Summer Lawn Sprinkler System & Hose Care
Itemized summer checklist for adjusting sprinkler heads, checking backflow preventers, and setting irrigation timers so water lands on grass, not pavement.
Orbit 56281 Oscillating Water Sprinkler for Lawn and Garden with Metal Base and Custom Pattern Dial (Waters up to 4,000 Square Feet)
Orbit
A sprinkler system that was fine in spring can waste a shocking amount of water by midsummer — heads drift out of alignment, timers run on old schedules, and a cracked line silently soaks one corner of the lawn while the rest browns out. A quick seasonal tune-up is all it takes to keep your irrigation running efficiently through the hottest months, when your grass actually needs it.
Never run a sprinkler system or hose timer without a working backflow preventer. It stops contaminated lawn water from siphoning back into your drinking supply, and it’s required by code in most areas.
The Summer Irrigation Checklist
- Adjust every sprinkler head. Walk the zones while the system runs and watch where the water lands. Re-aim heads that are spraying the driveway, sidewalk, or house siding, and clear any grass or debris blocking the spray pattern.
- Inspect for leaks and clogged nozzles. A geyser, a soggy patch, or a head that dribbles instead of sprays signals a cracked line or a clogged nozzle. Replace damaged heads and flush grit out of clogged ones.
- Check the backflow preventer. Confirm it’s present, upright, and undamaged. If it’s leaking or missing, have it repaired or installed before you use the system again.
- Match the timer to the season. Mid-summer heat means longer, less frequent watering — a deep soak every few days beats a daily sprinkle, which encourages shallow roots. Adjust run times and skip days after rain.
- Water early morning. Set the timer for before dawn. Watering at night invites fungus, and midday watering loses a large share to evaporation.
Hose and Timer Care
- Drain hoses after each use and store them out of direct sun so they don’t crack or develop kinks that split under pressure.
- Replace worn washers in hose connections — a leaky coupling wastes water at the spigot even when the hose is off.
- Test the timer at the start of the season. A stuck or dead-battery timer that fails silently can leave a zone running for days.
Orbit 56281 Oscillating Water Sprinkler for Lawn and Garden with Metal Base and Custom Pattern Dial (Waters up to 4,000 Square Feet)
Orbit
Upgrade your yard with the technologically-advanced Orbit Lawn & Garden Sprinkler System. With over 50 years of experience, Orbit is North America's premier company for residential…
- PRECISE YARD WATERING - Our sprinklers for yards and gardens provide customizable coverage with adjustable oscillation a…
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water my lawn in summer?
A: Deep and infrequent is best — about an inch of water per week, delivered in one or two soakings. Daily light sprinkling encourages shallow roots and a weak, thirsty lawn.
Q: What time of day should the sprinklers run?
A: Early morning, before dawn. The water soaks in before the sun evaporates it, and the grass dries during the day, which prevents fungus. Avoid watering at night.
Q: Why is one sprinkler head not spraying?
A: Usually a clogged nozzle or a damaged head. Unscrew the nozzle, flush out any grit, and reattach. If the head is cracked or the pattern is broken, replace it.
Q: Do I need a backflow preventer on my irrigation system?
A: Yes. It’s a code requirement in most areas and it protects your drinking water from contamination. If yours is damaged or missing, fix it before running the system.
