Friendswood Sprinkler Maintenance Checklist

Hey Friendswood neighbors! Taking care of your lawn means making sure your sprinkler system is running smoothly year-round. With our unique Texas weather—especially those surprise hard freezes we’ve experienced over the last few years—a little upkeep goes a long way.

Here is a quick and easy guide to keep your irrigation system in top shape!

What You Will Need:

• A flathead screwdriver
• A soft brush or old toothbrush
• Insulation wrap or a backflow cover
• A dry towel

1. Test Your Controller and Timer ⏱️

Start by running a quick manual test of all your zones.

• Turn on each zone one by one using your controller.
• Watch how long it takes for the water to reach full pressure.
• Adjust your watering schedules based on the season. Remember, your lawn needs much less water in January than it does in July.

2. Clean Your Sprinkler Heads 🌱

Clear away dirt and debris that build up over the months.

• Inspect each head while the system is running.
• Wipe down the nozzles using a soft brush to remove mud or grass clippings.
• Straighten any heads that sit at an angle to ensure even water coverage across your yard.

3. Check for Leaks and Puddles 💧

Walk your property to find hidden water waste.

• Look for bubbling water or unusually soft, squishy spots in the grass.
• Check the base of your sprinkler heads for pooling water.
• Fix or replace cracked plastic housing immediately to save money on your next water bill.

❄️ Winterization: Prep for the Friendswood Freeze ❄️

We all know how fast a Texas cold front can roll in. Protect your pipes before temperatures drop below 32°F!

• Drain the water from your pipes and valves. If your system has manual drain valves, open them up to let the trapped water flow out.
• Insulate your backflow preventer. This is the exposed brass piping usually found near the side of your house. Wrap it tightly with insulation tape or slide a heavy-duty backflow cover over it to prevent the metal from cracking during a hard freeze.
• Wrap any other exposed above-ground pipes to keep them safe from ice.

Taking an hour to run through this list can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs down the road!