The Purple Cow

What To Expect From Our Purple Cow Service

A sprinkler system can be running on schedule and still miss the mark. Dry corners, soggy strips, overspray on sidewalks, and inconsistent pressure are usually signs the system isn’t tuned to your property’s real conditions. The Purple Cow is our most comprehensive irrigation inspection and optimization. It’s designed for homeowners who want premium performance, efficient water use, and confidence that every zone is doing what it’s supposed to do.

Who This Service Is For

  • Homeowners who want a consistently sharp lawn and landscape all season
  • Properties with new landscaping, changes to beds/turf, or recent irrigation work
  • Anyone noticing dry spots, runoff, pooling, misting/fogging, or uneven coverage
  • Homeowners who want documentation and clear recommendations—not guesswork

What You Get

  • A step-by-step inspection and performance test of your entire irrigation system
  • Photos and documentation of key components and any issues found
  • Coverage and efficiency observations to reduce water waste and improve results
  • A clear summary of what’s working, what needs attention, and what upgrades make sense

Below is what’s included in The Purple Cow service. This is the process our technicians follow to evaluate your irrigation system, verify proper operation, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reliability.

What’s Included In The Purple Cow: 151 Points of Premium Irrigation Care

Click through the sections below to see what we inspect, test, and fine-tune across your system.

 

  • Review customer notes / previous service history.
  • Confirm current date/weather, Note weather conditions spring, summer, fall… and recent rainfall.
  • Confirm system type (e.g., Hunter, Rain Bird, Toro).
  • Verify and Tag water source location. And photograph.
  • Check local watering restrictions / regulations.
  • Visual on backflow – anchored / level – take photos
  • Photograph system components / issues (before/after).
  • Inspect property for visible hazards (e.g., digging damage, animal burrows near lines).
  • Confirm main shut-off valve location and operation. Ball/Gate
  • Check for visible hazards
  • Document zone count
  • Time each zone run.
  • Observe pressure fluctuations.
  • Check for water hammer/noise.
  • Verify even distribution per zone.
  • Note any weak/low-pressure zones.
  • Test flow rate if meter present.
  • Check exposed pipe for cracks/leaks.
  • Look for soggy areas indicating underground leaks.
  • Inspect fittings/connections.
  • Note any tree root intrusion risks.
  • Ensure all drain valves are closed.
  • Slowly open main water supply valve
  • Listen/watch for unusual noises (hammering, hissing) or immediate leaks.
  • If leak detected, shut off immediately and note location.
  • Check water meter for unexpected flow (indicates leak).
  • Test water source pressure at main. Static PSI and document.
  • Negative Drop test at Backflow
  • Inspect main shut-off valve for leaks.
  • Exercise/turn the main shut-off valve.
  • Inspect backflow preventer (PVB, DCVA, or RP).
  • Check test cocks on backflow for leaks.
  • Verify backflow certification date.
  • Inspect for rusted or broken backflow parts.
  • Inspect for leaks on the main line. If drop occurred during test.
  • Inspect backflow preventer for leaks/cracks.
  • Check test cocks for damage.
  • Test operation of relief valve.
  • Clean strainer/screen in backflow.
  • Open/close isolation valves slowly.
  • Look for winter damage (cracks from freeze).
  • Test each valve port,
  • check RPZ/double-check components individually, flush debris.
  • Check controller power supply.
  • Test/replace backup battery (9V).
  • Review watering schedule (time/days/start times).
  • Verify seasonal adjustment settings.
  • Check for “rain delay” settings.
  • Inspect electrical wiring for corrosion.
  • Verify Wi-Fi connectivity (if smart controller).
  • Identify and fix any error codes.
  • Check that the cabinet is weatherproof and secure. Clean dust/debris from controller cabinet.
  • Verify power supply / outlet. Test volts at outlet. record
  • Test Volts per zone
  • Check date/time accuracy.
  • Review current program/schedule. Check each zone start time, duration, days
  • Power on controller; check for damage to cabinet/wiring.
  • Clean dust, cobwebs, insects from inside controller.
  • Review/erase old programs if needed.
  • Set to manual mode for testing.
  • Test manual operation for each zone.
  • Check rain/freeze sensor bypass if applicable.
  • Verify wiring connections (no corrosion/loose).
  • Note Colors of wires per zone
  • Update firmware if smart controller.
  • test sensor wiring continuity : Ohms per zone and record
  • inspect for error codes.
  • KPSI check per zone Check for water pressure drops when zones are running.
  • Locate all valve boxes.
  • Clean out mud, debris, snakes, and insects from boxes.
  • Check for valve box lids that are broken or missing.
  • Level settled valve boxes.
  • Inspect valve manifolds for leaks.
  • Check for weeping/leaking valves.
  • Test each zone valve for proper operation.
  • Inspect solenoids for damage or corrosion.
  • Test wire connections in the valve box (waterproof caps).
  • Check for broken wires with a tracer/toner.
  • Verify flow control settings on valves.
  • Check for proper solenoid voltage (using a multimeter).
  • Clean or replace dirty valve solenoids.
  • Check for slow closing/leaking diaphragms.
  • Check for buried valves.
  • Test each valve manually (bleed screw).
  • Inspect diaphragm for wear.
  • Clean filters/screens in valves.
  • Measure resistance on each solenoid.
  • Verify common wire integrity.
  • Document Approximate GPM per zone
  • Document head types
  • Check for clogged nozzles/screens.
  • Inspect for broken or cracked spray heads.
  • Inspect for new landscaping / obstacles.
  • Check for broken or non-rotating rotors.
  • Align heads that are spraying sidewalks/driveways.
  • Correct tilted heads.
  • Raise sunken heads (below grade).
  • Lower heads that are too high (hazard for mowers).
  • Check for proper head-to-head coverage.
  • Replace missing nozzles.
  • Tighten loose nozzles.
  • Check that pop-up heads fully retract.
  • Clean debris from around the spray heads.
  • Install check valves on slopes.
  • Adjust the arc (pattern) of rotors.
  • Check for missing or broken riser pipes.
  • Check for mixed head types on one zone.
  • Inspect for “fogging” (too much pressure).
  • Inspect for “bubbling” (low pressure or leaks).
  • Check for overwatering/underwatering spots.
  • Check for proper riser height (using swing pipe).
  • Inspect swing joints/funny pipe connections.
  • Clean out the internal filter screen.
  • Check for proper nozzle size (GPM) for the zone. Matched precipitation
  • Check for eroded dirt around heads.
  • Check for damaged lawn mower repairs.
  • Replace aged nozzles
  • Check for head obstruction (high grass/shrubs).
  • Check for cracked casing on rotors.
  • Verify proper nozzle trajectory angle. LA vs normal
  • Check for overspray onto windows/house.
  • Check for overspray onto fences/structures.
  • Inspect drip filter (clean/replace screen).
  • Check drip pressure regulator (usually 30 PSI).
  • Locate and clean clogged emitters.
  • Check for broken or cut drip lines.
  • Replace missing or broken emitters.
  • Check for flush cap at the end of the line.
  • Flush drip lines to remove sediment.
  • Check for correct spacing of emitters.
  • Look for leaking connections/fittings.
  • Check that plants are receiving adequate water.
  • Check for kinking in poly tubing.
  • Check for “spraying” emitters rather than “dripping”.
  • Check for water pooling on drip zones.
  • Verify zone run time is appropriate for drip (usually longer).
  • Test rain sensor for operation.
  • Test freeze sensor for operation.
  • Check for water running into the street/storm drains.
  • Look for dry, brown spots (under-watering).
  • Inspect for erosion/exposed pipes.
  • Check for proper slope/drainage in the landscape.
  • Verify that plants and turf are not in the same zone (hydrozoning).
  • Inspect for moss or algae (sign of overwatering).
  • Recommend “cycle and soak” for slopes.
  • Record all repairs/parts used in the report.
  • Provide a summary of needed future upgrades (e.g., smart controller, nozzle upgrades).
  • Check pressure regulator if installed.
  • Test soil moisture sensor if present.
  • Evaluate overall water usage efficiency.

Our Most Comprehensive Irrigation Program

The Purple Cow is our highest-tier irrigation program—

The Purple Cow is our most thorough irrigation program. It’s designed for homeowners who want a detailed, full-system approach to maintaining their irrigation system. During each visit, we work through the key components of the system—from the water source and backflow to controllers, valves, sprinkler heads, drip zones, and overall efficiency.

This program focuses on careful inspection, testing, and system performance. If you’re looking for the most complete evaluation and maintenance program we offer, The Purple Cow provides the highest level of coverage.

Call 402-312-8933 to schedule The Purple Cow service.

Request The Purple Cow Now

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