How to Inspect Your Sprinkler System

An automatic sprinkler system is great—until it isn’t. Heads break, nozzles clog, and pipes leak. Meanwhile, your water bill climbs and your lawn develops mysterious brown patches or soggy spots. A yearly inspection catches problems before they waste too much water or kill your landscape.

Why This Matters

Irrigation systems are vulnerable to damage and deterioration:

• Water waste – A broken head can waste thousands of gallons
• Uneven coverage – Some areas drown while others dry out
• Dead grass – From too much or too little water
• Fungal diseases – From overwatering
• Higher bills – Wasted water costs money
• System damage – Small problems become big ones

A broken sprinkler head can waste 10-20 gallons per minute. That adds up fast.

When to Inspect

Spring Startup

The best time for a full inspection:

1. After last frost date
2. Before heavy watering season
3. Allows time for repairs before summer

Mid-Season Check

During peak watering:

1. Verify coverage hasn’t shifted
2. Check for summer damage
3. Adjust for weather changes

Fall Winterization

Before freezing temperatures:

1. Blow out lines (if required in your climate)
2. Shut off water supply
3. Inspect for end-of-season problems

Step-by-Step Inspection

Step 1: Locate Your Controller

1. Find your sprinkler timer/controller
2. Identify how many zones you have
3. Know how to run zones manually

Step 2: Turn On Each Zone Individually

Don’t run the whole system at once. Test zone by zone:

1. Set controller to run Zone 1 for 2-3 minutes
2. Walk the entire zone while it’s running
3. Note any problems (see checklist below)
4. Move to Zone 2 and repeat

Step 3: Inspect Each Head

While each zone is running, check:

Physical Condition:

• Head is intact and not broken
• Nozzle is present and undamaged
• Head sits at proper height (flush with soil)
• No dirt or debris in the head

Operation:

• Head pops up fully
• Rotating heads spin smoothly
• Spray pattern is correct
• No wobbling or loose heads

Coverage:

• Spray reaches intended area
• No dry spots in coverage
• No overspray on sidewalks, driveway, or house
• Adjacent heads overlap properly

Step 4: Look for Leaks

At the Head:

• Water spraying from seals or base
• Constant dribbling after zone shuts off
• Geyser from broken head

In the Yard:

• Unusually wet or soggy spots
• Eroded areas
• Greener grass in lines (indicates underground leak)

At Valves and Connections:

• Check valve boxes for standing water
• Look for wet spots near manifold

Step 5: Check the Controller

1. Verify the time and date are correct
2. Review the watering schedule
3. Check that all zones are programmed
4. Confirm seasonal adjustments (if applicable)

Common Problems and Solutions

Broken Head (Geyser)

• Water shoots straight up or sideways
• Replace the head or nozzle
• Turn off zone until repaired

Clogged Nozzle

• Reduced flow or distorted pattern
• Remove nozzle and flush with water
• Use small wire to clear debris

Head Won’t Pop Up

• Debris around head
• Damaged mechanism
• Low water pressure
• Clean, adjust, or replace

Head Stuck in One Position

• Rotating head won’t rotate
• Debris in mechanism
• Replace if cleaning doesn’t work

Low Pressure

• Multiple heads barely spraying
• Could be leak, valve problem, or too many heads
• Check for leaks first

Overspray on Hardscape

• Water hitting driveway, sidewalk, or house
• Adjust head angle or pattern
• Replace with proper nozzle type

Dry Spots

• Areas not getting water
• Clogged, misaligned, or too few heads
• May need head adjustment or addition

Wet Spots Between Heads

• Possible underground leak
• Check for pipe damage
• May need professional repair

Adjustments You Can Make

Spray Pattern

Most heads allow pattern adjustment:

• Fixed spray: Usually 90°, 180°, 360°, or adjustable
• Rotors: Adjust arc and distance
• Use a small screwdriver or dedicated tool

Distance/Radius

• Adjust screw on top of nozzle
• Turning clockwise reduces distance
• Turning counterclockwise increases

Direction

• Rotate entire head to aim correctly
• Be careful not to damage connections

DIY vs. Call a Pro

DIY: Inspection, nozzle cleaning, head adjustment, simple head replacement, controller programming.

Call a pro: Underground leaks, valve problems, controller replacement, system redesign, winterization (blowout), or complex repairs. Find an irrigation service →

How Often to Inspect

• Full inspection: Once a year (spring)
• Quick check: Monthly during watering season
• After mowing: Check for mower damage
• After freeze/thaw: Check for winter damage

The Bottom Line

Your sprinkler system is out of sight most of the time, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. Run through each zone once a year, look for broken heads and soggy spots, and make adjustments as needed. A well-maintained system saves water, saves money, and keeps your landscape looking its best.