Rain Season Ready
UC guidance for California often means shutting irrigation during the rainy season (commonly Nov–Mar), testing valves, and protecting hose-end timers — not freeze-climate compressor blowouts.
Materials Required
- Controller access / app
- Rain shutoff sensor (retrofit if missing)
- Filter wrench / spare screens for drip
- Tool oil, sharpening stone, dry storage
Step by Step
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Cut or pause irrigation for rains
Turn controllers off or sharply reduce runtimes when storms arrive. Manually test each valve before you walk away for weeks.
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Install or test a rain shutoff
A rain sensor stops scheduled runs after rainfall on most systems.
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Service drip filters and ends
Clean filters, flush line ends, and map zones so spring repairs are faster.
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Store hose-bib timers indoors
Remove batteries from hose-end timers and keep them dry between seasons.
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Clean and oil tools
Brush soil off, sharpen blades, oil pivots, and hang in a dry spot. Sandy coastal air still corrodes.
San Diego Tips
- Even in winter, new plantings and some natives may need occasional water in dry spells — check soil a few inches down.
- Full pipe blow-outs are mainly for freeze climates; coastal San Diego focus is off + rain sensor + tool care.
Want help getting this done right? Gardens of Gold designs and installs water-smart landscapes across San Diego County. Get a quote.