Follow a practical irrigation inspection checklist covering controllers, sensors, valves, pressure, coverage, leaks, scheduling, and backflow protection.
Why an Inspection Is More Than Watching Sprinklers Run
An irrigation system can turn on and still perform poorly. A complete inspection asks whether water reaches the intended root zones, whether each component operates safely, and whether the schedule matches current conditions. Coverage, pressure, control, and plant response must be considered together.
For Middle Tennessee homes, a spring inspection creates a reliable starting point after freezing weather. A second review during peak summer use can catch problems revealed by heat, plant growth, mowing, construction, or settling soil. Homeowners can perform simple monthly walk-throughs between professional visits.
Controller and Sensor Checklist
- Confirm the controller date, time, watering days, start times, and seasonal-adjustment setting.
- Check that one intended start time is not accidentally repeated across several programs.
- Run every zone manually and compare the controller display with what happens outside.
- Test rain, freeze, soil-moisture, or flow sensors and confirm that bypass settings are not left active.
- Review smart-controller zone details after plant, nozzle, or landscape changes.
Field Component Checklist
- Look for heads that are broken, tilted, buried, obstructed, or spraying pavement and structures.
- Check for matched nozzles and consistent precipitation within each zone.
- Watch for misting, weak reach, surging pressure, pooling, and runoff.
- Inspect visible valve boxes for standing water, insects, damaged wiring, and difficult access.
- Check drip tubing, filters, pressure regulators, and emitters for leaks, clogs, or animal damage.
- Note areas where plant growth blocks spray or where roots and edging threaten lines or fixtures.
Backflow Protection Belongs on the Checklist
The backflow preventer protects the connection between irrigation water and the potable supply. A visual check can identify obvious leakage, damage, or access problems, but visual appearance does not prove the internal checks and relief components are functioning. Testing uses calibrated equipment and the procedure appropriate for the assembly.
Goodin Lawncare holds State of Tennessee Backflow Testing Certification. Read the backflow testing guide and follow the testing or reporting schedule provided by the property’s water utility or local authority.
Turn Observations Into Priorities
Separate findings into three groups: active leaks or safety concerns, performance problems, and efficiency upgrades. A broken line that is eroding soil needs attention before an optional smart-controller enhancement. A failed sensor may be more urgent during a rainy period than a cosmetic head-alignment issue.
Keep a simple record of controller settings, repairs, nozzle changes, and test dates. That history helps a technician identify recurring failures and gives homeowners a clearer picture of how the system changes with the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an irrigation inspection take?
Time depends on the number of zones, system condition, access, and whether diagnostic testing is needed. A useful inspection must run every zone long enough to observe pressure, coverage, leaks, and shutdown behavior.
Should irrigation be inspected before buying a home?
An irrigation inspection can reveal leaks, coverage gaps, controller condition, visible backflow issues, and deferred maintenance that a general home inspection may not fully evaluate.
Does a smart controller eliminate the need for inspection?
No. Smart scheduling cannot correct broken heads, leaks, pressure problems, blocked spray, failed valves, or inaccurate zone information. Mechanical performance still needs periodic review.
Get a Property-Specific Recommendation
Goodin Lawncare serves Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and nearby Middle Tennessee communities. If your system needs inspection, repair, installation, or a thoughtful upgrade, request an estimate and tell us what you are seeing.