Feb 10, 2026 2:27:16 PM
Memphis summers can be brutal. The intense heat and high water demands for landscapes can make it tough to keep everything on your property looking its best. This is why a functioning irrigation system is so important.
But if you have an outdated or poorly functioning irrigation system, you might not be receiving the benefits that you need. Even worse, if you have a leak or other problem, you might be paying for wasted water.
If you’re wondering when to upgrade the irrigation system, we’re here to help. Sometimes an irrigation repair is enough to get things back on track. But in some cases, replacement is going to be your best option.
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Knowing when to replace or upgrade your irrigation system is important. Often, there are things that you can look for to recognize that you need to make a change. Here are four signs.
Irrigation technology has come a long way and if you are still using an older system, you might be experiencing irrigation system efficiency problems. In other words, you might be wasting a lot of water.
These days, the latest technology focuses on smart irrigation.
Smart irrigation systems are automatic watering systems that tailor their run times and watering schedules to real-life conditions (as opposed to just adhering to pre-set schedules).
With a smart irrigation controller, adjustments can be made that will enhance water efficiency and reduce costly water waste.
If you know that you have never upgraded to smart irrigation technology, now might be the time to make that change.
Does it seem like there is always something wrong with your system? Are you stuck in a never-ending cycle of repairs?
That might be a sign to replace your irrigation system. Often, the frequent need for repairs might be due to aging components, poor installation, neglected maintenance, or damage.
Repairs can be costly, and there might be a point where it makes more sense to replace your system than it does to keep paying for repairs (particularly in the long run). This might also mean that you reduce irrigation system efficiency problems and start saving money on your water bill.
Obviously, sometimes things just happen. But if there is a pattern of requiring repeated repairs, it may be a sign to replace your irrigation system.
Increased water bills due to irrigation issues is another sign it might be time to upgrade or replace your system.
Nothing is more frustrating than sending hard-earned dollars down the drain with wasted water. With our hot summers here in Memphis, properties can use a lot of water.
But you want to make sure that none of it is wasted due to problems with your irrigation system like breaks and leaks.
Aside from an unexplained spike in your water bill, some additional irrigation system leaking signs include:
Sometimes, an irrigation repair is all that is needed to fix a problem. But if you require repeated repairs (as discussed above), have a more serious problem, or have issues that could be avoided with a newer system, it might be time for a change!
Poor coverage or a design that has not evolved with your landscape could lead to brown spots and other major problems with your lawn and landscape.
It’s important that water coverage is even and that you don’t have areas that are over- or under-saturated. If there are spots in your lawn or landscape that are showing signs of struggle, you want to make sure that it’s not due to uneven watering.
One of the questions that we get a lot is whether it makes more sense to repair or replace a system. Obviously, a leak here or there can simply be repaired and doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your entire system.
There are a few important considerations as you determine whether you should repair or replace.
At the end of the day, an irrigation professional can help you to determine whether choosing to make repairs or to replace the system entirely makes the most sense. They can go through some of these considerations as they relate specifically to your situation and your property.
Regular irrigation system maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid problems and reduce costly repairs. That is, assuming that your irrigation system is not due for an upgrade. If your system is very outdated, was installed improperly, or has suffered significant damage, keeping up with routine maintenance likely isn’t going to make a difference.
But if you already have a newer system, keeping up with regular irrigation system maintenance can help prevent problems and keep your system in top-working order. It’s one of the best investments that you can make in keeping your system healthy and functional.
Often, early warning signs of irrigation repair can be subtle. But an irrigation pro is trained to spot these and fix them before they become full-blown irrigation repairs.
In addition, sometimes even small tweaks and adjustments can save you money and prevent irrigation system efficiency problems.
It’s also important to remember that a landscape is an evolving and living thing, so it changes over time. This can mean that sprinkler heads need to be readjusted or moved as your landscape grows. These types of assessments help ensure you’re continuing to protect your landscape investment with smart irrigation.
Most importantly, keeping up with routine maintenance can also help ensure that your system is ready to operate at peak efficiency when the hot Memphis summer rolls around.
While you obviously never want an irrigation system problem, these issues are the worst to deal with when the weather is the hottest and water is desperately needed by your property.
If you’re considering replacing your irrigation system, you might be in the market for an irrigation service. Here in the Memphis area, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing professional smart irrigation so it’s important to do your research.
There are lots of companies that install irrigation systems, but you want to make sure that you’re making a wise choice.
Getting the full benefits out of irrigation starts with proper installation. Since your property is unique, it’s important to work with a company that creates customized irrigation solutions.
You also want to choose a company that can offer irrigation system maintenance and repair. You want to work with an irrigation repair company that has extensive knowledge and training and can diagnose all possible problems, even across various brands.
At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, we are here to help. Each of our installations is professionally and locally tailored to achieve the highest water efficiency and results possible.
In addition to irrigation installation, we also offer inspections and repairs, winterization, spring start-up services, and emergency services.
When you have an irrigation emergency, you don’t have time to waste. Emergencies like leaks or burst pipes can cause serious damage to your Memphis, TN property if not addressed quickly. The first thing to do is shut off the main water supply to the system. Then, you need to get in touch with an emergency repair service that will respond quickly and get you the help you need!
At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, we are truly here for YOU. This will help you let go of your worries and feel confident that you are in good hands.
Are you ready to talk about a smart irrigation system for your Memphis home? Reach out to discuss your irrigation needs today.
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