A well-tuned sprinkler system is a must for any homeowner in Orlando, Florida. Warm-season grasses in hot areas with sandy soils need adequate water at the proper time to remain healthy. Unfortunately, sprinkler systems can be as helpful as they can harmful to the lawn. Keep in mind the following tips to ensure that your sprinklers are well-adjusted and working.

- Twice a year, thoroughly test and clean out the sprinklers. A sprinkler system has many places where things can go wrong. Dirt and debris can get stuck in the system. Valves can leak. A rodent can chew through a drip tube. In order to not lose money, waste water and kill plants, a twice a year check will keep your system running.

- Test the water coverage two or three times a year. The sprinkler system is only as good as its calibration. To test the watering patterns, place five straight sided containers around the lawn and turn on the sprinklers for a set amount of time. Immediately after turning off the sprinkler, measure the amount of water in each container. If it is different, you will need to re-calibrate and adjust the irrigation heads.

- Put your system on a timer that corresponds to the time of year. You can always manually turn on the system; however, it will save you time and money to put your system on a timer. That way, you are less likely to leave and forget to turn off the sprinklers.

- Replace the timer battery twice a year. Setting the sprinkler timer can be a labor-intensive process. If the power fails, the backup battery will ensure that you do not lose all of your settings.

- Hire a professional irrigation (sprinkler) contractor to check and maintain your system. A sprinkler system is a complex network of pipes, valves, screens, timers and more. If you are not great at plumbing, electrical work and general handiness, hiring a contractor will save you headaches and potential geysers in the middle of your lawn.

- Set you sprinkler system to water your lawn and your flowers differently. Grass plants and flower plants are two different types of plants, and usually do not need the same amount of water. Install different heads for each type of planting area to keep both at maximum health.

- When you notice a part of your sprinkler system is not working, fix it or call for help immediately. This will 1) save you money and 2) potentially save you flooding problems related to your house. A broken water main on a sprinkler system is not something to mess with.

The key to stress-free sprinkler maintenance is maintenance! A sprinkler will help your lawn and garden looking healthy and vibrant. To avoid sprinkler pitfalls, keep your system well maintained and calibrated. And, just in case, keep a good irrigation expert in mind for repairs.