When it comes to keeping your lawn green and your water bill low, a working sprinkler system is non-negotiable. But like any mechanical system, your irrigation setup needs regular care to avoid inconvenient (and expensive) breakdowns.
At Triple Green, we’ve seen it all—leaky heads, cracked valves, dead zones, and flooded lawns. Most of these issues can be avoided with just a bit of prevention. Below are 10 steps every homeowner can take to prevent sprinkler system failure—and save money in the long run.
1. Have a Maintenance Plan
This is the #1 way to prevent breakdowns. A professional maintenance plan ensures your system is inspected, adjusted, and cleaned at regular intervals. With Triple Green’s maintenance plans, we check for leaks, broken heads, pressure issues, and more—before they become problems. It’s like an oil change for your lawn.
2. Check for Leaks Regularly
Even a small leak can waste gallons of water per day and damage your yard. Walk your property every couple of weeks and look for soggy patches, unusually high water bills, or visible drips from sprinkler heads.
3. Clean Sprinkler Heads
Dirt, grass, and debris can clog sprinkler heads and block water flow. Use a soft brush and water to gently clean them, and remove any buildup around the nozzles.
4. Test Your System Monthly
Run your entire system manually once a month. Watch for:
- Heads not popping up
- Water spraying in the wrong direction
- Zones not turning on
- Uneven coverage
Catching issues early prevents dry spots—or worse, system damage.
5. Adjust for Seasonal Changes
Your lawn’s water needs change throughout the year. In the cooler months, overwatering can cause mold and root rot. In the summer, you may need to increase frequency slightly. A smart controller or regular manual adjustments will keep your system efficient.
6. Winterize Your System
If you live in a freeze-prone area, winterization is critical. Blowing out your system with compressed air before the first freeze will prevent cracked pipes and burst valves.
7. Trim Plants Around Sprinkler Heads
Overgrown grass and plants can block spray patterns or damage heads. Keep vegetation trimmed around all sprinkler components to ensure proper function and visibility.
8. Check Water Pressure
Too much pressure can damage your pipes and valves. Too little, and your lawn suffers. Use a pressure gauge or have us test your system to ensure it’s within the ideal PSI range.
TIP: How to Check Your Water Pressure
Use a simple pressure gauge (purchase one from hardware store) and attach it to an outdoor faucet or a test port near the sprinkler shutoff. Turn the water on fully and read the PSI on the gauge—ideal pressure is typically between 40–60 PSI. Readings below 30 PSI can cause weak spray, while readings above 70 PSI may damage sprinkler heads and valves. If pressure is too low or too high, it may be due to leaks, clogs, or the need for a pressure regulator. Checking pressure regularly helps ensure efficient, even watering across your lawn.
9. Upgrade Old or Faulty Parts
Still using an outdated timer or worn-out valves? Upgrading to newer, more efficient parts like smart controllers, rain sensors, or high-efficiency nozzles can improve performance and prevent future issues.
10. Schedule a Professional Inspection Twice a Year
Even if everything seems fine, a trained technician can spot hidden problems and make proactive adjustments. At Triple Green, our biannual inspections include a full system tune-up and recommendations to keep things running like new.
Why a Maintenance Plan Pays Off
Here’s the bottom line: Preventative maintenance costs a lot less than emergency repairs. A burst pipe or failed backflow preventer can rack up hundreds (even thousands) in repair and landscape damage.
Our clients who stay on a regular maintenance plan:
- Save water and money
- Get longer life out of their system
- Have fewer surprise repairs
- Enjoy peace of mind year-round
Keep Your Sprinkler System in Top Shape
Don’t wait for a breakdown to take action. Whether you need a quick repair, a full system check, or a seasonal adjustment, Triple Green has you covered.
Ask us about our affordable maintenance plans today!
Call now, (832) 821-6042, or book your inspection online with Triple Green.
