How to Prepare Your Irrigation System for Summer in Texas

Texas summers are brutal. Scorching temperatures, long dry spells, and strict watering restrictions can make it tough to keep your lawn and landscape healthy. If your irrigation system isn’t ready for the heat, you could end up with dead grass, high water bills, and costly repairs.

To avoid these headaches, here’s how you can prepare your sprinkler system for the summer months.

1. Inspect Your System for Damage

After months of little use, your irrigation system might have hidden leaks, clogged nozzles, or misaligned sprinkler heads. Before the summer heat kicks in, do a full system check:✔ Look for leaks – Damp spots, water pooling, or high water bills may indicate a leak.✔ Check for clogged nozzles – Dirt, debris, or hard water buildup can reduce efficiency.✔ Adjust spray patterns – Sprinkler heads can shift over time, causing uneven coverage.

If you spot any of these issues, it’s best to fix them early before peak watering season.

2. Adjust Your Watering Schedule

As temperatures rise, your lawn will need more water—but that doesn’t mean you should overwater. Texas cities often enforce watering restrictions, so it’s important to:✔ Water early in the morning (before 10 AM) to prevent evaporation.✔ Adjust your watering days based on local regulations (some areas only allow watering twice a week).✔ Increase watering gradually as summer sets in to help your grass develop deeper roots.

Pro Tip: A smart irrigation controller can automatically adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions, saving you money and water.

3. Check Your Sprinkler Heads & Valves

Sprinkler heads take a beating from lawnmowers, foot traffic, and weather. Walk around your yard and check for:✔ Broken or missing heads – Replace any damaged ones to prevent water waste.✔ Tilted or sunken heads – Adjust them so they spray evenly.✔ Leaking valves – These can cause water loss and pressure issues.

A quick tune-up can save you from uneven watering and costly repairs later.

4. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Not sure if your system is summer-ready? A professional irrigation check-up can:✔ Identify hidden leaks that could be wasting water.✔ Optimize spray coverage for better efficiency.✔ Ensure your system meets local watering regulations.

A small tune-up now can prevent expensive repairs and wasted water down the road.

Final Thoughts

Summer in Texas can be tough on your lawn, but a well-maintained irrigation system makes all the difference. By checking for leaks, adjusting your schedule, and optimizing your sprinkler system, you can keep your yard healthy, green, and water-efficient all season long.

Need help getting your system ready for summer? Willingham Irrigation can inspect, repair, and fine-tune your sprinklers so you can beat the heat. Contact us today!