Maintaining your home doesn’t just mean watching for cracks in the foundation or leaks in the attic — sometimes, the smallest issues can lead to big problems. One of the most overlooked systems in Arizona homes is the irrigation system. At Checklist AZ, we’ve seen how this simple, neglected element can cause water waste, landscape issues, and even structural damage.

As Arizona’s Premier Home Inspectors, we always recommend taking a few minutes each month to inspect your irrigation system. Trust us — this small effort can save you money and headaches in the long run.

Why You Should Inspect Your Irrigation System Regularly

It’s Easy to Miss Problems If You’re Not Looking

Most Arizona homeowners set their irrigation timers to run at night or early morning. That means issues often go unnoticed:

• A drip head gets knocked off by a landscaper
• A sprinkler tilts or breaks after mowing
• A leak creates small puddles that dry up by midday

Just because you don’t see a geyser doesn’t mean everything’s working properly.

What to Watch for During Your Walkthrough

A monthly check-up doesn’t need to be complicated. Once a month — or even better, once a week — turn on the system while you’re home and walk your property.

Here’s what to look for:

• 💧 Missing or damaged drip heads
• 💧 Sprinklers spraying the house, not the plants
• 💧 Small puddles or wet spots on the ground
• 💧 Overspray onto sidewalks, windows, or stucco walls

Don’t Let Sprinklers Spray Your House

This is a major red flag. Overspray might seem harmless at first, but when your irrigation hits stucco, windows, or your stem wall, the results can be costly:

• Hard water stains on windows (nearly impossible to remove)
• Stucco damage and crumbling
• Moisture buildup under your foundation

We’ve even had to clean windows at our own office due to overspray from our drip system — vinegar helped, but the damage was already visible.

A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

The beauty of irrigation system care is how simple it is. You don’t need special tools or a contractor — just turn it on and walk your property. This habit helps you:

• Save water in our dry Arizona climate
• Protect your home’s structure and surfaces
• Ensure your plants are watered properly

Bonus tip: If you hire landscapers, ask them to inspect the system before they leave. A quick check after mowing could prevent a broken head from going unnoticed.

Protect your home from the ground up with this easy maintenance step. At Checklist AZ, we care about every detail — from your roofline to your roots. Want more expert insights or a professional home inspection?

👉 Call Checklist AZ at 480-361-8120 — Arizona’s trusted home inspection team.