Sprinkler systems need to be winterized in the fall, which means they should be drained and turned off before the first deep freeze hits. And shortly after spring returns, sprinkler systems should be examined for damage and then turned on shortly after doing all the required maintenance or repairs.
But who is obligated to do these repair and maintenance tasks? That is contingent on what terms are included in your lease. A lot of landlords think that having tenants be responsible for routine sprinkler system maintenance and turning them on or off every single season is the recommended policy. Others, however, would feel better having an expert oversee the process. The risk is too high since a broken sprinkler pipe can cause extensive property damage quickly, and a non-performing system would make it next to impossible for the renter to maintain a healthy lawn or landscape features.
Though some tenants may be skilled enough to handle basic sprinkler system maintenance and even a small number of repairs, you’re still running a risk if you permit them to do it. If your renters forget, even just one time, to winterize the system, you may soon be looking at a flooded mess. Or, if their skills aren’t good enough to fix a broken pipe or sprinkler head, they may leave lawns or trees to die.
If you’re not entertaining the thought of doing sprinkler system maintenance and repair yourself, your safest possible choice is to engage the services of a professional landscape company. In doing so, you can be guaranteed that the job gets completed properly and perfectly every year. Regrettably, not all landscape companies offer high-class service and you will notice that the costs can sneak up on you and add up quickly.
At Real Property Management Bozeman, we have trusted professionals and preferred vendors who are able to attend to sprinkler system maintenance and repair issues. We manage all the details. We coordinate with your tenants and the landscaping company, making schedules for sprinkler turn-on and off, maintenance, and any required repairs. Would you want to learn more about how we can help you? Feel free to contact us online or call us at 406-586-2226 for more information.