Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems: Frequently Asked Questions

In Houston’s climate, water needs change by season – and totals should always include rainfall. A general guideline is:

• Q1 (Jan–Mar): Cooler temps and winter rains usually mean little to no supplemental irrigation is needed. Run systems only if turf or beds show stress.
• Q2 (Apr–Jun): Spring growth kicks in – target about 1 inch of water per week (rain + irrigation). Adjust for spring showers.
• Q3 (Jul–Sep): Peak summer heat requires the most water – aim for 5 inches per week (rain + irrigation), split into 2–3 deep waterings.
• Q4 (Oct–Dec): Cooler fall weather reduces demand – scale back to 5–1 inch per week (rain + irrigation), tapering off in late fall.

• Soil moisture sensors measure how much water is actually in the root zone and stop irrigation until plants truly need it.
• Flow sensors track water movement through the system, detecting leaks, stuck valves, or broken heads in real time, preventing waste and property damage.

This combination ensures your system applies the right amount of water at the right time, while also protecting against costly problems.

• System issues – Partially closed valves, clogged filters, leaks, or a malfunctioning backflow/pump can all reduce pressure.
• Municipal supply changes – Cities sometimes reduce water pressure to manage drought conditions, infrastructure limits, or peak demand. These changes affect every property tied to that line.
• Property-specific vs. irrigation-only – If the whole property has low pressure (house + irrigation), the issue is likely municipal or at the meter. If only the irrigation is affected, it’s usually a system-side problem (valves, heads, or piping).

Professional pressure testing helps identify whether the problem is in the irrigation system itself or due to city water supply.

• Overwatering or underwatering – Both can cause plants to decline. Too much water suffocates roots and leads to rot, while too little leaves plants stressed and dry.
• System calibration – If run times or zones aren’t set correctly, plants may not be getting the right amount of water. For example, spray heads on turf vs. drip in beds require different schedules.
• Distribution Uniformity (DU) – Uneven coverage can create dry spots in some areas and saturated spots in others, even within the same zone.
• Soil and plant type – Heavy clay soils hold water longer, while sandy soils drain quickly. Shallow-rooted plants need different watering than deep-rooted shrubs or trees.

A system audit that checks run times, sensors, DU, and soil conditions can identify the root cause and help restore plant health.

Pooling water can be caused by a few different issues:

• Seeping valve – A valve that isn’t sealing properly will let water seep through even when the system is off.
• Low-head drainage – Water naturally drains out of the lowest heads in a zone once irrigation shuts off. Adding check valves prevents this.
• Worn-out seals – A deteriorated seal around the stem of a sprinkler head can also allow water to leak and collect around the head.

Correcting the issue usually involves repairing or replacing the faulty valve, adding check valves, or replacing the sprinkler head.

Instead of watering all at once, it breaks the cycle into shorter bursts – letting the soil absorb water slowly.
Example: three 10-minute cycles with breaks instead of one long 30-minute soak. It’s one of the easiest ways to eliminate runoff.

Spray heads cover small areas quickly, rotors handle larger zones with slower, even watering, and drip systems target roots directly.
Each has its place – just don’t mix them on the same zone or you’ll end up watering unevenly.

Micro irrigation delivers slow, precise watering to flower beds, pots, and planters – perfect for saving water where full sprinklers aren’t practical.

They keep your system from misting or over-spraying when pressure’s too high, ensuring even coverage and less waste. Just remember – they regulate high pressure, not increase low pressure.

Backflows stop dirty irrigation water from reversing into your home’s drinking supply. They’re required by law for all irrigation systems and should be tested yearly to ensure they’re working properly.

In Houston, full winterization isn’t usually required, but a few key steps will protect your system during freezes:

• Drain the backflow preventer – Backflows must be properly drained to avoid trapped water freezing and cracking the brass body.
• Insulate exposed piping and the backflow – Use insulation covers or wraps rated for freeze protection.
• Shut off or adjust the controller – Turn off the system during hard freezes or put it into rain/freeze mode if equipped.

These simple steps greatly reduce the risk of freeze damage and costly repairs.

• Residential: We recommend 2 – 3 service visits per year – typically a spring startup, a mid-summer adjustment, and a winterizing service. This keeps your system efficient and prevents costly surprises. Many homeowners choose our Waterwise Membership Program, which bundles these visits at a discounted rate and provides priority scheduling and additional perks.
• Commercial: Properties with larger systems and higher demand benefit from quarterly to monthly checks. Regular inspections catch small issues early, protect landscaping investments, and ensure compliance with municipal water restrictions.

Yes.

• Residential: Our Waterwise Membership Program is designed to keep your system running at peak efficiency year-round. It includes seasonal checkups (spring startup, summer adjustment, and winterizing), priority scheduling, discounted repair rates, and peace of mind knowing your system is professionally maintained.
• Commercial: For over 40 years, Waterwise has provided reliable service for schools, business parks, medical centers, churches, and HOAs across Greater Houston. We offer quarterly to monthly service contracts tailored to property needs, ensuring irrigation systems perform consistently while protecting landscaping investments.

Before digging, building, or pouring concrete for patios, pools, room additions, or generators, it’s important to have your irrigation system inspected and protected. A Waterwise technician can locate and mark irrigation lines, properly cut and cap pipes where work will occur, and keep other zones running during construction. This prevents costly post-project repairs and ensures your system can be easily expanded or modernized afterward.