How Can I Check My Irrigation System to Ensure It`s Working Properly?

As the weather warms up and your lawn begins to grow, it’s important to make sure your irrigation system is operating efficiently. A poorly functioning sprinkler system can waste hundreds of gallons of water, increase utility bills, and leave parts of your lawn and landscaping damaged. Fortunately, a simple inspection can help identify issues before they become costly repairs.

Start with a Visual Inspection

Before turning the system on, walk around your property and inspect all visible sprinkler heads. Look for broken, cracked, tilted, or missing heads. Check for any signs of damage from lawn mowers, vehicles, pets, or winter freezing. Also inspect valve boxes for standing water, which could indicate a leak.

Run Each Zone Individually

Turn on your irrigation controller and manually activate each zone one at a time. As each zone runs, observe the sprinkler heads and watch for:

• Heads that do not pop up
• Heads that fail to rotate properly
• Clogged nozzles causing uneven spray patterns
• Excessive misting or fogging
• Water spraying sidewalks, driveways, or streets
• Dry spots or areas receiving too much water

Every sprinkler head should provide consistent coverage without over spraying non-landscaped areas.

Check Water Pressure

Low water pressure can result in poor sprinkler performance, while excessive pressure can create misting and wasted water. If sprinkler heads are not reaching their intended distance or appear to be producing a fine mist, have your system pressure checked by an irrigation professional.

Look for Leaks

Leaks are one of the most common irrigation problems. Signs include soggy patches in the yard, unusually green areas, water pooling around sprinkler heads, or unexpectedly high water bills. Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water over a season.

Verify Controller Settings

Review your irrigation controller programming. Confirm that:

• Current date and time are correct
• Watering schedules match seasonal needs
• Start times are appropriate
• Rain delay settings are functioning properly

Many homeowners forget to adjust watering schedules as temperatures change throughout the season.

Test Rain and Moisture Sensors

If your system is equipped with rain or soil moisture sensors, verify they are functioning correctly. These devices prevent unnecessary watering during wet conditions and can significantly reduce water consumption.

Examine Coverage Patterns

A healthy irrigation system provides “head-to-head” coverage, meaning the spray from one sprinkler reaches the next sprinkler. Watch for gaps in coverage that may create brown spots or stressed landscaping.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Even if your irrigation system appears to be working correctly, an annual inspection by a qualified irrigation technician can identify hidden issues such as underground leaks, faulty valves, wiring problems, or inefficient sprinkler placement.

Protect Your Lawn and Save Water

Regular irrigation system inspections help maintain a healthy lawn while reducing water waste and preventing expensive repairs. Spending just a few minutes checking your system at the beginning of the season can improve performance, lower utility costs, and keep your landscape looking its best all summer long.