Irrigation System Checklist: What Every Central Florida Lawn Needs in Summer
As summer heat sets in across Central Florida, your irrigation system becomes the unsung hero of a green, thriving lawn. But too often, small issues in sprinkler systems lead to brown patches, dead plants, or spiked water bills.
Whether you’re a homeowner in Clermont, managing an HOA in Davenport, or preparing a new property in Haines City, this summer irrigation checklist will help you avoid costly problems and maximise watering efficiency.
1. Check for Leaks and Broken Sprinkler Heads
Florida’s sandy soil and shifting ground can cause underground pipes to crack or sprinkler heads to get knocked out of alignment. Walk your property and inspect for:
- Water pooling or bubbling near sprinkler heads
- Heads that don’t pop up or spray unevenly
- Unusual spikes in your water bill
How to fix it: Replace cracked heads or valves and clear out any dirt or grass blocking pop-up mechanisms.
2. Adjust Spray Zones and Coverage
Make sure each zone is watering what it’s supposed to—not sidewalks, driveways, or patios.
What to check:
- Run each zone for 2–3 minutes
- Confirm full, overlapping coverage
- Adjust the spray direction and arc to avoid waste
Pro tip: Group turf, flower beds, and trees into different zones so each gets the right amount of water.
3. Update the Timer for Summer Conditions
With longer days and higher temperatures, your irrigation schedule needs adjusting.
Suggested settings:
- Water early in the morning (between 4 AM and 8 AM)
- Avoid mid-day watering (due to evaporation)
- Comply with local watering day restrictions
Consider upgrading to a smart controller to automate seasonal adjustments and respond to weather.
4. Test Backflow Prevention and Water Pressure
Backflow preventers are required by code in many parts of Florida and protect your drinking water from contamination.
Key checks:
- Ensure the device is damage-free and correctly elevated
- Annual testing by a certified professional
- Verify pressure: 30–50 PSI is ideal
Too much pressure may blow out heads; too little won’t distribute water evenly.
5. Schedule a Mid-Season Irrigation Tune-Up
Even if your system seems to be working fine, a professional tune-up can catch small problems before they turn into major damage.
What’s included in our irrigation checkup:
- Leak detection and valve testing
- Timer and zone programming
- Sprinkler head cleaning and adjustment
- Pressure and coverage optimisation
Florida Landscape Co. provides irrigation service across Clermont, Davenport, Haines City, and Four Corners.
Need Help With Your Irrigation System?
If your sprinkler system hasn’t been checked in 6 months—or if you’re noticing dry patches or water waste—it’s time for a professional inspection.
Call Florida Landscape Co. at (863) 582-2168 or Request an Irrigation Inspection Online
We design, install, and repair irrigation systems for homes, HOAs, and commercial properties throughout Central Florida.