Exterior
Inspect sprinkler heads, valves and controller
A short zone-by-zone check can catch broken heads, leaking valves and poor scheduling before they waste water or repeatedly soak the house.
Recommended timingMonthly during the watering season
What to do
- Run each zone while observing it and look for broken or tilted heads, clogged nozzles, misting, overspray, low spots, runoff and water striking the home.
- Check valve boxes for standing water, active leakage, damaged wiring, insects and soil that blocks access without reaching into an occupied box.
- Adjust the controller for weather, daylight and local restrictions; use rain, soil-moisture or weather-based controls when installed and working.
- Use cycle-and-soak scheduling on slopes or slow-infiltration soil and repair leaks before extending runtime to compensate for weak coverage.
- Keep a zone map and controller instructions with the home records, and use an irrigation professional for wiring, valve, backflow or pressure problems.
Official guidance and sources
Product instructions and local requirements take priority for the equipment or material installed at your home.