{"id":356,"date":"2022-05-12T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-12T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/live-select-home-warranty.pantheonsite.io\/blog\/?p=356"},"modified":"2026-04-02T02:13:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T06:13:57","slug":"check-inspecting-lawn-sprinkler-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selecthomewarranty.com\/blog\/check-inspecting-lawn-sprinkler-system\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Check A Lawn Sprinkler System"},"content":{"rendered":"

For much of the country, spring is the time of year when you\u2019ll be firing up your lawn sprinkler system for another season of well-maintained greenery.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential<\/em> to check your irrigation system regularly. This allows you to catch any leaks or other issues that might arise before you run it annually. Following these tips can help you maximize the life expectancy of your home sprinkler system, saving you tons of time, trouble, and money in the long run.<\/p>\n

Why are lawn sprinkler inspections important?<\/h2>\n

Inspecting your system and catching problems early will save you money<\/strong> while helping to ensure your home is surrounded by a lush, healthy landscape<\/strong> throughout summer and rest of the year. When properly maintained, lawn sprinkler systems can last up to 20 years<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Checking your lawn sprinkler system to pinpoint issues is something you can often do yourself. We recommend following our step-by-step guide to make sure your system is ready to keep your lawn looking beautiful.<\/p>\n

Select Home Warranty provides coverage for sprinkler systems and more! Call us today at 800-670-8931
\n<\/strong> to hear about your home warranty options to cover repairs or replacements.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Sprinkler System Inspection: 6 Steps<\/h3>\n

Following these steps will make certain you don\u2019t miss a thing when you\u2019re preparing your lawn sprinkler system for warmer weather.<\/p>\n

1. Check the water meter to make sure your water is on.<\/h3>\n

This one may seem obvious, but some homes have a dedicated water system for their sprinklers. If your sprinkler system runs on its own water supply, double check the meter to make sure it\u2019s on.<\/p>\n

To turn on the water supply, twist the valves at the water source counterclockwise. If the water supply uses a ball valve, turn the lever so it\u2019s parallel to the pipe. This allows water to flow through to your sprinklers again.<\/p>\n

2. Turn on the backflow device and isolation valve.<\/h3>\n

The backflow device should also be turned on. Not all systems have an isolation valve, but if yours does, make sure this is turned on as well. If this is your first time turning on the system for the year, turn these devices on slowly to prevent damage to the main line.<\/p>\n

3. Check the leak indicator on your water meter.<\/h3>\n

The leak indicator on your water meter will spin if there are any leaks in your system. If you see this during your inspection, you\u2019ll know that there is an issue somewhere in the line that requires your attention.<\/p>\n

4. Test the different areas of your system.<\/h3>\n

Lawn sprinkler controllers and interfaces will be slightly different depending on the make and model. Generally, you can make sure your system is set up correctly for your needs. Next, run each area of your system for a few minutes before completing the next step.<\/p>\n

5. Do a walkthrough of your yard.<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll want to walk around your property to make sure there are no problems. The major things to look for are:<\/p>\n