Irrigation Tune-Up Checklist Before Summer Heat

Get your watering system ready before the scorching days arrive. Use this checklist to make sure everything is working efficiently and saving water.

1. Controller & Timers

☐ Check the current date and time – make sure your controller didn’t reset after a power outage.

☐ Update watering schedules for summer (earlier start times like early morning or late evening).

☐ Review run times – lawns usually need longer than gardens; adjust based on plant type and sun exposure.

☐ Test “Manual Run” to ensure each zone comes on when it should.

2. Valves & Zones

☐ Turn on each zone one by one and walk the garden while it’s running.

☐ Listen for hissing or odd noises that might indicate leaks or partially blocked valves.

☐ Check that every zone is turning off properly – no slow drips or continued trickles.

3. Sprinkler Heads & Drippers

☐ Inspect all sprinkler heads – straighten any that are tilting or sunken.

☐ Clear blocked nozzles – remove dirt, grass or cobwebs.

☐ Check spray patterns – make sure water is hitting garden/lawn, not fences, paths or windows.

☐ Inspect drippers & micro-sprays – replace any that aren’t flowing or are spurting unevenly.

4. Pipes, Hoses & Fittings

☐ Walk the lines and look for wet patches, pooling water or unusually green strips – these can signal a leak.

☐ Check exposed pipes and hoses for cracks, UV damage or chew marks (pets and pests love them).

☐ Tighten or replace loose fittings and connectors.

5. Filters & Pressure

☐ Clean filters on the main line and any zone filters – blocked filters reduce performance.

☐ Check water pressure – too high and you’ll get misting and wasted water; too low and coverage suffers.

☐ Consider a pressure regulator if you see fine mist instead of clear droplets.

6. Coverage & Efficiency

☐ Look for dry or brown patches and adjust heads or add drippers where needed.

☐ Reduce overspray onto driveways and paths – it’s wasted water and can cause slippery surfaces.

☐ Mulch garden beds to lock in moisture and help your system work more efficiently.

7. Final System Test

☐ Run a full cycle test and do one last walk-through.

☐ Note any repairs or upgrades needed (extra drippers, new heads, smarter controller) before the real heat hits.

A quick tune-up now means healthier plants, lower water bills, and far less stress once those 35°+ days roll in.

Contact us on (02) 6852 1845.