The Complete Sprinkler System Inspection Guide for South Florida Homeowners

South Florida's year-round growing season means your irrigation system never gets a break. Unlike northern states where systems are winterized and rest for months, Miami-Dade and Broward homeowners run their systems 12 months a year. That continuous use makes regular inspections even more important.

When to Inspect Your Irrigation System

We recommend two full inspections per year — once at the start of the dry season (November/December) and once heading into the wet season (May/June). Additionally, do a quick visual check after any major storm or if you notice changes in your lawn's appearance.

Zone-by-Zone Inspection Checklist

• Run each zone for 3-5 minutes and walk the full area
• Check every sprinkler head for proper pop-up height (should extend fully)
• Look for tilted, sunken, or debris-covered heads
• Watch for any heads that don't retract after the zone turns off
• Confirm spray or rotor patterns cover the full zone without gaps or overlaps
• Look for wet patches in the lawn between watering cycles (indicates a stuck-open valve)
• Inspect valve boxes for standing water, root intrusion, or corroded wiring

Controller and Timer Check

• Verify the current date, time, and watering schedule are correct
• Check that the rain sensor is clean and functioning
• Confirm watering days comply with your utility's restrictions
• Look for error codes or zone faults on the display
• Test the manual-run function for each zone
• Replace the backup battery if the controller has been losing time

Backflow Preventer Inspection

Your backflow preventer protects your drinking water from contamination by irrigation water. In Florida, it's required to be tested by a licensed professional annually. Check visually for: cracks in the housing, dripping from the test cocks, excessive moisture around the device, or rust and corrosion.

What to Do with Your Inspection Results

Minor issues like a slightly tilted head or a dirty nozzle can often be fixed by a homeowner. More significant issues — leaks, stuck valves, wiring faults, or pressure problems — should be handled by a professional. Catching problems during an inspection is always cheaper than waiting until they cause visible lawn damage or water waste.

Need a professional inspection? Our technicians perform thorough system audits across Miami-Dade and Broward. Call 786-851-2037 or request a free estimate online.