What Is An Irrigation Inspection, And Do You Need One?

An irrigation system is an automatic device to maintain our homes and keep our flowers blooming and our grass in good health. But during the year, we put a lot of strain on our sprinkler systems. Lawnmowers run over sprinkler heads in the summer, ice snow in the winter, and regular use in the warmer months. A yearly irrigation inspection can help you save money, keep your grass happy and healthy, and prevent it from water damage.

An irrigation system is an automatic device to maintain our homes and keep our flowers blooming and our grass in good health. But during the year, we put a lot of strain on our sprinkler systems. Lawnmowers run over sprinkler heads in the summer, ice snow in the winter, and regular use in the warmer months. A yearly irrigation inspection can help you save money, keep your grass happy and healthy, and prevent it from water damage.

Signs of Irrigation Issues

You can look at a few things to see whether your irrigation system needs to be inspected if you’re not sure it’s functioning properly.

• Sprinkler heads that are malfunctioning
• Low and erratic water pressure when the sprinklers are running
• Large dry patches in the yard occur from certain zones not turning on, while other areas are green and expanding.
• Water leaks and accumulation in a sprinkler zone
• If the sprinkler head farthest from the valve is leaking.

These problems are red flags that you might need a sprinkler system inspection by a qualified irrigation inspector.

What Is an Irrigation Inspection?

Inspecting your irrigation system ensures that every component, from your backflow preventer to the sprinkler heads, is operating at peak efficiency. Your sprinkler expert may examine each mechanism for indications of difficulty while completing an irrigation system inspection without having to perform any excavation. They might search for:

• Backflow preventer issues
• Leaking lines, sprinkler heads, or pipes
• Inconsistent water coverage or low water pressure
• Clogged, damaged, or sputtering sprinkler heads
• Control panel issues or problems with specific zones
• Pooling water or dry spots on your lawn
• Inconsistent water coverage or low water pressure
•  Damage to your main valves and shutoff, bleeder caps, and vacuum breaker

Why Are Irrigation Inspections Important?

Like maintaining indoor plumbing or a major appliance, spotting typical sprinkler problems early can help you avoid severe headaches and save money. Inspections of irrigation systems can:

• Make sure there are no leaks or improper programming that are wasting water.
• Verify that each region of your landscape is being watered appropriately using the system.
• Help with the winterization and startup processes.
• When selling your home, provide vital information for your home inspection.
• Recognize minor mechanical concerns before they develop into more significant issues.

When Is the Best Time for a Sprinkler System Inspection?

Companies that provide irrigation systems advise scheduling inspections at least once each year. For added security, some homeowners hire specialists twice a year, typically at the start and the end of the growing season. Here are the main reasons for scheduling the service:

Restarting or Winterizing Your System

Getting your sprinkler system ready for the winter, getting it going again in the spring, and fine-tuning it throughout the season are all do-it-yourself projects, but making mistakes may easily result in serious damage. With their inspection package and advice for more efficient use, many plumbers and sprinkler contractors also offer startup or shut-down services.

When You Detect an Issue

Although your sprinkler system is a great feature of your property that you can set and forget, you should keep a close eye on things throughout the season. If you notice pools of water on your lawn, yellow or brown grass areas, or unexpectedly high water bills, schedule an irrigation inspection.

When You’re Selling Your Home

Home irrigation systems should be checked by inspectors as part of routine inspections, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). By including this component in a home inspection, you can ensure that your system protects against water waste, adequately covers the size of your landscape, and complies with contemporary environmental criteria.

It May be the Law

A professional may be required to certify the quality of your backflow preventer once a year or soon after you install the system, depending on your town, county, or state. Backflow prevention devices stop contaminated water from entering nearby potable water systems, such as water derived from fertilizer, herbicides, and insecticides.

Who to Hire for an Irrigation System Inspection

Many types of experts provide irrigation system inspections. The most obvious choices for the position are local irrigation companies and experts. However, you may frequently engage a nearby landscaper, plumber, or home inspection company to complete the check.

In many circumstances, a plumber may help with plumbing-related repairs, search for problems with the system’s general operation, and refer you to a landscaper or irrigation expert if you need significant changes.

How Much Does a Sprinkler Inspection Cost?

The cost of an inspection is affected by several variables, such as your location, the size of the property, the equipment being inspected, its age and kind, and the services required (such as valve replacement).

However, according to the conditions mentioned above, you could typically anticipate paying between $40 and $300 for irrigation system inspections, according to HomeAdvisor. However, remember that HomeAdvisor’s cost information is comprehensive and includes smaller homes in low-cost rural areas of the country and larger homes in expensive urban areas.

Can You Inspect An Irrigation System Yourself?

In a word, yeah. A homeowner can conduct several simple maintenance procedures on their own, including checking for clogs in sprinkler heads, ensuring all valves are open, inspecting wire connections, routinely cleaning filter screens, and evaluating their rain sensor (if appropriate).

Even so, it is still highly advised that you hire irrigation specialists for a thorough inspection at least once a year, as only trained technicians have access to the specialized equipment needed for more complex repairs like calibrating nozzle pressures or making adjustments based on the type of soil. Additionally, even though you might believe that performing a lawn sprinkler system inspection yourself will save you money, doing so may end up costing you more in the long run if mistakes are made or problems are ignored.

Given the complexity of most irrigation systems, we advise clients to turn on the sprinkler system and note any immediately apparent issues (such as regions of the lawn that aren’t getting watered). You may rest assured that even while we value any details the customer can provide concerning their sprinkler system’s functioning, we will inspect the system for ourselves.

Elevate your property standards with Elite Commercial Inspection. Our meticulous assessments provide crucial insights for informed decisions. Schedule your inspection today and ensure a secure and successful commercial property venture.