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Yard and trees

Run each irrigation zone once to find leaks and water going to the wrong place

A broken head, leak, blocked emitter, or overspray can waste water, create slippery pavement, and keep siding or the foundation wet.

Homeowner guidance with clear stop points

When it usually needs attention

Timing follows the local season

Use the reviewed local growing-season opening and current water rules; no national calendar date or run time is inferred.

When this guide applies

Applies only when an irrigation system is confirmed; local rules and plant needs remain separate facts.

What to do

At the local growing-season start, follow the exact controller instructions, observe one documented zone at a time from stable ground, record broken or blocked outlets, runoff, pooling, and spray on buildings or pavement, then pause only the authorized setting until repair.

Applies when: Applies only when an irrigation system is confirmed; local rules and plant needs remain separate facts.

Who should handle it: Residents may run and pause authorized controller programs; shared systems, backflow devices, valves, buried lines, wiring, excavation, pressure work, and restricted schedules belong to the owner or qualified provider.

Tools

  • Exact controller manual
  • Current local watering rules
  • Zone map
  • Flags or phone camera

Parts and supplies

  • Visible marker for a leak or trip area
  • No nozzle or part until the zone and component are identified

Safety gear

  • Slip-resistant closed-toe footwear
  • Weather-appropriate sun and insect protection

Before you start

  • No freeze, lightning, drought prohibition, or unsafe ground
  • Know which areas and settings the household may control

Power, water, or fuel shutoffs

  • Use only documented resident controller controls or a known authorized irrigation shutoff
  • Do not open backflow, utility, shared, seized, or leaking valves

Cleaner or chemical limits

No cleaner, herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer, dye, lubricant, drain cleaner, or degreaser is part of an irrigation audit.

Stop and get help when

  • Stop for exposed wiring, erosion, sinkhole, contaminated water, broken main, unsafe pressure, traffic exposure, unstable cover, or digging need
  • Do not blow out lines, open a backflow device, or reach into a valve box with animals, water, or electricity

Who to call: Use the water authority for current rules and the responsible owner plus qualified irrigation, plumbing, backflow, landscape, drainage, or electrical service for repair.

Reviewed sources