When people buy a home, they worry about the big things first. Roof. HVAC. Plumbing. Electrical. Sprinklers rarely make the list. That oversight costs new homeowners more than they expect.
A sprinkler system hides most of its problems underground. Leaks stay invisible. Coverage issues look like grass problems. Water bills climb before anyone connects the dots.
This guide explains why sprinkler inspections matter, what they uncover, and when new homeowners should schedule one.
Quick Takeaways
- Many home inspections do not fully test sprinkler systems
- Hidden sprinkler issues can raise water bills fast
- New homeowners inherit unknown sprinkler problems
- Early inspection prevents costly repairs and lawn damage
- Sprinkler inspections identify leaks, pressure issues, and coverage problems
- Scheduling an inspection early protects your investment
Do Home Inspections Check Sprinkler Systems?
Most standard home inspections do not perform a full sprinkler system inspect and test. Inspectors may note visible damage or obvious leaks, but they rarely run every zone or evaluate water distribution. Controllers, backflow prevention devices, and check valve function often receive little attention.
This is not a failure of home inspections. It is a scope issue. A sprinkler inspection requires time, water flow testing, and zone-by-zone evaluation. New homeowners should not assume the irrigation system received the same scrutiny as indoor plumbing.
Why Sprinkler Problems Often Go Unnoticed in New Homes
Sprinkler systems fail quietly. Pipes run underground. Valves sit in buried boxes. Heads hide below turf.
Construction and landscaping work often damages lines without immediate signs. Prior owners may reduce watering schedules to mask leaks or uneven coverage.
Seasonal use delays discovery. Many buyers move in during cooler months. By the time irrigation runs regularly, damage has already spread.
What a Sprinkler Inspection Looks for That Home Inspections Miss
A professional sprinkler inspection focuses on performance, not just appearance. It evaluates how water moves through the irrigation system and where that movement breaks down.
Sprinkler Head Condition and Placement
Inspectors look for issues such as:
- Broken or damaged sprinkler heads
- Sunken heads blocked by soil or grass
- Clogged nozzles that distort spray patterns
- Water spraying structures, pavement, or fencing
Poor placement wastes water and weakens lawn coverage.
Water Pressure and Flow Issues
Pressure determines whether water reaches the soil or disappears into mist.
- High pressure creates fine spray that evaporates
- Low pressure shortens throw distance and weakens rotation
Pressure problems often require regulation, not adjustment.
Zone Coverage and Distribution
Coverage testing reveals:
- Dry spots next to overwatered areas
- Improper head spacing
- Mismatched heads within the same zone
Uneven water stresses turf and increases water bills.
Valves, Controllers, and Connections
Professional inspections also check:
- Leaking or stuck valves
- Controller programming errors
- Wiring and connection failures
- Check valve operation and backflow prevention function
These components control the entire system. Failure here affects every zone.
Why New Homeowners Are at Higher Risk Without an Inspection
New homeowners start with no baseline. They do not know what “normal” looks like for their system.
The first water bill arrives. The lawn struggles. Damage gets blamed on soil or grass type instead of irrigation failure.
Small leaks turn into major repairs. Head failures spread. Water waste compounds month after month.
When New Homeowners Should Schedule a Sprinkler Inspection
Timing matters.
The best windows include:
- Immediately after moving in
- Before the first full watering season
- After construction or landscaping changes
- When water bills spike without explanation
How a Sprinkler Inspection Saves New Homeowners Money
Sprinkler inspections pay for themselves by stopping losses early.
They help through:
- Early leak detection
- Reduced water waste
- Avoided lawn replacement
- Fewer emergency repairs
FAQ: Sprinkler Inspection for New Homeowners
Is a sprinkler inspection necessary for a new home?
Yes. Even new homes experience installation errors, pressure issues, and damaged sprinkler heads.
How long does a sprinkler inspection take?
Most inspections take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on system size.
How often should sprinkler systems be inspected?
Annual inspections work best, with additional checks after major changes.
Can sprinkler issues affect home value?
Yes. Poor irrigation reduces curb appeal and increases ongoing maintenance costs.
What happens if sprinkler problems go unchecked?
Damage spreads. Water bills rise. Repairs become more expensive over time.
When to Call Lawn Sense for a Sprinkler Inspection
Dallas lawns face heat, clay soil, and heavy water demand. These conditions punish poorly set systems fast. Professional inspections catch issues before they spiral.
Lawn Sense means no nonsense. If you are a new homeowner, we check and test your sprinkler system properly. This way, small problems won’t become costly surprises.