As temperatures start dropping across Virginia, it’s the perfect time to make sure your irrigation system is properly tuned up and protected for the season ahead. Even well-designed systems can drift out of tune over time leading to brown patches, runoff onto sidewalks, or a surprise spike in your water bill. The good news: a consistent tune-up schedule keeps your system efficient, protects your landscape investment, and helps you avoid expensive repairs.
So how often should you tune up your irrigation system? Most pros recommend at least twice a year (once in the spring and once in the fall) with optional checkups in the peak of summer. Twice-a-year service is the best baseline for most homes and commercial properties [1].
Spring tune-up: Start the season the right way
Spring is your system’s “wake-up call.” A proper spring startup includes checking for winter damage, running each zone, confirming spray patterns, and making sure the controller is ready for seasonal watering [1]. It’s also smart to turn the water on gradually to avoid water hammer [2], which can stress pipes and fittings. If the ground is still frozen, it’s worth waiting, starting too early can risk damaging lines.
Mid-season checkups: Catch waste before it spreads
During peak watering months, small issues become big problems fast. A mid-season inspection can help address patchy coverage, clogged nozzles, misaligned heads, or changing plant needs as landscaping fills in. You can also do quick homeowner-friendly checks: look for tilted heads watering pavement, soggy spots, or dry rings around sprinklers. If you want to measure how evenly a zone waters, try the tuna can test [3]. This is a simple way to spot overwatering or weak coverage and dial in run times.
Fall tune-up: Winterize before the first freeze
In Virginia, freeze damage is one of the most expensive irrigation mistakes. A professional winterization typically means shutting off the water supply and clearing water from lines to prevent cracked pipes, broken valves, and damaged heads [4]. Many systems use compressed air to blow out lines carefully, zone by zone, at safe pressure levels to protect components. Waiting until the last minute can be risky because schedules fill up quickly once cold snaps hit.
Why professional tune-ups are worth it
Yes, you can spot-check your system yourself, but a pro tune-up can catch hidden leaks, pressure issues, programming problems, and efficiency losses you might not see. Routine maintenance also supports water conservation [3] by keeping water on your turf and beds, not your driveway.
Ready to tune up? Call the irrigation pros
A reliable schedule is simple: spring setup, fall winterization, and an optional mid-season check if you notice performance issues. If you want your system running efficiently all season long, contact James River Irrigation today to help with tune-ups, adjustments, and expert inspections tailored to your property.
Sources:
- https://irrigationsolutions.com/how-often-should-you-service-your-irrigation-system/
- https://donerightlandscape.com/irrigation-system-ready-for-spring/
- https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/tools-and-equipment/irrigation-system-maintenance/
- https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/winterize-irrigation