Spring Irrigation Tune-Up Checklist
Spring is the ideal time to give your irrigation system a complete tune-up before the heavy watering season. A thorough check now prevents summer breakdowns, dry spots, and wasted water. Here's a spring irrigation tune-up checklist for Southern California yards.
Inspect and test everything
- Turn the water on slowly to avoid water-hammer damage.
- Run every zone and watch for broken, clogged, or sunken heads.
- Check for leaks: soggy spots, low pressure, or a moving meter with everything off.
- Inspect the backflow preventer and schedule annual testing if required.
Clean and adjust
Clear clogged nozzles and filters, flush drip lines of winter sediment, straighten tilted heads, and fine-tune spray patterns so water hits plants, not pavement. Replace any worn or broken heads with matching ones for even coverage.
Optimize the schedule
Reprogram the controller for spring and the coming summer — or confirm your smart controller is online and adjusting. Set early-morning start times, use cycle-and-soak for clay soil, and follow your water district's allowed days.
Consider efficiency upgrades
Spring is a great time to add water-saving improvements: convert spray beds to drip, install a smart controller or rain sensor, or upgrade to high-efficiency nozzles. Many qualify for rebates and pay off all summer.
Get a professional tune-up
For a comprehensive check and any needed repairs or upgrades, our irrigation team offers full spring tune-ups across the Inland Empire.
Frequently asked questions
When should I tune up my sprinklers?
Early spring, before the heavy watering season — it catches winter damage and sets you up for an efficient summer.
What's the most valuable spring irrigation upgrade?
A smart controller and converting beds to drip deliver the biggest water savings and fewest problems through summer.
Arbol Roble has cared for Inland Empire landscapes since 1997, serving Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Eastvale, Corona and Riverside. Request a free quote or browse our residential and commercial services.
About the Author
The Arbol Roble team are licensed landscaping and irrigation professionals (CSLB License #1077455) serving Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Eastvale, Corona, Riverside, and the greater Inland Empire.