Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include dry patches, soggy spots, pressure drops, heads that won't pop up, or zones that fail to cycle. In the Houston area, clay soil movement can shift lines and crack fittings over time — catching these issues early prevents a minor repair from becoming a full zone replacement.

Installation starts with assessing your yard's layout, soil type, water pressure, and coverage needs. The system is then divided into zones — each mapped to specific turf or plant areas. In northwest Houston, clay-heavy soil and local rainfall patterns both factor into how zones are designed and spaced.

At minimum, once a year — ideally in early spring before summer heat peaks. Regular inspections catch broken heads, pressure irregularities, and misprogrammed timers before they waste water or leave dry spots. Systems over 10 years old benefit from more frequent checks as components begin to wear.

Yes — zone expansion is a straightforward way to extend coverage when landscaping has grown or changed since the original install. A technician ties new zones into your existing controller and supply lines, ensuring pressure is distributed correctly across all areas without overloading the system.

Standing water usually signals that drainage isn't moving runoff away from your property fast enough. Clay soils common in the Tomball and Houston area absorb water slowly, which compounds the problem. French drains, channel drains, or surface grading can redirect water before it pools near foundations or kills turf.

It depends on where water collects, your yard's grade, and how quickly it drains after rain. French drains work well for subsurface seepage, channel drains handle surface runoff in paved or low-lying areas, and surface grading redirects flow at the ground level — often a combination addresses the full issue.

A backflow preventer stops irrigation water from flowing backward into your municipal supply — protecting drinking water from contamination. Most municipalities require one on any system tied to a public water line, and many jurisdictions mandate annual certified testing to confirm the device is functioning correctly.

For properties near retention ponds or water features, lake pump irrigation can significantly reduce water bills and reliance on municipal supply. The pump draws directly from the water source to feed your sprinkler system — a practical, cost-effective option common on larger lots in the northwest Houston corridor.

Early spring — before summer heat arrives — is the ideal window. Repair schedules fill quickly once temperatures climb and dry patches become visible. Addressing pressure issues, broken heads, or zone failures in March or April means your system is ready before it's under peak demand.

Uneven coverage usually comes from misaligned or clogged heads, pressure imbalances between zones, or a layout that hasn't been updated as landscaping changed. Older systems are especially prone to drift over time — a full system inspection identifies which zones need adjustment versus full component replacement.