How to Properly Do Your Annual Irrigation Tune-up Check

Staying on your yard’s irrigation system isn’t just good practice. It’s essential to keep your lawn and landscaping fresh, green, and vibrant all year. Like your car or HVAC system, your irrigation setup needs routine checkups to ensure everything is working properly. That’s where an irrigation tune-up comes in. It’s your opportunity to evaluate the health of your sprinkler system, the pipes below the surface, and the controller settings that dictate when and how your landscape gets watered.

This helpful guide walks you through how to perform a proper irrigation tune-up check, when to do it, and what specific parts of your system deserve close attention. If you’re a homeowner who cares about lawn health or if you’re someone tired of unpredictable sprinkler issues, this will help you prevent long-term damage and reduce your monthly water bills as well. Whether you live in Austin, Round Rock & Cedar Park, or anywhere else in Texas, a little irrigation maintenance can go a long way. So, prepare to get a tune-up on your irrigation knowledge with this handy article.

What is an Annual Irrigation Tune-up Check?

What Does it Involve?

An annual irrigation tune-up check involves evaluating each part of your system to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively. That includes turning on each zone individually to observe the behavior of your sprinkler heads, inspecting the pipes, and reviewing the controller to ensure everything aligns with your landscape’s watering needs. Every component plays a role; if one part fails, it can throw off the entire irrigation process.
Beyond visual inspections, an irrigation tune-up should address any wear or inefficiencies. Sprinkler heads may be clogged, valves may be stuck, or underground irrigation pipes may have shifted or cracked. This is also when you clean filters, flush out lines, and recalibrate for the season ahead. Without a detailed irrigation tune-up, you risk water waste, plant stress, and unexpected damage that adds up quickly.

When Is the Best Time to Do it?

The ideal time to complete your annual irrigation tune-up is early spring, just before the start of heavy watering season. In Texas, this usually falls between late March and early May, depending on the weather. By checking your system before summer arrives you can give yourself time to identify and fix problems before they become more serious. If irrigation issues are left unchecked heading into the hot weather, your landscape could suffer from stress and dehydration.
By waiting until summer to inspect your sprinkler system, it often means catching problems too late. Sprinkler heads may already be misaligned, timer settings may be outdated, and small leaks could cost you water usage. By scheduling your irrigation tune-up ahead of peak heat, you protect your yard and reduce the chance of mid-season emergencies that require more invasive and expensive repairs.

Inspect for Leaks and Signs of Damage for Your Irrigation Tune-up

How to Check for Leaks and Signs of Damage

One of the most common issues found during an irrigation tune-up is a hidden leak. These can occur underground, where they’re hard to spot, or as unexpected soggy spots, high water bills, or weak sprinkler pressure. During your inspection, turn on each irrigation zone one at a time and walk your property carefully, looking for anything unusual. A bubbling patch of grass or inconsistent spray from your sprinkler heads can point to a break or blockage. Beyond obvious signs, it’s important to notice the more subtle indicators of irrigation damage. If grass in one area looks greener or more lush than surrounding sections, you might have a pipe leaking beneath the soil. Sprinkler heads that don’t rise fully or water that trickles instead of sprays can also mean a blockage. Addressing these early during your irrigation tune-up can save time, money, and water.

Check Your Timer Settings and Seasonal Adjustments

Another critical part of your irrigation tune-up is reviewing your timer settings. Many homeowners set their irrigation timers once and forget about them, but changing seasons requires different watering needs. Your plants need less water in the spring and fall than in the peak of summer, so adjusting your schedule is important. Watering early in the morning is best to avoid evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal disease. Smart timers or rain sensors can also be helpful tools when optimizing your irrigation system. If your timer doesn’t account for local rainfall or temperature shifts, your yard could be overwatered or under watered, even if the system is technically running correctly. During your tune-up, double-check that your timer aligns with your soil, lawn type, and regional climate needs. These updates may seem minor, but they can extend the life of your sprinkler system and prevent landscape damage.

Test and Adjust Sprinkler Heads for Your Tune-up

Why is it Important?

Testing and adjusting sprinkler heads ensures your lawn is watered evenly and efficiently. Misaligned or damaged sprinkler heads can cause water to pool in some areas while others go completely dry. Over time, this leads to patchy grass, dead spots, and unnecessary water waste. By including this step in your irrigation tune-up, you ensure each landscape section receives the right amount of water.

This part of your irrigation tune-up also helps improve water conservation and lower monthly bills. A sprinkler head that sprays onto the sidewalk or driveway instead of your grass isn’t just wasteful…it’s also expensive. Small tweaks, like redirecting a head or replacing a clogged nozzle, can make a noticeable difference in your landscape’s appearance and your system’s performance.

What Should You Check?

When inspecting your sprinkler heads, see if they rise and retract fully when the system turns on and off. Any head that sticks or stays sunken might be clogged or damaged. Watch the spray pattern to ensure it reaches the intended area. If the water hits windows, fences, or pavement, you’ll want to gently adjust the head until the coverage looks balanced and targeted.

It’s also smart to check the height and type of each sprinkler head. If your grass has grown over time or your plants are taller than last year, your current heads may not provide adequate coverage. In that case, consider swapping them for higher risers or upgrading to rotary nozzles that deliver more even watering over large spaces. Testing your sprinklers during the tune-up helps prevent overwatering and keeps your irrigation system working as intended.

Conclusion:

An annual irrigation tune-up gives your landscape the best chance to thrive through every season. Skipping this maintenance step can lead to hidden leaks, costly damage, and water issues that harm your plants and waste money. With just a few careful checks and adjustments, you’ll keep your sprinkler system in top shape while avoiding headaches.

If all of this sounds like a lot, don’t worry! Our capable crew at ProGreen Landscape Solutions is here to help. Our professionals know irrigation systems inside and out and can fine-tune every component for maximum performance. Whether you need a full irrigation inspection or a quick tune-up, we’re ready to get your system back on the right track. Contact us today to schedule your irrigation service and keep yourself and your yard looking healthy and stress-free all year.