The Waterline · July 2026 archive
Check the coverage before adding more water.
A dry patch does not always mean the whole yard needs a longer watering cycle. Start by watching a zone run and checking where the water actually lands.
A simple observation checklist.
- Look for heads blocked by plants, buried below the lawn or spraying hard surfaces.
- Note water running off before the cycle ends.
- Check for a wet patch that remains between watering days.
- Review the controller schedule against current local watering restrictions.
Measure before changing the schedule.
Identical straight-sided containers placed around a zone can help reveal uneven coverage. Comparing collected depths is more useful than assuming each part of the lawn receives the same water.
Our watering calculator provides an estimate based on your inputs. Adjust it to actual conditions and the current rules from your water provider.
When to request help.
A zone that will not run, a valve that stays open or a recurring wet spot deserves a diagnostic check. Waterline offers free sprinkler diagnostics, with repair work quoted separately.
For storm-related pooling, compare French drains and surface drainage. Our patio project photos show one example of surface collection and restoration.