By early summer, sprinkler systems across eastern Idaho are working hard to keep lawns green and healthy through rising heat and longer dry spells. But without regular maintenance, even the best-designed system can become inefficient, waste water, or fail altogether. A few quick checks and tune-ups in June can keep things running smoothly all season long—and prevent costly breakdowns when you need your system most.
Whether you’re maintaining a brand-new setup or keeping an older system alive through another season, here’s what Idaho Falls homeowners should do to keep their irrigation systems performing at their best.
Start with a Full System Test and Inspection
Begin by running each zone manually while walking the yard. Watch every head, listen for pressure inconsistencies, and check that all spray patterns are reaching their intended areas.
Look for:
- Heads that don’t pop up fully or at all
- Spray nozzles that are clogged or misdirected
- Visible leaks or bubbling at the base of heads
- Dead zones where water isn’t reaching
Also, inspect the controller and any connected sensors. Replace backup batteries, verify start times, and check for error codes. A full system test is the most important step in catching problems early.
Adjust Watering Schedules for Summer Weather
June typically marks the start of Idaho’s hot, dry season. If your system is still on a spring watering schedule, your lawn may already be struggling to keep up.
Update your controller to:
- Increase watering frequency to match higher evapotranspiration rates
- Set watering times for early morning (before 9 a.m.) to reduce water loss from heat and wind
- Vary zone runtimes based on sun exposure, slope, and soil type
Smart controllers make this easy, but even manual systems benefit from schedule fine-tuning during the transition into summer.
Check for Obstructions and Overgrowth
Sprinkler heads can easily become blocked by fast-growing grass, encroaching plants, or mulch buildup. Over time, these obstructions reduce coverage and create uneven watering patterns.
Clear away any grass, weeds, or soil that has crept over the heads. Trim shrubs or trees that interfere with spray arcs. A head that’s blocked on one side wastes water and leaves dry spots—an easy fix that prevents bigger problems later.
Pressure and Coverage Tune-Ups
Too much pressure can cause misting and runoff. Too little pressure leads to weak spray and inconsistent coverage. Use a pressure gauge if needed, or look for telltale signs like:
- Misting or fog-like spray
- Heads not reaching the edges of their zones
- Water pooling around some heads while others stay dry
Balancing pressure ensures uniform distribution and protects your system from wear and tear. If you’re unsure how to adjust it, a YardTech technician can test your setup and make zone-specific recommendations.
When to Call in a Pro for Summer Maintenance
Some sprinkler system issues aren’t visible to the untrained eye. Electrical faults, stuck valves, controller glitches, or buried line obstructions can affect performance even when everything looks fine on the surface.
Call a professional if:
- You’ve noticed uneven watering despite no visible problems
- You’re experiencing low water pressure across multiple zones
- Your system fails to start or finish scheduled cycles
- You suspect a slow underground leak but can’t pinpoint where
YardTech’s maintenance service includes a complete zone-by-zone inspection, performance test, and efficiency assessment—so your lawn stays green and your system stays reliable all summer.
YardTech, Inc – Your Preferred Sprinkler System Contractor in East Idaho
Preventive maintenance in early summer is the easiest way to avoid mid-season sprinkler problems that damage your lawn and waste water. Whether you’re due for a tune-up or need professional eyes on a nagging issue, YardTech, Inc. has you covered. We help Idaho Falls homeowners keep their sprinkler systems efficient, effective, and ready for the long summer ahead. Schedule your summer maintenance visit today.