Preventing irrigation problems

Freeze damage is the costliest preventable failure in cold climates, and it's fully avoidable for the price of a winterization visit — LawnStarter puts that at $59 to $144 for most homeowners. Cracked valve bodies and a split backflow assembly cost far more than that.

Broken heads are preventable through position and hardware. Heads at the edge of a driveway or in a mowing path get hit; swing joints and correct installation depth mean a strike costs a head instead of a pipe repair. And fix breaks fast — WaterSense estimates a single broken head can waste up to 25,000 gallons and $280 across a six-month season.

Overwatering is the invisible expense. It also causes the problems people blame on other things: fungus, weeds, shallow roots and runoff. WaterSense's guidance is direct about it — if water starts pooling, turn the sprinkler off. Cycle-and-soak on clay and slopes prevents the runoff that shallow, long runtimes cause.

Finally, prevent compliance surprises. If your utility requires periodic backflow testing, put the date in your calendar rather than waiting for a notice. A failed or overdue test can mean penalties in some systems, and the repair is easier scheduled than rushed.

How to choose

Winterize on schedule, every year

$59–$144 buys you out of cracked valves and a split backflow assembly.

Walk the zones twice a season

Eyes on the running system is the highest-yield preventive habit there is.

Protect vulnerable heads

Swing joints, correct depth, and clearing turf growth around the head keep small strikes from becoming pipe repairs.

Stop watering when water pools

WaterSense's own guidance. Pooling means the soil can't take more, and everything past that point is runoff.

Diary the backflow test

Where required, testing is your obligation. Schedule it rather than waiting for the utility to chase you.