At least once a year, ideally in spring before the heavy watering season. Older systems, sandy soil, or many zones may benefit from a second inspection in fall.
The Short Answer
You should have your sprinkler system inspected at least once a year, ideally in spring before the heavy watering season begins. If your system is older than 10 years, your property has sandy soil, or you have a large system with many zones, a second inspection in fall is worthwhile. The goal is to catch small problems — a clogged head, a weeping valve, a misaligned spray pattern — before they waste water or damage your lawn.
Why Annual Inspections Matter
Irrigation systems are buried underground and run while you are asleep or at work. Problems develop silently. A single leaking valve can waste thousands of gallons per month without any visible sign until your water bill arrives. A clogged head leaves a dry patch that turns brown before you notice. A misaligned spray pattern waters your driveway instead of your lawn. An annual inspection catches these issues early, when the fix is cheap and the damage is zero.
Florida’s sandy soil, mineral-rich water, and intense sun are hard on irrigation components. Nozzles clog with calcium deposits. Valve diaphragms collect sand. PVC fittings crack from ground settling. An inspection identifies wear before it becomes failure.
What a 7-Point Inspection Covers
Our free 7-point sprinkler inspection checks every component that matters. Each point is designed to catch a specific class of problem before it costs you money.
- Controller — Verify the schedule, check the backup battery, confirm all zones activate on command, and ensure the program matches local watering restrictions.
- Valves — Test each zone valve for proper opening and closing, check for weeping between cycles, and inspect valve boxes for water intrusion or debris.
- Sprinkler heads — Inspect every head for clogs, damage, proper pop-up height, and correct spray pattern. Adjust or replace as needed.
- Coverage — Walk the property during a test run to identify dry spots, overspray onto hardscapes, and uneven distribution between heads.
- Leaks — Check for soggy areas, hissing sounds, and unexplained water flow that could indicate an underground leak.
- Pressure — Verify each zone has adequate pressure for full head pop-up and proper spray reach.
- Rain sensor — Test the rain sensor to confirm it interrupts watering after rainfall, saving water and complying with code.
Signs You Need an Inspection Sooner
Do not wait for your annual inspection if you notice any of these symptoms. They indicate a problem that is already costing you water or damaging your lawn.
- Brown or dry patches in one area while the rest of the lawn is green
- An unexplained increase in your water bill
- A zone that will not turn on or will not turn off
- Heads that barely pop up or spray short of their normal reach
- Water pooling or soggy spots in the yard
- A hissing sound near a valve box or along a pipe run
Spring vs. Fall
Spring is the ideal time for your annual inspection. It catches winter damage, verifies the system before peak watering season, and lets you fix problems while the lawn is still dormant. A fall inspection is valuable for older systems or properties with heavy summer wear — it catches issues that developed during the high-use months and lets you repair them during the cooler, lower-demand season.
Special Cases
If you are buying a home, always have the irrigation system inspected during your due-diligence period. A failing system can cost thousands to repair or replace, and that is negotiating power. If you just installed a new system, schedule an inspection within the first year to catch any installation issues while they are covered under warranty.
A free 7-point inspection takes about 30 minutes and can catch a leaking valve that would otherwise waste thousands of gallons before you notice it on your water bill. There is no obligation — just a clear picture of your system’s health.
Ready for your free inspection? Learn what our 7-point inspection covers and schedule yours today. Or explore our irrigation maintenance plans for scheduled visits so you never have to remember.
