Readying Your Irrigation System for Spring

Spring is fast approaching—and with it, the urge to enjoy the outdoors. But before you focus on barbecues and blooming gardens, it's important to make sure your irrigation system is up to the task. Now is the ideal time for inspections, maintenance, and upgrades—before small issues become costly problems.

Delaying until spring could leave you dealing with burst pipes, malfunctioning smart controllers, or flooded yards. Acting now means peace of mind later. Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your irrigation system before the season kicks in.

1. Inspect Your Irrigation System

Haven’t used your irrigation system since autumn? You're not alone. But winter can be rough on components. Pipes might have frozen and cracked. Critters may have chewed wires. Sediment could have built up. That’s why a full inspection is step one in prepping for spring.

Check the following:

• Sprinkler heads for damage or clogs
• Pipes and hoses for leaks or cracks
• Pumps and pressure boosters for wear
• Smart control systems for proper operation

2. Double Check System Performance

Even if you winterized your system, things can go wrong during dormancy. It’s smart to run a full system check early. Ensure everything powers up correctly and runs efficiently.

Look out for:

• Dead zones or dry patches
• Low pressure or uneven spray
• Overwatering or puddles

Test your smart controllers, meters, and backup battery systems. Replace batteries, calibrate sensors, and update firmware if needed. These small actions can prevent big headaches later.

3. Check Your Sprinkler Placement

Sprinkler layout is everything. Proper placement ensures even water coverage. If you've done any landscaping, garden bed additions, or yard changes, now's the time to reevaluate your sprinkler positions.

Tips:

• Ensure sprinklers aren’t aimed at windows or driveways
• Adjust angles for full grass and flower bed coverage
• Install booster pumps if water isn’t reaching distant areas

Planning to expand? Spring prep is the perfect opportunity to add lines or upgrade nozzles.

4. Ensure Proper Water Flow

Slow or inconsistent flow is a red flag. Check for clogs in sprinkler heads, filters, or valves. A whole zone not working could point to a cracked pipe or failed pump.

Address these early to avoid:

• Soaked, muddy lawns
• Dry, patchy grass and flower beds
• Flooding after heavy rain due to poor drainage

5. Revisit Smart Settings

Just because your system is smart doesn't mean it's set correctly. Early-season rainfall, mid-season heat waves, and late-spring dryness all affect your watering needs. Adjust your irrigation schedule regularly to align with current conditions—and local water restrictions.

6. Drip vs. Spray vs. Rotor Systems

If you’re not using the right sprinkler type for each area, you could be wasting water—or under-watering key areas.

Drip Irrigation

Great for flower beds, planters, and water-sensitive plants. Minimizes waste and evaporation.

Spray Systems

Best for small to medium lawn areas. Quick coverage but prone to evaporation and overspray.

Rotor Systems

Ideal for large lawns and even coverage. Efficient but may use more water if not adjusted properly.

Use a combination of these strategically to reduce water use while improving coverage.

7. Environmental Efficiency

Water conservation isn't just about savings—it's about sustainability. Rethink old habits like overwatering or running sprinklers midday. Smart adjustments, efficient layouts, and modern tech can dramatically reduce waste.

Less water use = lower bills + lower environmental impact.

8. Do Regular Maintenance

Don’t wait for something to break. Routine maintenance can extend the life of your irrigation system and prevent emergency repairs. Start with:

• Flushing out lines to remove debris or sediment
• Replacing old hoses and worn parts
• Testing each zone independently

Ensure nothing is blocking your sprinklers—like plants, rocks, or garden décor—and replace valves, timers, or fittings that are starting to wear out.

Spring Prep = Summer Success

Your irrigation system needs to be spring-ready before the season hits full swing. With a little preparation, you can avoid emergency repairs, wasted water, and uneven watering. Run system checks, revisit your layout, upgrade where needed, and enjoy a vibrant, healthy lawn all season long.

Don’t let preventable issues ruin your spring—or your summer. Get ahead of them now with proactive inspections and smart irrigation planning.