July & August... "Overtime Months"

July & August: The Overtime Months for Your Irrigation System

We hope everyone had an amazing 4th of July and hopefully you celebrated your freedom with some close
family members and friend... This month's topic is all about how hard your system will work over the next two months and yes, for obvious reasons... July and August are the hottest months of the year in Bucks County!!

By now, your irrigation system has officially clocked in for overtime. July and August are the toughest months of the season—not just for your lawn, but for the system behind the scenes keeping it alive.

Longer days, higher temps, daily run cycles, constant sun exposure... These two months are when irrigation systems are pushed to their limits—and small issues can turn into major problems fast if left unchecked.

Here’s what you need to know to help your system survive the dog days of summer:

1. It’s Not Just Hot—It’s Hard Work

Your system is running more frequently and for longer periods than it was in May or June.
That means:

• Valves are cycling more often
• Pressure is staying higher, longer
• Sprinkler heads are getting more wear from mowing, foot traffic, and sun exposure
• Controllers and wiring are being tested daily

Even if everything seems to be running fine, this is when components start to show their age.

2. Mid-Season Warning
Signs to Watch For

These subtle symptoms usually show up in July and August—and they’re your system’s way of saying
“I need a little help here.”

• Heads that don’t fully pop up (or stay stuck)
• Zones that feel weaker or take longer to pressurize
• Random dry patches, even after a full cycle
• Wet areas or slow drainage around heads or valves
• Inconsistent spray patterns (could be clogs, pressure issues, or worn nozzles)

If you spot any of these—don’t wait. These are mid-season stress fractures that only get worse with time.

3. Give Your System a
Mid-Summer Tune-Up

You don’t need a full service call to stay ahead of wear and tear.
A quick walk-through and a few smart checks can make a big difference.

• Manually run each zone and watch it in action
• Clear any visible clogs or buildup on heads
• Trim grass or plant overgrowth that may block spray
• Check around valves and connections for slow leaks
• Make minor adjustments to spray patterns as needed
  
  

4. The Smarter the System,
the Less Guesswork

If your controller still runs on guesswork and static schedules, July and August are the months where that catches up to you. A smart controller or pressure-compensating heads can:

• Detect low flow or odd zone behavior
• Automatically adjust for weather shifts or longer evap times
• Help maintain consistent coverage without overworking the system

Not a full upgrade yet? Even adding a rain sensor or replacing older heads can give your system a second wind.

Bottom Line:

July and August are make-or-break months for your irrigation system. If it’s running well now—great!
But don’t assume it’ll coast through the heat without some attention. Take 15 minutes this week for a quick visual check. If something’s off, get ahead of it before it becomes a full-on repair call in the middle of a heatwave. Need help giving your system a mid-summer checkup?  CB Irrigation is here when you need us. Let’s keep your system running strong through the toughest stretch of the season!

Thanks for checking in and enjoy your July!

- CB Irrigation Inc.