As the summer heat begins to fade and cooler months approach, many homeowners turn off their sprinklers and stop thinking about them until spring. But late summer and early fall are actually some of the most important times to give your sprinkler system attention. A professional tune-up now ensures your system is healthy, efficient, and ready to transition into the next season without costly surprises.
Summer Takes a Toll on Your Sprinklers
During the summer months, your sprinkler system works harder than any other time of year. Long run times, high heat, and constant use can expose weaknesses in the system:
- Sprinkler heads may get misaligned from lawn mowers or foot traffic.
- Valves and seals are more likely to wear down after heavy use.
- Pipes can develop small leaks or cracks.
Beyond wear and tear, the sheer volume of water that runs through your system each summer is enormous. A typical sprinkler head uses 1.5–3 gallons per minute. That means a 10-head zone can use 15–30 gallons per minute, or over 16,000 gallons across a summer season if run just three times per week. Even a small leak or crack in a pipe can waste thousands of gallons more. With so much water flowing through the system, even minor issues add up quickly.
The Benefits of End-of-Summer Maintenance
A system inspection at the end of summer prepares your sprinklers for the seasonal shift. Here’s why it matters:
- Catch Small Problems Early: Addressing minor leaks or worn parts now prevents bigger repairs later. A leaking head alone can waste 25,000 gallons of water in one season.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Shorter days and cooler temperatures mean your system needs less water. A tune-up ensures the controller is set correctly and avoids overwatering.
- Extend System Life: Summer heat above 95°F dries out seals and makes plastic parts brittle. Regular maintenance keeps valves, seals, and sprinkler heads working smoothly.
- Save Money and Water: Efficient coverage reduces waste and keeps utility bills in check. Smart controllers and seasonal adjustments can save 15–30% on water use.
Preparing for Fall and Winter
Even in Central Texas, lawns and landscapes still need occasional watering during fall and winter. Running the system for even a few minutes occasionally keeps seals lubricated, valves functioning, and sediment from building up. A system left unchecked can develop problems when temperatures drop. An end-of-summer inspection makes sure:
- Exposed pipes and backflow preventers are protected.
- Sprinkler heads are adjusted for fall watering needs.
- Your system is set up to run efficiently with less frequent use.
Think of it as giving your sprinklers a post-season tune-up — ensuring they’re not only ready for the cooler months but also healthy when spring rolls around.
Contact Smart Earth Sprinklers Today
End-of-summer sprinkler maintenance is about more than just fixing problems; it’s about preventing them. With a quick inspection and adjustment now, you’ll save time, money, and stress later. Plus, you’ll ensure your system continues to protect your lawn, conserve water, and operate reliably all year long.
Smart Earth Sprinklers is here to keep your system running efficiently, all year. Call us to book a maintenance appointment at (512) 694-1147 or reach out to us online.
