your entire lawn but also avoid overwatering and having too much of the spray fall on sidewalks, driveways, and other hardscaping elements. 

This often takes some patience and fine tuning, with several rounds of adjustments and testing to get it right. To realign the sprinkler head, use a rotor key or flathead screwdriver on the top screw; this will adjust to the spray arc. To adjust spray distance, use a flathead screwdriver to turn the screw on the nozzle itself. You may need to physically twist the entire head to set the right stop on rotary heads, while others allow for adjustments with a screwdriver.

Finally, if your sprinkler head is leaning, you’ll need to physically straighten the head; typically this can be solved by supporting the weaker side with extra dirt, although other adjustments may be necessary.

Inspect Drip Irrigation for Even Coverage

Drip irrigation systems are a great way to conserve water and deliver it where it’s needed most. Unfortunately, missing emitters, clogged lines, or uneven pressure can all lead to inconsistent water flow, thereby causing some plants to get overwatered while others remain parched.

Problems with drip irrigation are not an easy DIY fix. It often requires cutting out damaged sections of tubing and using a coupling to reconnect the ends, and if this is not done right, it can lead to more leaks and even further damage from improper pressure and gaps. If you have any issues with a drip system, contact Lindgren Landscape; we’re highly experienced with adjusting, replacing, and upgrading drip irrigation systems for balanced watering. 

Watch for Leaks and Puddles

The trickiest problems to diagnose are those that develop out of sight. Underground leaks, for example, can quickly cause significant damage to lawns and plant roots, and can even affect the foundations of homes and leak into basements. 

While these problems mostly occur underground, you can keep an eye out for subtle signs such as standing water in your lawn, soggy soil, or unusually high water bills. If your sprinkler system appears to be functioning normally except for one or two zones, this is another clue that something is wrong underneath the grass. 

If you suspect that you have a leak, have Lindgren out to inspect and repair your sprinkler system right away. Our experienced team can pinpoint and fix leaks before they get worse and cause serious damage. 

Check and Optimize the Sprinkler Controller

Your sprinkler controller acts as the “brain” of an automated system, turning zones on and off according to a set schedule. Routine tune-ups include ensuring the programming matches the current season and weather conditions. For example, it should be adjusted to run longer during dry spurts and restricted during periods of prolonged precipitation, delivering just the right amount of water that your yard needs. 

You can also consider upgrading your system with smart irrigation controls for efficient scheduling and automated adjustments. Finally, it’s always smart to replace your controller battery once a year, ideally during a spring tune-up. A dead controller battery can erase your watering schedule with some systems!

Tune-Up Your Sprinkler System With Lindgren Landscape

A properly tuned sprinkler system saves water, keeps your lawn vibrant, and prevents costly repairs. If it’s been a while since your last sprinkler check-up, let Lindgren Landscape handle the details with irrigation and sprinkler management services. Contact us today to schedule your sprinkler system tune-up and keep your landscape thriving all year long!