Why Smart Summerville Homeowners Check Their Irrigation Systems in December (Free Inspection)

In this guide, we break down the most common irrigation system problems Summerville, SC homeowners face every spring and explain why a December irrigation inspection is the smartest way to prevent costly repairs.

Every year, as the weather warms up and the azaleas start to bloom, homeowners across the Lowcountry rush to turn on their sprinkler systems. That is usually when problems show up, many of which developed quietly over the winter months.

We see this every single spring, often on the first warm weekend when everyone flips their system on at once.

If you wait until April to check your irrigation system, you risk facing expensive repair bills right when local landscaping and irrigation companies are booked solid. By identifying issues now, you can beat the spring rush and ensure your lawn is fully ready for the growing season.

Here are the most common irrigation problems we see in Summerville, and how a professional December irrigation check catches them early.

1. Clogged Sprinkler Heads

One of the most frequent irrigation system problems in Summerville is clogged sprinkler heads. Our mild winters and heavy tree coverage allow sand, pine straw, and mulch to settle into nozzles during the off season. When the system is turned back on, the spray is weak, erratic, or completely blocked.

Common symptoms include:

• Water bubbling out of the head instead of spraying

• Irregular spray patterns leaving dead spots

• Dry patches of grass even though your timer is running

2. Misaligned Sprinklers

Strong winds, pets, foot traffic, and fall leaf cleanup can easily shift sprinkler heads out of position. When that happens, water ends up hitting driveways, sidewalks, or home siding instead of your lawn.

A misaligned sprinkler wastes water, increases your utility bill, and starves certain areas of your yard. Many homeowners mistake this damage for soil problems or lawn disease when the real issue is simple misalignment.

3. Dead Zones (Zones Not Running)

If one section of your irrigation system does not activate while others run normally, you could be dealing with a wiring issue, bad solenoid, or valve failure. These are silent failures that typically happen while the system is dormant.

When an irrigation zone fails to run, we perform a full inspection to determine whether the issue is electrical, mechanical, or caused by a hidden underground leak.

If you would rather catch these problems now than deal with repairs during peak season, you can schedule your free December irrigation check today.

4. Pressure Issues and Misting

Water pressure changes are common in the Summerville area, especially after seasonal temperature shifts. Irrigation pressure problems often show up as:

• Weak spray that does not reach full coverage

• High pressure misting where water turns into fog and blows away

• Sprinkler heads that sputter or release bursts of air

A professional pressure test during a winter irrigation inspection can diagnose these problems before they turn into expensive summer repairs.

5. Hidden Leaks Beneath the Surface

Summerville’s sandy soil shifts more than many homeowners realize. Even without hard freezes, underground movement can crack pipes or loosen fittings.

Watch for:

• Persistent puddles in the yard

• Soft or sunken areas in the grass

• Sudden, unexplained increases in your water bill

Undetected leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water each season. Early detection saves money and prevents long term lawn damage.

6. Controller and Timer Errors

Power interruptions and dead backup batteries often reset irrigation controllers to factory settings. This can cause zones to run at the wrong time of day or for far too long.

This is one of the most overlooked irrigation system problems Summerville homeowners face, and also one of the easiest to fix during a routine irrigation inspection.

Special Offer: Free Irrigation Checks All December Long

Do not wait until your grass turns brown and repair companies are booked weeks out. Get a jump on your spring lawn care before the busy season hits.

Southern Acres Landscaping & Design is offeringfree comprehensive irrigation system checksfor homeowners in Summerville and surrounding neighborhoods throughout the entire month of December.

Our team services irrigation systems across Summerville year round, and December inspections consistently save homeowners time, money, and frustration.

During your free inspection, we will:

• Check sprinkler heads and spray patterns

• Inspect valves and irrigation zones

• Test controller and timer settings

• Identify leaks or pressure issues

👉[Click Here to Book Your Free December Irrigation Inspection]

Appointments are limited and fill quickly during the holidays. Contact us today to reserve your spot.