Your Irrigation System Isn’t “Set and Forget”
An unmaintained irrigation system is a ticking time bomb. Missouri winters burst lines. Spring brings hidden damage. Summer failures cost thousands. The solution is simple: professional maintenance prevents these problems and keeps your system working efficiently year-round. One broken head or frozen valve costs more to fix than a season of preventive maintenance.
Why Irrigation Maintenance Gets Overlooked
Most homeowners think irrigation systems are “set it and forget it.” That is exactly wrong. A properly functioning irrigation system requires regular maintenance. Without it, problems compound quietly until something fails.
This is The Maedgen Way: We prevent problems instead of just fixing emergencies.
What Saves You Money
Professional maintenance is an investment that pays for itself. Here is what proper care delivers:
Water Savings
A properly maintained system delivers even coverage without waste. Clogged heads, poor programming, and hidden leaks all drive your water bill up. We fix all of it.
Damage Prevention
One night below freezing with water in your lines causes failure. Prevention costs $300-500 in maintenance. Repair costs $1,500-3,000 or more.
Early Detection
Subtle damage is not obvious. A valve that is failing partially but still works is something you miss. We catch problems before they become emergencies.
Professional Equipment
Blowing out lines requires air compressors and specific nozzles. Testing pressure requires gauges. We have the specialized equipment your system needs.
The Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
Your irrigation system needs different care throughout the year. Here is what happens and when:
| Month | Service |
|---|---|
| March | Spring startup: Turn on system, assess winter damage, activate all zones, clean/repair heads, optimize programming, test coverage. |
| April-May | Monitor for leaks, adjust watering as spring growth accelerates, address any startup problems. |
| June-August | Regular inspection during peak season, monitor for damage, respond to any issues, ensure zones are working correctly. |
| September | Reduce watering as temperatures moderate, prepare for seasonal transition. |
| October | Fall winterization: Final system shutdown, water blowout, drain all components, prepare for winter storage. |
| Nov-March | System dormant. No watering, protected from winter damage. |
Spring Startup: What We Check
Spring startup is critical. Winter has been hard on your system, and the season ahead demands it works perfectly.
- Winter Damage Assessment – Visual inspection of lines, valves, backflow preventer, and controller for freeze damage
- Pressure Testing – System pressure tested and checked for leaks. Significant pressure loss means you have a break somewhere.
- Valve Function – Each valve tested to ensure it opens and closes correctly
- Controlled Startup – System brought online at low pressure to avoid surge damage to stressed components
- Head Inspection & Cleanup – Every sprinkler head checked for proper spray pattern, coverage, and mineral buildup
- Line Integrity – Water flow verified through all lines, with leaks or weak areas addressed
- Seasonal Programming – Controller settings reviewed and adjusted for spring watering needs
- Coverage Optimization – Programming fixed if it delivers uneven coverage or wastes water
- Smart Controller Check – Weather-responsive controllers verified for proper configuration and efficiency
Fall Winterization: Preventing Winter Damage
Fall winterization is the work that prevents costly spring problems. This is non-negotiable in Missouri.
- Controlled Shutdown – System turned off properly. Sudden shutdown can trap water in lines and create freeze damage.
- Pressure Release – Residual water pressure released so components are not under stress over winter
- Blowout Service – Compressed air used to blow all water from irrigation lines. Even small amounts of water cause freeze damage.
- Valve Drainage – Small water pockets in valves drained completely. Frozen water in valve seats causes failures.
- Backflow Preventer Service – Internal water pockets properly winterized. Required by law, failure to winterize voids protection.
- Controller Shutdown – Power turned off to outdoor controllers to prevent weather damage and conserve battery backup
- Valve Box & Component Protection – Boxes cleared, above-ground components evaluated and protected before freezing
Common Problems We Find
These are the issues we encounter most often during spring startup and mid-season inspections. Left unaddressed, each one gets worse and more expensive to fix.
Freeze Damage
Cracked pipes, split valve bodies, and broken backflow preventers from water left in lines over winter.
Coverage Gaps
Shifted or clogged heads creating dry spots. Your lawn shows brown patches while your water bill stays high.
Controller Failures
Outdated programming, power surges, and battery failures causing zones to run incorrectly or not at all.
Hidden Leaks
Underground leaks that waste water and erode soil. Often undetectable without pressure testing and professional inspection.
Repair & Efficiency Services
If we find problems during startup or winterization, or if issues develop during the season, we handle repairs. We also optimize system efficiency to reduce water waste and improve coverage.
Pair With Related Services
Irrigation maintenance works best as part of a complete landscape care strategy:
What Our Customers Say
5-Star Rated on Google. Here’s Why.
Service Areas
We provide irrigation maintenance across three regions in Missouri:
Phelps County: Rolla, St. James
Pulaski County: St. Robert, Waynesville
St. Louis West County: Ballwin, Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, Creve Coeur, Des Peres, Ellisville, Ladue, Manchester, St. Charles, Town and Country, Twin Oaks, Valley Park, Wildwood, Winchester