5 Fall Irrigation Maintenance Tips to Save Your Spring

Fall is here, and the summer heat is gone. Your customers' irrigation systems need attention before winter. Putting in the work today prevents a massive headache when everything thaws out next year. Here are five maintenance steps to handle right now.

1. Adjust the Watering Schedule

Cooler temperatures mean the lawns need less water. Leaving the controller on summer settings can drown the roots and invite fungus. Dialing back the run times protects the turf and saves your client money on their water bill.

2. Inspect for Leaks and Broken Heads

Mowers and trimmers beat up spray heads all season long. Walking the property to find cracked nozzles and buried heads prevents washouts. Replacing them today guarantees the system works perfectly when it starts back up next year.

3. Check Controllers, Valves, and Connections

Electrical issues love to hide in wet valve boxes. Swapping out the controller battery and making sure all wire nuts are tight stops shorts from happening. Cleaning debris out of the valve box prevents pests from nesting and chewing wires over the winter.

4. Prep for Cooler Weather

Freezing water destroys PVC pipes and backflow preventers. Northern pros need to schedule full blowouts to clear the lines completely. Southern teams should insulate exposed pipes and backflow preventers to survive unexpected hard freezes. Handling this weather prep now prevents a blown-out system in March.

5. Text Your Customers

Your schedule might start opening up as the grass slows down. Sending a quick, friendly text to your client list is the easiest way to fill your calendar. Ask them about scheduling a seasonal irrigation check to protect their yard. You add value to your service and stay on their minds right through the winter.

You'll find all the replacement heads, controllers, and winterization supplies you need at your local Heritage Landscape Supply. Stop by or reach out to your sales rep to make sure you have exactly what you need for the season.