It’s official — Summer is here, and we’re heading into the first real heat wave of the season.
After a cooler, unusually rainy spring, most lawns across Loudoun and Fairfax Counties in Virginia — and Jefferson and Berkeley Counties in West Virginia — are still lush and green. You might not have run your sprinkler system much yet — maybe just a few warm days here and there. But that’s about to change.
With multiple 90+ degree days in the forecast and the ground finally starting to dry out, now is the perfect time to give your irrigation system a full mid-season tune-up.
And with July officially recognized as Smart Irrigation Month by the Irrigation Association, there’s no better time to make sure your system is running efficiently, saving water, and supporting a healthy lawn.
4 Quick DIY Sprinkler System Checks You Can Do Right Now
Even before your tune-up appointment, here are four quick things you can check in under 30 minutes:
- Run each zone manually. Walk your yard while it’s running. Are heads spinning correctly? Any dry or soaked spots?
- Look for “fog.” A misty spray = too much pressure. That’s water evaporating before it hits the grass.
- Check your water bill. Spikes usually mean a leak or a timer issue.
- Make sure no heads are spraying sidewalks or driveways. This is one of the most common sources of water waste.
Doing these simple, free checks can make a big improvement in how your system operates.
Of course, having a professional with over 30 years of hands-on experience inspecting your system can go even further. Our team at NOVA Irrigation knows exactly what to look for and often catches issues that aren’t visible to the untrained eye.
We also optimize your system for maximum efficiency based on real-time weather, soil conditions, and lawn layout.
Bonus Tips for a Healthier Lawn This Summer
“Water deeply and infrequently, ideally early in the morning between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., to promote strong root systems and minimize evaporation.” — Southern Living, Best Time to Water Grass
Irrigation Systems are just one part of keeping your lawn lush. Here are a few simple tips lawn professionals swear by to boost health and reduce stress on your turf:
- Raise your mowing height. Keeping grass a little longer (around 3–4″) helps shade the roots, retain moisture, and crowd out weeds.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn. This natural mulch returns nitrogen to the soil and helps retain moisture. Avoid mowing during peak heat. Cut early in the morning or in the evening to reduce stress on both your lawn and your mower.
- Fertilize wisely. Summer isn’t the time for heavy feeding. Use a slow-release formula or wait until early fall for a stronger feeding schedule.
- Spot-treat weeds instead of blanket spraying. Targeted applications reduce chemical use and prevent damage to healthy turf. Water early in the day.
- Morning is the best time to water your lawn, especially during summer heat. Watering between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. reduces evaporation and gives roots time to absorb moisture before the sun hits full force.
- Water deeply, not daily. Instead of daily shallow watering, give your lawn a thorough soaking two or three times per week. This encourages roots to grow deeper and makes your grass more drought-tolerant.
- Avoid nighttime watering in humid climates. Watering at night can promote fungal growth, especially when humidity levels are high. It’s always best to water early in the morning so the lawn has time to dry during the day — a tip passed down from generations of experienced gardeners.
Together with a tuned-up irrigation system, these habits can help your lawn stay greener, longer — even through the hottest days of summer.
For a full breakdown of best practices, check out Southern Living’s summer lawn watering guide.
Why Mid-Season Tune-Ups Are Essential
Even if your system was professionally installed, things shift and wear down over time. Soil moves, sprinkler heads get nudged by mowers, and weather patterns change. What worked in April might not cut it in July.
Catch Small Issues Before They Become Costly
A small leak or a misaligned head may not seem urgent, but over weeks, it can waste hundreds of gallons. Our team checks for:
- Hairline cracks or worn seals .
- Leaks, pooling, or soft spots in your lawn .
- Sprinkler heads stuck in the wrong direction
- And more…
Improve Water Efficiency
Overwatering isn’t just wasteful — it can actually harm your lawn. NOVA Irrigation uses proven water-saving products from Hunter Industries, including MP Rotator nozzles and Hydrawise smart controllers, which are designed to optimize performance while reducing water use.
According to Hunter’s field data, switching to MP Rotators can reduce water usage by up to 30%, and Hydrawise controllers can save as much as 50% when programmed properly.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as much as 50% of the water we use outdoors is wasted due to inefficient watering systems and practices.
Keep Your Lawn Consistently Healthy
When the system is dialed in correctly, your lawn responds fast. You’ll notice deeper green, fewer brown spots, and better overall resilience when the temps start to climb.
What’s Included in a Summer Sprinkler System Tune-Up
Our summer tune-up is a full-system inspection and adjustment tailored to the season. Here’s what it includes:
✔️ Smart Controller Programming
We check your watering schedule, adjust for current heat and rainfall trends, and reprogram based on soil type and sun exposure. If you use a smart controller like Hydrawise, we ensure it’s set up for automatic weather adjustments. You can learn more about the benefits of smart irrigation technology from the Hunter Industries Proven Water Savers page.
✔️ Sprinkler Head Inspection & Adjustment
We check for clogs, misalignments, broken heads, or overspray onto hardscapes. Any underperforming heads get cleaned, aligned, or swapped out.
✔️ Pressure Testing & Zone Walkthrough
We run the system zone by zone, checking for pressure imbalances, sluggish performance, or heads that don’t fully pop up. Pressure issues are a common cause of inefficiency, and we catch them before they escalate.
✔️ Leak Check & Coverage Test
We test for hidden leaks in the main line or valves and confirm full coverage across each zone, making adjustments to avoid under- or over-watering.
The Water-Saving Payoff
The EPA reports that up to 50% of outdoor residential water use is wasted.
Most of that comes from:
- Leaks you can’t see
- Watering during the heat of the day
- Heads watering pavement or fences
- Outdated or poorly placed spray nozzles
A tuned-up system means:
- Less water waste
- Lower monthly bills
- Better results with less effort
- Peace of mind going into summer
Serving Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, VA — and Jefferson & Berkeley Counties, WV — All Season Long
Whether you’re in Ashburn, South Riding, Broadlands, Great Falls, the heart of Fairfax — or across the river in Charles Town, Ranson, or Martinsburg — NOVA Irrigation is your go-to for residential sprinkler maintenance, installation, and repairs.
We’re local, we’re experienced, and we genuinely care about helping you enjoy a healthier, greener lawn — without the stress, guesswork, or wasted water.
Ready to Book Your Summer Irrigation System Tune-Up?
Don’t wait for your lawn to show signs of stress.
Get ahead of the summer heat — schedule your sprinkler system tune-up today.
Still dragging your garden hose around every morning or evening?
If you don’t have an in-ground irrigation system yet, we can help make your life a whole lot easier by installing a new custom system for you.
Call us for a free quote on a custom-designed sprinkler system that fits your lawn, landscape, and lifestyle.
Already have a system but know something’s not working quite right?
We also offer expert sprinkler system repairs, even if your system isn’t a Hunter brand. While we exclusively install Hunter irrigation systems, our team is trained to diagnose and repair most major brands.
Whether you need a new install, a quick fix, or a full tune-up, NOVA Irrigation has you covered.
Let’s make this your greenest, easiest summer yet.