Most people think a seasonal sprinkler check means someone walks around your yard, turns on the system, and says "looks good." That's not what we do. A real check catches the problems that cost you money later, whether that's a broken line buried under your mulch or a valve that's leaking away hundreds of gallons a month. In Houston's heat and humidity, your sprinkler system takes a beating, and skipping a proper inspection in spring or fall almost always means dead patches of grass by mid-summer or a system that won't start when you need it most.
Breaking Down the Whole System
When we show up for a seasonal check at JB Irrigation & Services, we're looking at every part of your setup, not just the visible stuff. We start at the controller. That's your timer and brain of the whole operation. We verify the program is set right for the season, check that batteries are good if it's a wireless model, and make sure it's actually communicating with your valves. A bad controller can make everything else pointless. Then we move to the main line from your meter. We check for leaks, listen for hissing sounds, and look for wet spots in your yard that shouldn't be there. If there's a break in that line, you're losing water before it even reaches your zones.
The Valve Inspection
Your irrigation system probably has multiple valves, each controlling a different zone. We turn each one on by hand and listen. A healthy valve opens with a clean click and a quick rush of water. A worn valve makes a grinding noise or hisses. We check for water pooling around the valve box, which means the seal is failing. We also verify that each valve is actually opening and closing all the way. A valve stuck halfway open will run water continuously, and you won't notice until your water bill shows up. In Houston's climate, where you might run your system twice a week in summer, a stuck valve can waste thousands of gallons in a season.
Sprinkhead and Coverage Check
This is where we actually run the system and watch it work. We turn on each zone and walk the whole area. We look at every sprinkhead. Are they popping up evenly? Are they spraying in the right direction, or have they gotten knocked sideways by a kid or a lawn mower. We check the arc and distance of each spray pattern. If you've got a head that's only shooting halfway across the zone, you're watering your driveway instead of your plants. We also look for heads that are clogged with dirt or debris. Houston's clay and sediment can plug a sprinkhead faster than you'd think, especially if you have a lot of lawn renovation or construction happening nearby. We clean them or replace them if needed.
Checking Lines and Connections
All those small lines running from your valves to your sprinkheads are where leaks hide. We trace them, look for cracks, and check all the connections. Sometimes a fitting gets loose and starts dripping. Sometimes a line gets pinched under a root or damaged when someone was digging. If it's a small pinhole leak, you might not see it, but it adds up over weeks. We also check any drip lines if you have landscape beds. Those emitters clog easily in Houston's water, so we clean or replace them as needed.
The Report and Recommendations
When we're done, you get a real picture of what's working and what needs attention. Maybe it's a new sprinkhead. Maybe it's a valve rebuild. Maybe your controller needs an update to the schedule because you're overwatering now that you've got new shrubs that don't need as much water. We're not going to sell you something you don't need, but we're not going to hide a problem and hope you don't notice it in August either. A seasonal check costs a fraction of what you'll spend replacing a whole section of sod or dealing with a water bill that's twice what it should be.
When to Schedule
Spring checks are good if you shut your system down in winter, which most Houston properties don't need to do. Fall checks matter more here because that's when you're ramping up watering again as temperatures drop and your grass actually starts growing. A check in September or October catches problems before the dry months hit. If you've had work done on your property or if you've noticed any changes in how your system runs, don't wait for the season. Call us out sooner.
Call JB Irrigation & Services in Houston and schedule your seasonal check. It's the one thing that keeps your system running right and your water bill reasonable.
