5 DIY Irrigation Maintenance Tips for SoCal Homeowners
A little regular irrigation maintenance prevents most of the problems that lead to dead plants and high water bills. You don't need to be an expert — these five DIY tips keep your Southern California system running efficiently.
1. Inspect your zones monthly
Once a month during the watering season, run each zone and watch it operate. Look for broken or clogged heads, misting, overspray, and dry or soggy spots. Catching a small issue early prevents big damage and waste.
2. Clean heads and filters
Grit and hard-water minerals clog nozzles and the small filter screens beneath them, causing weak or uneven spray. Periodically remove nozzles, rinse them and their filters, and reinstall. Flush drip lines seasonally too.
3. Adjust spray patterns
Heads drift out of alignment over time and start watering the sidewalk or house. Adjust the pattern and radius so water lands only on plants and lawn. This simple habit saves a surprising amount of water.
4. Update your controller seasonally
Don't run summer schedules in spring and fall. Adjust runtimes at least each season — or install a smart controller that adapts automatically — and replace the backup battery yearly.
5. Watch your water bill and meter
A sudden bill increase is an early warning of a leak. You can also check for leaks by reading your water meter with all water off — if it's still moving, water is escaping somewhere.
When to bring in a pro
For valve, wiring, pressure, or leak issues beyond basic maintenance, our irrigation team can help keep your system efficient.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check my sprinkler system?
A monthly visual check of each zone during the watering season catches most problems before they cause damage or waste.
How do I check for an irrigation leak?
Turn off all water and watch the meter — if it keeps moving, you have a leak. A bill spike is another red flag.
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.