Florida Irrigation System Guide — Water Restrictions, Backflow & Repairs

FL Water Restrictions

SFWMD enforces year-round irrigation schedules across most of South Florida. Know your watering days.

📅 Year-Round SFWMD Watering Schedule

Who	Allowed Days	Hours
Even address	Thu & Sun	Before 10am or after 4pm
Odd address	Wed & Sat	Before 10am or after 4pm
Commercial	Tue & Fri	Before 10am or after 4pm
Max 1 hour per zone per watering day. Even/odd = last digit of street address number.

Dry season (Nov–May): Some areas restrict to 1 day/week. During drought Phase alerts, restrictions tighten further. Always check sfwmd.gov for your specific zone and any active alerts.

⚖️ FL Rain Sensor Law — FS 373.62

Every irrigation system connected to potable or reclaimed water MUST have a working rain sensor or soil moisture sensor that automatically bypasses the controller after adequate rainfall. This is state law — not optional.

Fine for non-compliance: up to $500. A broken or missing sensor can also cause water restriction violations if the system runs during rain events.

🔍 Does Your System Have a Rain Sensor?

✅ Yes

❌ No

❓ Don't Know

Good — you're compliant with FL law. Make sure it's functional: after heavy rain, your system should NOT run. If it still runs during or right after rain, the sensor may be faulty. Test it by holding a glass of water to the sensor disc to simulate rain — the zone should shut off within seconds.

Action required — FL law requires a rain sensor. We can install a wireless rain sensor for $75–$150. It also saves water and reduces your bill. Call us to schedule installation.

Look for a small white or gray disc mounted on your fascia, roof edge, or fence — usually near the controller. If you don't see one, or if your system runs during heavy rain, you likely don't have a working sensor. We can inspect and install one for $75–$150.

🚨 Received a Water Violation Notice?

1Check your watering days using the schedule above. Even/odd address and property type determine your days.
2Verify your rain sensor is functional — a broken sensor causes violations when the system runs during rain events.
3Review your controller schedule — check both start times AND days. Multiple start programs running add up.
4If you have newly planted sod or landscaping, apply for a 30-day temporary watering exemption at sfwmd.gov (daily watering allowed during establishment period).
5Respond to the notice in writing by the deadline. First violation is typically a warning with no fine.

Well water: SFWMD watering day restrictions still apply to private well irrigation — you're on the honor system, and drought emergency orders can restrict well-based irrigation. Chemical injection or fertigation from wells has additional FL DEP requirements.

🔧 Irrigation Compliance Help

Rain sensor installation, controller programming, backflow repair — we handle it all.

Name

Phone

What do you need?

ZIP Code

✅ Got it!

We'll be in touch shortly. For rain sensor installs, we often get same-day or next-day appointments. (561) 316-7450

Reclaimed Water & System Guide

Purple pipe explained — plus a complete guide to every irrigation system component.

🔍 Do You Have Reclaimed Water?

Purple-capped sprinkler heads at your irrigation zones
Purple pipes visible at the meter or backflow device
"DO NOT DRINK" signage on the connection
Separate "reuse" or "reclaim" billing line on your water bill

⚠️ Critical: No Cross-Connections Allowed
Florida law requires strict separation between reclaimed water and potable (drinking) water. The reclaimed supply CANNOT connect to indoor plumbing, hose bibs, or pool systems in any way. Violations result in utility shutoff, fines, and potential health liability. A licensed plumber must install and certify the separation.

🔌 Adding Reclaimed Water Requires a Plumber

Installing a reclaimed water connection requires a licensed plumber to:

Install the reclaimed water connection and meter
Ensure complete separation from all potable water lines
Repaint/replace all exposed pipes and fittings in purple
Pass a cross-connection inspection by the water utility
Pull required permit — inspected before use

🔩 Irrigation System Component Guide

⏰

Controller / Timer

Brain of your irrigation system

▼

What it does: Programs watering days, times, and zone durations. Controls all zone valves via low-voltage wiring.

FL requirement: Must support rain sensor bypass input (FS 373.62). Smart controllers that use ET (evapotranspiration) data can reduce water use 30–50% vs. fixed timers.

Recommended: Rachio, Hunter Hydrawise, Rain Bird — all support local FL ET data and SFWMD schedule programming.

Common failures: Zone output fails (one zone never turns on from controller); programming lost after power outage; display failure.

Cost: Basic timer $50–$150 DIY install; Smart Wi-Fi controller $200–$400 + $75–$150 installation

🛡️

Backflow Preventer (PVB)

Required on all FL irrigation systems

▼

What it does: Prevents irrigation water (which contacts soil, fertilizer, and pesticides) from flowing back into the drinking water supply.

FL requirement: Required on ALL irrigation systems connected to potable water. Most FL utilities require annual testing by an ASSE 5000 certified tester — results submitted to the utility. Keep test records.

Common failure: Bonnet seal (top cap) cracks or weeps — common after cold snaps or years of UV exposure. FL's sun degrades the rubber seal faster than northern climates.

Important: Backflow preventer work is plumbing — not irrigation tech work. Must be done by a licensed FL plumber.

Repair cost: Seal replacement $75–$200 | Full replacement (installed): $200–$600

🔌

Zone Valves (Solenoid Valves)

Opens each irrigation zone on command

▼

What it does: Electrically operated valves that open when the controller sends a signal (24V AC), allowing water to flow through that zone.

Common failures: Solenoid burns out (zone stays off); diaphragm tears from debris or age (zone stays on or pressure loss); manual bleed screw left open accidentally.

DIY check: Turn the manual bleed screw on the valve 1/4 turn — if the zone comes on, the solenoid or wiring is the problem. If not, the diaphragm may be torn or clogged with debris.

FL note: Hard water and sand in the supply can clog valve seats — flush the system periodically.

Solenoid only (DIY): $15–$40 | Full valve replacement: $40–$100 DIY | Service call: $100–$300

🔵

Supply Pipe (Main & Lateral Lines)

PVC underground distribution network

▼

What it is: PVC or poly pipe running from the backflow preventer to zone valves (main line) and from valves to sprinkler heads (lateral lines). Typically buried 6–12 inches in FL's sandy soil.

FL failure modes: UV degradation of above-ground PVC; root intrusion (especially from Ficus, palms, and aggressive tropical species); soil movement in limestone areas; cuts during landscaping or construction.

Signs of leak: One zone always low pressure; soggy area that doesn't dry out; meter spinning with system off; unexplained water bill spike.

Detection: Underground leaks in FL's sandy soil can be difficult to locate — professional leak detection equipment ($200–$400) may be needed.

Break repair: $300–$1,200 depending on depth, access, and pipe size | Leak detection: $200–$400

💧

Sprinkler Heads

Pop-up rotors, sprays, and drip emitters

▼

Types:
• Pop-up rotors — rotating stream, 25–50 ft radius. Good for large turf areas.
• Pop-up sprays — fixed pattern, 5–15 ft radius. For smaller areas and beds.
• Drip emitters — slow-drip at root level. Best for shrubs, trees, and beds. Most water-efficient.

FL tip: Use matched precipitation rate (MPR) nozzles so all heads in a zone apply the same amount of water regardless of radius. Prevents dry spots and overwatering simultaneously.

Common issues: Head struck by mower; nozzle clogged with hard water scale; head not retracting (debris in retract spring); head tilted from soil movement.

Replacement head (DIY): $5–$30 | Irrigation tech visit: $100–$200 for multiple heads

🔧 Licensed Irrigation Plumbing Service

Backflow preventer repair and installation, supply line breaks, reclaimed water connections, and zone valve replacement — Palm Beach and Broward counties.

Name

Phone

Water Source

Issue Type

ZIP Code

✅ Request Submitted!

We'll follow up shortly. Backflow preventer repairs often scheduled same-week. (561) 316-7450

🌿 Florida Irrigation System Guide

📞 Get Expert Help

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