DIY: Sprinkler System Inspection

Purpose

As the weather warms up, it’s time to get your lawn sprinkler system ready for another season of lush greenery. Regular maintenance and inspections can help extend the life expectancy of your system, save you money, and ensure your lawn stays healthy throughout the year. Here are 11 steps to follow when inspecting your sprinkler system.

Steps

1. Check the water meter: Make sure your water is turned on and check the meter to ensure it’s on for your sprinkler system.
2. Turn on the backflow device and isolation valve: Make sure the backflow device and isolation valve are turned on slowly to prevent damage to the main line.
3. Check the leak indicator: The leak indicator on your water meter will spin if there are any leaks in your system. Address any issues promptly.
4. Test the system: Run each area of your system for a few minutes to ensure it’s working correctly.
5. Do a walkthrough of your yard: Look for broken, clogged, or missing sprinkler heads, sunken heads, high grass or vegetation around the sprinkler heads, slanted heads, overspray and runoff, and broken pipes or fittings. Check your valve box and make sure there is no standing water inside.
6. Check the drip system: Make sure the filter is clean and replace it if needed. Check the flush at the end of the drip system for any obstructions.
7. Check sprinkler heads: Remove mud and debris that clog sprinkler heads by turning them counterclockwise to unscrew them. Clean both the head and the attached screen basket in a bucket of water. If necessary, replace the sprinkler head entirely.
8. Check sprinkler valves: Make sure the valves are completely open and check for leaks or other damage.
9. Check for line leaks and crushed pipes: Turn off the system and cut out or remove the damaged section. Fix it using two clamps and a slip coupling, then turn the system and water back on to ensure it’s no longer leaking before burying the line again.
10. Re-evaluate the controls: Check the operating times and days and adjust them if necessary to accommodate any changes in your landscape.
11. Power on your system: While the sprinklers are running, check for major leaks, adequate coverage, and water pressure. The water pressure level should read between 40 – 65 PSI.