Common Sprinkler Problems and How to Diagnose Them
Sep 3rd 2024
A well-maintained sprinkler system is essential for a lush green lawn and a healthy garden. Hot summer is one of the prevalent times to encounter sprinkler system problems. Even the best sprinkler systems can occasionally experience issues such as clogged nozzles, broken heads, or poor water pressure, which need to be resolved immediately. Insufficient watering can quickly cause brown patches on your green lawn.
If you notice that your grass and plants are not looking as green and healthy as they used to be, then you might be experiencing the following sprinkler problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the common sprinkler problems, their causes, and how you can resolve them.
1. Clogged Sprinkler Heads
Sand, dirt, and other debris, such as small pebbles, can clog the sprinkler heads. One sign of a clogged nozzle is that the sprinkler head does not rise or release water. A clogged sprinkler head can reduce water flow and provide uneven coverage to your lawn or garden. It blocks water from coming out of all or a few parts of the nozzle, leading to brown spots in the lawn. Luckily, a clogged head is one of the simplest problems to fix.
How to fix: To fix this sprinkler problem, turn off the water supply and remove the nozzle and filter, rinse the filter under running water to remove debris, use a brush or toothpick to remove stubborn buildup, and reattach the nozzle back and test the system to ensure water flow.
2. Broken Spray Heads
If your sprinkler head does not pop up or only pops up to spray water everywhere, it means it is broken or damaged. A broken head can cause uneven watering, flooding, and water wastage. Broken sprinkler heads occur when a lawn mower or vehicle drives over them.
How to fix: You will need to replace the broken head with a new one. It is the only way to fix it. Turn off the water, screw off the damaged head from the riser, and screw on the new head that matches your sprinkler system. Turn the water on and test the system.
Read More: Which Sprinkler System Should You Use in Your Yard
3. Incorrect Head Height
Sprinkler heads can settle, sink, and tilt over time due to natural soil compaction, vehicles running over them, and foot traffic. A sprinkler head that sinks too low will apply too much water to areas closer to the head. On the other hand, a head that is too high will cause water to miss the proper areas and is also at risk from lawn care damage, such as mowing. This will lead to soggy areas, brown spots, and misting.
How to fix: Fixing an incorrect head height is simple but make sure not to hit and break the pipe. Use a shovel to dig soil around the sprinkler head, remove the grass, and clear the dirt around the head. Then, lift and straighten the head to correct its position and height. Pack the soil around it until it is level with the ground.
4. Leaking Pipes
This is the most difficult sprinkler system problem because the leaks are underground. Freezing temperatures cause broken or leaking pipes, wear and tear, or damage from tree roots. Since you can't see the damage at the surface, leaking pipes can lead to water wastage, high water bills, poor water pressure, and soggy areas in the lawn due to being unnoticed for a long period. One sign of a broken pipe is that the sprinklers don't pop up properly and don't emit water to the desired area. Also, if your yard has excessively wet areas, especially in a straight line between sprinkler heads, it could indicate a leaking pipe.
How to fix a leak: Locate the damaged pipe by looking for soggy or unusually green areas in your lawn. Turn off the water and dig around the leaking area to reveal the broken pipe. You may need to replace a damaged part of the pipe or fix a leak by patching the pipe with a repair coupling. Turn on the water supply and test the pipe for leaks before filling the hole again.
5. Malfunctioning Controller
A malfunctioning controller can cause multiple issues, such as underwatering, overwatering, or irregular watering schedules. Suppose you notice that your sprinkler system is not activating at times when it should be, is staying active for too long, or doesn't operate in automatic mode. In that case, there's a risk you have a faulty controller or electrical issue that should be fixed immediately. The controller or timer is the most crucial component of your sprinkler system. It can be programmed with specific day and times to water your yard.
How to fix: Inspect the power source and ensure the controller receives power. Check all the wiring of the controller. Reset the controller's settings and reprogram your watering schedule to resolve any issues. If the issue persists, consult the controller manufacturer or replace the controller.
Read More: All About Irrigation Controller or Water Timer
6. Improper Pressure
Poor water pressure is another serious sprinkler system problem that can cause poor lawn coverage and inefficient watering. This issue can result from blockage, broken pipes, malfunctioning valves, or a poorly designed system. High water pressure will result in water blowing away, and low water pressure keeps sprinkler heads from popping all the way.
How to fix: Install a pressure regulator to handle high pressure. Inspect your main water supply to ensure it is open. Consider reducing the number of sprinklers per zone. If your zones have low pressure, it could be due to blockages, faulty valves, or broken heads. Consult an irrigation professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
7. Broken Valve
The controller sends signals to your valves, instructing them when to open and close. If sprinklers in one irrigation zone don't pop up or remain on in another zone after watering, these are signs of broken valves. A broken valve can lead to two problems. It can block the water flow, so water will not reach the sprinkler heads. Additionally, the valve will not be able to open or close properly.
How to fix: You can replace or repair a broken valve based on the extent of the damage.
8. Pump Buzzing
Pump buzzing is another serious sprinkler system problem. You can identify this problem by a static-like buzzing sound from the pump. It is a sign of an issue with your sprinkler's relay. A pump start relay is a magnetic switch that activates the sprinkler system. If the relay's contact points rust, it becomes difficult to pull the high-voltage contacts, which will lead to a buzzing sound. This usually occurs in high-moisture climates.
How to fix: If your sprinkler system makes a buzzing noise during operation, you may need to replace a relay or contact a sprinkler system repair company to inspect and fix it.
The Bottom Line
Sprinklers are the primary reason your lawn stays healthy and lush all year. However, homeowners often miss the signs of a poorly performing or completely broken lawn sprinkler system. A clogged sprinkler head, broken pipe, buzzing pump, or broken valve are the issues you must resolve immediately. But don't worry, troubleshooting these sprinkler problems is easier than you think. Just follow the above tips and you'll be on your way to a healthy lawn and garden.
At DripWorks, we aim to help you keep your lawn and garden in the best condition possible. Explore our complete range of sprinklers and sprinkler tools. We provide high-quality lawn and garden sprinkler systems, including all types of sprinklers, controllers, valves, sprinkler pipe, sprinkler tools, and everything you need to install an efficient sprinkler system.