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I've been working with irrigation systems for over 20 years in Northern Arizona, and I've seen the same pattern repeat every season. Homeowners who skip regular maintenance end up calling for expensive sprinkler system repair when their systems fail at the worst possible times.
The truth is, most sprinkler system failures are preventable. I've helped thousands of homeowners avoid costly repairs by following simple seasonal maintenance routines. Today, I'm sharing the exact steps I use to keep irrigation systems running smoothly year-round.
Your sprinkler system works hard throughout the year. In Northern Arizona, we face unique challenges that put extra stress on irrigation systems. Temperature swings, mineral-rich water, and seasonal weather changes all take their toll.
I've calculated that homeowners who follow proper seasonal maintenance spend 70% less on sprinkler system repair compared to those who don't. That's real money back in your pocket.
When systems fail, the repair costs add up quickly. A broken main line can cost $300-800 to fix. Controller malfunctions run $150-400. Valve replacements range from $75-200 each. But here's what really hurts - water damage to your landscape can cost thousands to restore.
Spring is when I see the most calls for sprinkler system repair near me. Winter damage becomes obvious as systems start up after months of dormancy.
Start with a thorough inspection. Walk your entire property and look for obvious damage. Check for broken sprinkler heads, cracked pipes, and controller issues. I find that 40% of spring problems are visible during a basic walkthrough.
Test your backflow preventer. This device protects your home's water supply from contamination. Winter can cause internal damage that's not visible from outside. Turn on your system and watch for water flowing backward or unusual pressure drops.
Check each zone individually. Run one zone at a time and watch for proper coverage. Look for heads that don't pop up, spray patterns that seem off, or areas that aren't getting water. Make notes of problems you find.
Inspect your controller. Dead batteries, loose connections, and programming issues are common after winter. Many controllers lose their programming during power outages. I recommend taking photos of your settings before winter so you can restore them easily.
Clean clogged nozzles. Mineral buildup and debris block spray patterns. Remove nozzles and rinse them in clean water. Use a small wire or toothpick to clear stubborn clogs. This simple step prevents many lawn sprinkler system repair calls.
Summer puts maximum stress on irrigation systems. Heat, constant use, and high water pressure create problems that lead to expensive repairs.
Monitor water pressure weekly. High pressure damages pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. Low pressure means poor coverage and stressed plants. Normal pressure should be 30-50 PSI. Install a pressure gauge at your main line to track changes.
Watch for signs of underground leaks. Soft spots in your lawn, unusually green areas, or puddles between watering cycles indicate pipe problems. Underground leaks waste water and can cause foundation damage if ignored.
Adjust spray patterns monthly. Plants grow, weather changes, and heads can shift. What worked in May might not work in July. I spend 15 minutes each month fine-tuning spray patterns to ensure proper coverage.
Clean filters regularly. Clogged filters reduce water flow and strain your system. Most filters need cleaning every 4-6 weeks during heavy use periods. Clean filters prevent pump damage and extend system life.
Check timer settings. Watering needs change as temperatures rise. Most systems need longer run times or additional cycles during peak summer heat. But avoid overwatering, which wastes water and can damage plants.
Fall maintenance prevents the majority of spring irrigation sprinkler system repair calls. Proper preparation protects your investment during the harshest months.
Gradually reduce watering. Plants need less water as temperatures drop and growth slows. Reduce run times by 20-30% in early fall. This saves water and prevents overwatering damage.
Clean debris from sprinkler heads. Falling leaves and debris can clog heads over winter. Clear vegetation and debris from around each head. This prevents clogs and ensures proper operation when you restart in spring.
Inspect and repair damage before winter. Small problems become big problems when water freezes. Replace cracked heads, tighten loose fittings, and fix minor leaks. These repairs cost much less than emergency calls in spring.
Test your rain sensor. A working rain sensor prevents your system from running during storms. Clean the sensor and test its operation. Replace the battery if needed. A $15 sensor can save hundreds in water bills and prevent overwatering damage.
Winter is when most sprinkler system damage occurs. Proper winterization prevents 90% of freeze-related repair calls.
Professional system blowout is essential. Water left in pipes expands when it freezes, causing cracks and breaks. I use compressed air to remove every drop of water from the system. This service typically costs $75-150 but prevents thousands in repair costs.
Shut off water to the system. Turn off the main valve and drain any remaining water. Even small amounts can cause damage when temperatures drop below freezing.
Protect above-ground components. Wrap backflow preventers and exposed pipes with insulation. Cover or remove portable sprinkler heads. These simple steps prevent expensive component replacement.
Store controllers properly. Remove batteries from battery-powered controllers. Cover outdoor controllers with weatherproof covers. Check that connections are tight and moisture-free.
After two decades in this business, I've tracked repair costs carefully. Here's what typical sprinkler system repair cost looks like:
But here's what really matters - homeowners who follow seasonal maintenance spend an average of $50-100 per year on upkeep. Those who skip maintenance average $400-800 annually in repair costs.
I always encourage homeowners to handle basic maintenance themselves. But some problems require professional expertise:
Don't wait until small problems become major repairs. Early intervention saves money and prevents system failures.
Seasonal maintenance isn't exciting, but it works. I've seen the same results thousands of times - homeowners who invest time in regular upkeep avoid the majority of expensive repairs.
Your sprinkler system is a significant investment. A few hours of seasonal maintenance protects that investment and keeps your landscape healthy year-round.
The choice is simple: spend a little time on maintenance now, or spend a lot more money on repairs later.
At AZ Irrigation & Maintenance, we've been helping Northern Arizona homeowners maintain their irrigation systems for over a decade. Our certified technicians provide comprehensive maintenance services that prevent costly repairs and extend system life.
We offer seasonal maintenance packages, emergency repair services, and professional winterization. Our team carries the certifications and experience to handle any irrigation challenge.
Don't wait for your system to fail. Contact us today to schedule your seasonal maintenance service and protect your irrigation investment.
You should have professional maintenance twice per year - spring startup and fall winterization. Additionally, perform monthly visual inspections during the growing season to catch problems early.
Basic repairs like head replacement cost $25-50 per head. Valve repairs range from $75-200. Major repairs like main line replacement can cost $300-800. Regular maintenance prevents most expensive repairs.
While you can drain above-ground components yourself, professional blowout service is essential. Compressed air equipment removes water from underground pipes that you can't access. This prevents freeze damage that costs hundreds to repair.
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