INDUSTRY NEWS - AUGUST 2026
Hurricane Season Checklist: Protecting Irrigation Systems
With hurricane season running through November, now is the time to remind customers, and double-check your own job sites, on storm prep for irrigation systems. A few key steps go a long way toward preventing costly damage:
- Controllers: Recommend surge protectors, and encourage customers to unplug outdoor-mounted controllers before a storm if accessible
- Backflow preventers: Check that devices are securely mounted and not at risk from flying debris or falling branches.
- Wiring: Inspect exposed valve wiring for damage before storm season peaks; water intrusion is a top cause of post-storm system failures.
- Heads and valves: Flag any sprinkler heads sitting in low-lying areas prone to flooding, sediment and debris intrusion is common after heavy rain.
- Controllers: Recommend surge protectors, and encourage customers to unplug outdoor-mounted controllers before a storm if accessible
- Backflow preventers: Check that devices are securely mounted and not at risk from flying debris or falling branches.
- Wiring: Inspect exposed valve wiring for damage before storm season peaks; water intrusion is a top cause of post-storm system failures.
- Heads and valves: Flag any sprinkler heads sitting in low-lying areas prone to flooding, sediment and debris intrusion is common after heavy rain.
After a storm, a system check should look for electrical shorts, clogged heads, and valve box flooding before running a full cycle. Offering a post-hurricane inspection service is a great way to bring in extra business during recovery season while helping customers avoid bigger repair bills down the line.