A lush, green lawn is one of the hallmarks of a beautiful home, but keeping it healthy throughout the changing South Jersey seasons requires more than just watering when it looks dry. Your sprinkler system plays a huge role in maintaining your landscape, and regular maintenance is essential to keep it running efficiently year-round.
At Star Sprinkler Systems Inc., we’ve been helping homeowners with seasonal sprinkler maintenance in Burlington County, NJ, and surrounding areas for decades. As a family-owned, award-winning business, we specialize in keeping irrigation systems running smoothly through every season — from spring start-ups to fall winterization and everything in between.
If you live in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester County, this irrigation system checklist in Camden County will help you stay ahead of seasonal sprinkler care so your lawn looks great and your system lasts for years.
Why Seasonal Sprinkler Maintenance Matters
Your sprinkler system is a long-term investment in your home’s curb appeal and property value. However, like any mechanical system, it needs regular attention to perform at its best. Ignoring small issues, like leaks, clogged heads, or incorrect timing, can lead to water waste, uneven watering, and costly repairs later on.
Proper maintenance ensures:
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Efficient water use, which lowers utility bills.
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Consistent lawn health, preventing dry spots or overwatering.
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Longer equipment lifespan, saving you from premature replacements.
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Early detection of problems, before they cause damage or waste.
South Jersey’s climate can be unpredictable, with freezing winters, wet springs, and hot, dry summers. A seasonal approach to sprinkler care helps protect your system against weather changes while keeping your lawn in peak condition year-round.
Spring: Sprinkler System Start-Up
After months of cold weather, your irrigation system needs a careful reawakening. Turning it on too early—or without the right steps—can cause pressure surges, leaks, or even broken pipes.
Here’s what should be on your spring irrigation system checklist in Camden County:
1. Inspect for Winter Damage
Start by checking for any visible cracks, leaks, or signs of damage on sprinkler heads, valves, and fittings. Freezing temperatures can cause small splits in pipes that go unnoticed until water begins to flow.
2. Open the Main Water Valve Slowly
When it’s time to pressurize the system, open the main water valve gradually. Turning it on too quickly can create a sudden rush of pressure that damages fittings and valves.
3. Test Each Zone
Run each sprinkler zone one at a time. Check for uneven water distribution, low pressure, or clogged heads. Adjust spray patterns to ensure even coverage across your lawn and flower beds.
4. Clean or Replace Sprinkler Heads
Dirt, debris, and insects often clog sprinkler heads over the winter. Clean or replace them as needed to restore proper spray performance.
5. Update Your Controller Settings
Reprogram your system for spring watering needs. The grass doesn’t require as much water early in the season, so start with shorter run times and adjust as temperatures rise.
If you’re unsure how to restart your system safely, the experts at Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. can handle the process for you. We provide thorough start-up services to ensure your irrigation system is running efficiently from day one.
Summer: Routine Maintenance and Adjustments
As temperatures climb, your sprinkler system works overtime to keep your lawn healthy. This is also when small problems are most likely to appear. Staying on top of summer maintenance can save you water, time, and money.
1. Check for Leaks and Low Pressure
Leaks waste water and increase your bill. Look for pooling water, soggy spots, or uneven watering. These signs often indicate a broken pipe or a damaged sprinkler head.
2. Adjust for Weather Changes
During hot, dry periods, you may need to increase watering times. However, if rain has been frequent, scale back your schedule to avoid overwatering. Smart controllers that adjust automatically based on local weather are a great upgrade.
3. Inspect the Spray Pattern
Grass and plants can grow tall enough to block sprinkler spray. Trim around sprinkler heads regularly to ensure even water coverage.
4. Test Valves and Timers
Electronic valves and timers can fail over time. Make sure they’re operating correctly and replace weak or worn-out components promptly.
5. Follow a Local Lawn Care Schedule
For reference, the ideal lawn care sprinkler schedule in Gloucester County during the summer months usually includes watering two to three times per week in the early morning hours. Deep, less frequent watering helps grass roots grow stronger and more drought-tolerant.
Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal growth that can occur when lawns stay wet overnight.
Fall: Preparing for Winter
When fall arrives and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to shift from watering to protecting your irrigation system from freezing. Winterizing your system properly prevents cracked pipes, damaged valves, and costly spring repairs.
Here’s what should be on your fall sprinkler maintenance list:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Shut off the main water supply to your sprinkler system to stop water flow before temperatures dip below freezing.
2. Drain the Lines
Even a small amount of trapped water can expand when frozen, leading to pipe bursts. Depending on your system type, you’ll need to manually drain the lines or use a professional air blow-out method.
Warning: If you’re not experienced with this process, don’t attempt to blow out the system yourself. Using too much air pressure can damage valves and heads. Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. offers professional winterization services designed to safely remove all water from your system and prepare it for freezing weather.
3. Insulate Exposed Components
Cover above-ground valves, pipes, and backflow preventers with insulation sleeves or foam covers. This extra protection helps prevent cold-weather damage.
4. Disconnect the Controller (If Needed)
For older systems, consider disconnecting or powering down your irrigation controller during winter. Smart controllers can often be set to “winter mode,” saving your previous watering schedules for spring.
Winter: Stay Prepared for the Next Season
While your sprinkler system won’t be in use during the coldest months, it still benefits from a little attention.
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Keep an eye on insulation around exposed parts to make sure it hasn’t shifted or fallen off.
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Make note of any landscape changes or future upgrades you’d like to make in the spring.
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Schedule your early spring start-up service in advance, as appointments fill quickly once the weather warms up.
At Star Sprinkler Systems Inc., we provide year-round care, including winterization, spring activation, and mid-season maintenance. Our team understands the unique challenges of South Jersey weather and tailors every service to your specific property and system.
Common Sprinkler Issues to Watch For
Even with regular maintenance, irrigation systems can experience wear and tear over time. Keep an eye out for these common issues:
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Uneven watering: Often caused by clogged or misaligned heads.
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Low water pressure: May indicate leaks or faulty valves.
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High water bills: Hidden leaks or inefficient scheduling can waste gallons every week.
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System not turning on: Check the controller, fuse, or main valve. If everything looks fine, you may need professional troubleshooting.
Addressing these problems promptly helps avoid more expensive repairs later and keeps your lawn healthy throughout the year.
Professional Maintenance: Why It Pays Off
While many homeowners handle basic maintenance on their own, having a professional inspection at least once a year provides peace of mind and ensures your system is working at peak efficiency.
When you schedule seasonal sprinkler maintenance in Burlington County, NJ with Star Sprinkler Systems Inc., you get:
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Expert technicians trained in installation, repair, start-up, and winterization.
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Family-owned, personalized service you can trust.
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State-of-the-art tools for diagnosing and fixing hidden leaks or performance issues.
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An award-winning reputation built on decades of reliable work in the South Jersey area.
We service all major irrigation system brands and provide maintenance plans tailored to your home’s specific needs and seasonal watering schedule.
Year-Round Sprinkler Care Simplified
Your sprinkler system is designed to make lawn care easier, not more complicated. Following a seasonal routine and working with trusted professionals ensures it stays that way.
Here’s a quick summary of what your annual sprinkler schedule should include:
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Spring: Inspect, clean, and start up your system carefully.
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Summer: Monitor performance and adjust watering schedules for weather conditions.
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Fall: Winterize and drain lines before the first freeze.
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Winter: Protect exposed parts and plan for next season’s service.
With consistent care, your irrigation system will deliver years of reliable performance and help maintain a healthy, green lawn through every season.
Keep Your Lawn Beautiful with Star Sprinkler Systems Inc.
For homeowners looking for dependable seasonal sprinkler maintenance in Burlington County, NJ, or a complete irrigation system checklist in Camden County, Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. is your trusted partner for all-season lawn care. We’ve proudly served Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties for generations, helping South Jersey lawns stay healthy and beautiful year-round.
Whether you need installation, mid-season repairs, or a lawn care sprinkler schedule in Gloucester County, our skilled technicians provide reliable, family-oriented service backed by decades of experience.
We hope you contact Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. today to schedule your seasonal service or request a free consultation. Let our award-winning team help your irrigation system perform its best, so your lawn stays green, vibrant, and worry-free through every season in South Jersey.