Sprinklers That Work Smarter, Not Harder
Ever notice dry patches in your lawn even though your sprinklers run on schedule?
Or end up with soggy areas that make your yard feel uneven and frustrating to manage?
In this guide, you’ll learn what irrigation system maintenance really involves, what homeowners commonly overlook, and how simple upkeep steps can keep your sprinkler system working the way it should.
By the end, you’ll know how to keep your lawn healthier through Bowling Green and Toledo’s changing seasons, conserve water, improve water efficiency, and extend the life of your sprinkler system with simple, proactive care.
If you’d rather leave your irrigation maintenance to the pros, the team at Simmons Landscape & Irrigation is here to help.
Give us a call or fill out our contact form to keep your system running smoothly all season long.
Understanding Your Sprinkler System Before You Maintain It
Not all sprinkler systems are the same, and effective irrigation system maintenance starts with knowing what type of system you have and how it operates.
Most residential systems fall into one or more of the categories below.
Common Types of Sprinkler Systems
- Inground sprinkler systems
Permanently installed underground systems with pop up sprinkler heads and automatic timers. These are the most common systems homeowners maintain. - Stationary sprinklers
Fixed units that stay in one place and connect to a hose. They require basic upkeep but lack automation. - Impact sprinklers
Rotating sprinklers that cover large areas and are often used for lawns with open space. - Traveling sprinklers
Hose-connected sprinklers that move across the yard. Maintenance focuses mainly on hose connections and debris buildup. - Misting sprinklers
Designed for gardens or delicate plants. These are prone to clogging and require frequent cleaning. - Sprinkler hoses
Perforated hoses that release water along their length. Maintenance includes checking for splits and uneven flow.
Knowing your system type helps you spot issues faster and apply the right maintenance steps instead of guessing.
How to Perform Irrigation System Maintenance the Right Way
Routine maintenance on your irrigation system and understanding how often you should run your sprinklers for a healthy lawn prevents uneven watering, high water bills caused by unnecessary water consumption, and premature system failure.
The sections below walk through the most important tasks homeowners should stay on top of.
Clean Sprinkler Heads on a Regular Schedule
Dirty or clogged sprinkler heads are one of the most common causes of poor system performance, which is why learning how to fix a sprinkler head can help prevent bigger problems.
A simple way to measure watering consistency is to place tuna cans around your yard and compare how evenly water collects during a cycle.
When debris builds up, your system may:
- Miss sections of the lawn
- Spray unevenly
- Lose water pressure and consistent water output across zones–follow the link to learn how to check your water pressure
- Waste irrigation water through misting or overspray
Best practices for cleaning sprinkler heads:
- Perform regular inspections by checking sprinkler heads a few times per season
- Remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris by hand
- Rinse nozzles with clean water
- Replace cracked or damaged heads instead of forcing repairs
Different sprinkler heads and spray head designs use different nozzle configurations, so follow manufacturer recommendations when possible.
Fix Sprinkler Leaks as Soon as You See Them
Leaks are more damaging than many homeowners realize.
Even a small leak can quickly undo the benefits of irrigation system maintenance and increase the cost to repair an irrigation system if ignored.
Common signs of sprinkler leaks include:
- Constantly wet or muddy spots
- Water bubbling up from the ground near sprinkler heads
- Sudden spikes in your water bill
- Low pressure in certain zones
Left unchecked, leaks can:
- Overwater grass and plants
- Kill turf through root rot
- Damage soil structure
- Waste hundreds of gallons of water
If you suspect a leak, shutting off the system and calling a professional is often the safest move.
Inspect Sprinkler Valves for Proper Operation
Sprinkler valves control when and where water flows from your home’s water supply.
When they fail, irrigation problems usually follow.
Valve-related issues often cause:
- Zones that will not turn on or off
- Dry patches next to flooded areas
- Continuous water flow after the system shuts down
Maintenance tips for sprinkler valves:
- Listen for clicking or humming noises
- Check for water pooling near valve boxes
- Inspect accessible valve assemblies periodically
Many valve boxes are buried underground, which makes repairs more complex and a good reason to involve a professional.
Test Voltage and Electrical Components Safely
Your irrigation system relies on electricity to communicate between the controller, valves, and solenoids.
Most systems require:
- 24 volts (VAC)
- Acceptable range: 22 to 28 volts
Using a multimeter, technicians can test:
- The transformer
- Wiring connections
- Solenoids
- Controller output
If voltage falls outside the safe range, the system may behave unpredictably or stop working altogether.
Electrical troubleshooting should be handled by trained professionals due to safety risks.
Maintain the Transformer That Powers the System
The transformer supplies power to your irrigation system and keeps all components working together.
Transformer maintenance includes:
- Checking for frayed wires
- Looking for weather damage or corrosion
- Confirming stable voltage output
- Replacing aging units before total failure
A failing transformer can disrupt watering schedules, cause zone failures, or damage connected components.
Use Waterproof Connectors on All Wire Connections
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, which makes waterproof connectors essential for irrigation system maintenance.
Why waterproof connectors matter:
- Prevent electrical shorts
- Reduce corrosion
- Extend wiring lifespan
- Improve system reliability
If your system lacks waterproof connectors:
- Replace them immediately
- Add a sealant for extra moisture protection
- Inspect connectors after heavy rain or flooding
These small components play a big role in long-term system performance.
Replace Faulty Sprinkler Solenoids When Needed
Solenoids control valve opening and closing by responding to signals from the controller.
When they fail, zones may stick open or fail to run.
Common solenoid problems include:
- Zones that run continuously
- Valves that never open
- Intermittent watering issues
Because solenoids are installed inside valve assemblies, replacement often requires partial disassembly.
This task is best handled by an irrigation professional to avoid additional damage.
When Professional Irrigation System Maintenance Makes Sense
While homeowners can handle basic inspections, a professional irrigation inspection ensures deeper issues are caught early and fixed correctly.
A professional service can:
- Diagnose hidden electrical issues
- Repair underground valves
- Optimize water pressure and coverage
- Extend the life of your entire system
If you want reliable results without trial and error, working with experienced technicians is often the most cost-effective option long-term.
What’s the cost of professional irrigation system maintenance?
Keep Your Lawn Beautiful With Simmons Landscape & Irrigation
By now, you know how proper irrigation system maintenance prevents dry spots, soggy areas, wasted water, and expensive repairs while keeping your lawn healthier and more consistent all season long.
Staying ahead of small issues protects your system, saves money, and takes the stress out of managing your landscape.
When you want those benefits without the trial and error, the irrigation experts at Simmons Landscape & Irrigation can take care of everything from inspections to repairs and long-term upkeep.
Our team makes it easy to keep your irrigation system running the way it should, year after year.
