Having an automatic sprinkler system in your yard makes it easy to keep your grass and landscaping looking great during the warmer months. It works whether you’re home or on vacation and can supply a reliable and steady amount of water for your lawn to thrive, even during dry spells. If you’re like most homeowners, you likely run your sprinkler system several times each week during the spring and summer. All that use means you’ll need to take a few extra steps to maintain your system and keep you from having to schedule unexpected Denver sprinkler repair appointments. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think. Here are a few simple tips to help you maintain your sprinkler system.

1. Pay Attention to the Seasons
Your landscaping will need different amounts of water depending on the season. Pay attention to what’s going on outside when you set your watering schedule and make adjustments as needed. For example, if it’s cloudy for most of the week or raining in the afternoons, you may be able to turn the system off entirely. The less frequently the system has to run, the less wear and tear it will see. This can help you keep your sprinklers in better shape and extend the life of the components significantly. 

That said, don’t avoid using your system when you need it just because you’re trying to put off a professional tune-up. If it’s sunny and your grass keeps drying out, program the system accordingly.

2. Watch for Leaks and Signs of Damage
You know your sprinkler system and know what it’s supposed to look like when it’s running and when it’s not. Every week, take a walk around the yard and look for signs of leaks and other damage. If there’s something wrong with the system, you’ll likely see puddles around the yard even when the system hasn’t watered your yard or see sprinkler heads poking up out of the grass when the system’s off. If you see anything that looks out of place, call your sprinkler repair team immediately. The sooner it’s fixed, the better off the system will be.

3. Install a Rain Sensor Now
Most modern systems have rain sensors installed from the very beginning. But older sprinkler systems may not have this feature. If your system doesn’t automatically shut off during rainstorms, invest in a rain sensor as soon as possible. The sensor lets the sprinkler system controller know when the grass is getting enough moisture naturally and triggers the system to pause its regular cycle. This helps keep your grass in better shape but it also reduces unnecessary wear and tear on your sprinkler heads. 

4. Check for Blockages
Have you ever looked outside when your sprinkler system is running only to notice that a portion of your yard isn’t getting watered or the spray pattern just doesn’t look “right?” Instead of ignoring those issues until your next tune-up, investigate. Check the sprinkler heads for blockages and if you see any dirt or grass clippings blocking the spray head, clear it away. For stubborn grime, all you need is a damp paper towel and a bit of elbow grease. This should fix the problem and reduces the risk of breaking your sprinkler heads over the course of the growing season.

5. Be Mindful of Spray Patterns
When a sprinkler system is working properly, the spray should be even and consistent. After a few cycles, you’ll get to know what it’s supposed to look like. But if you notice that the spray isn’t going where it’s supposed to or looks like it’s misting off before it can reach the grass, you may need to adjust the sprinkler head positions. And if you notice the spray hitting your house or your driveway instead of the landscaping, you’ll definitely want to make the adjustments as soon as possible. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, don’t panic. Make an appointment with your repair tech and let them make the necessary adjustments for you.

6. Stay on Top of Tune-Ups
No matter how much or how little you use your sprinkler system, you need to get the system tuned up at least once a year. During the tune-up, your sprinkler repair expert will inspect the full system for any signs of wear and tear or damage. They’ll run the heads through cycles to make sure they’re positioned properly and respond correctly to the timer’s programming. If they spot any issues or damage, they’ll be able to fix the problems quickly. This helps keep your system in good condition for years to come and ensures that you always have a reliable way to water your yard without forcing you to water it by hand.

7. Always Get Your System Ready for Winter
In Denver, we get some crazy weather and when the temps drop, it’s always important to pay attention to your sprinkler system. The lines running under the soil contain water. When the temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside those lines can freeze. As the water freezes, it expands inside the lines, putting pressure against the tubing and, in some cases, causing cracks or ruptures in the pipes. After the growing season ends and before the first hard freeze, schedule a winterizing appointment. 

During these appointments, your technician will use a high-pressure air compressor to blow out the water remaining in the lines. Any moisture left inside the system will be too small to do any damage, even if temps drop well below freezing.

Keeping Your Sprinklers in Good Shape Can Be Easy
As long as you follow these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep your Denver sprinkler system in good condition for many years to come. But if you notice anything that’s not working correctly or just want an experienced professional to take a look at your system’s overall efficiency, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment and let our team help you keep your sprinklers working flawlessly. We’ll help you keep your sprinkler system in good condition no matter how often you use it.