Sprinkler Troubleshooting: Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Repair

A well-installed sprinkler system is essential for maintaining a lush, healthy lawn and garden. Nothing is more important than the home's sprinkler system in hot summers. Sprinklers can develop problems over time that affect their performance. Ignoring these problems can result in water wastage, rising water bills, uneven watering, and damage to your yard. Therefore, every homeowner should identify the early signs of trouble to save time, water, and money in the long run. Regularly checking your lawn sprinkler system can help prevent significant damage and address issues.

This article will discuss eight common signs indicating that your lawn sprinkler system is faulty and needs repair.

1. Uneven Watering

Uneven lawn watering is a clear sign that your sprinkler system needs to be repaired. This means that some areas of your landscape are getting more water than others. A high-quality irrigation system is meant to irrigate your lawn evenly. If this does not happen, your system will likely not work as it was designed to. It could be due to broken sprinkler heads, clogged nozzles, or faulty valves. Look for dry patches or flooded spots on your lawn and soaked driveways or sidewalks.

2. Low or High-Water Pressure

Fluctuations in water pressure are another sign of a malfunctioning sprinkler system. If you're having problems with your sprinkler pressure, the system may require repair. Low water pressure cannot deliver the right amount of water to your lawn. Extra high-water pressure can damage your sprinkler system prematurely. Water pressure problems can deliver inconsistent water coverage and lead to water wastage. If sprinkler heads provide weak spray, it shows low pressure. This could be due to leaks in the system, faulty valves, or sediment buildup in lines. On the other hand, if the sprinklers are misting instead of spraying a constant flow, it is a sign of high-water pressure.

Balancing water pressure involves adjusting pressure regulators, checking for obstacles, and ensuring the main water line is working correctly. Stable and optimal water pressure provides even watering and increases the lifespan of sprinkler components.

3. High Water Bills

An unusual increase in your water bills is an indicator of issues with your sprinkler system. Leaks, damaged sprinkler heads, and poor water pressure can cause extra water use. As the irrigation system ages, it will start using more water for irrigation, which will result in a high-water bill. Before considering the sprinkler system, check your household appliances to ensure the problem is not coming from the house. Inspect your sprinklers and tubing after confirming the issue is not from inside.

If your sprinklers are leaking, it is a sign that your system components need repair or replacement. Water leaks show that the pipe or sprinkler head is cracked. Find the source of the leak to prevent overwatering, water wastage, and high-water bills.

4. Unusual Sounds During Operation

A well-designed and efficient sprinkler system should run quietly and smoothly. If you hear any hissing, whistling, banging, or gurgling noises coming from an irrigation system, it shows mechanical problems in your system that need to be fixed. Unusual sounds may stem from air trapped in pipes, faulty components, or high-water pressure. These issues need prompt action to avoid further damage. Identifying and fixing the noise source ensures smoother operation.

5. Irregular Spray Patterns

Inconsistent sprinkler spray patterns can leave some areas of your lawn wet and others dry. Having a regular spray pattern is crucial for efficient watering. The inconsistency can be due to clogged nozzles, pressure problems, broken heads, or misaligned sprinkler heads. You can adjust the spray pattern and ensure proper sprinkler alignment, so they only reach the desired areas and provide even watering. Some signs of irregular spray patterns include overly wet areas, dry spots, clogs in nozzles, and uneven grass growth.

6. Brown or Patchy Grass

Another common sign indicating your sprinkler system needs repairs is brown or yellow spots on your lawn. Brown patchy spots on specific portions of your lawn show that your sprinkler system is not providing enough water despite regular watering. Brown spots indicate a dry and un-watered lawn, while yellow spots indicate an overwatered lawn. The reason can be leaking pipes, sprinkler coverage, faulty sprinkler heads, clogged nozzles, or leaking valves.

7. Inconsistent Watering Schedule

Notable changes in your sprinkler system's watering schedule, such as irregular timing or watering duration, indicate programming issues, electrical issues, or faulty wiring in the controller. A sprinkler system is divided into multiple zones to provide targeted watering to each zone. When any zone fails to activate, some of your lawn areas may remain dry and underwatered, leading to an unhealthy yard. Non-activating zones can result from electrical issues, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning control valves.

8. Visible Signs of Damage

Another crucial thing to look for when troubleshooting sprinkler system issues is visible signs of damage. Broken or missing sprinklers, exposed wires, cracked pipes, damaged valves, or faulty timers indicate physical damage to your system. Ignoring visual damage signs can cause bigger issues in the future.

Expert Tips for Sprinkler System Repair and Prevent Damage

To help prevent severe damage to your sprinkler system, here are some expert tips to help you with sprinkler repair and keep your system running smoothly.

• Clean sprinkler heads once a year or when needed. Clogged sprinklers can cause water delivery and pressure issues.
• Remove sand, dirt, and debris buildup around nozzles and valves to keep water flowing smoothly. If debris buildup is left unchecked, it can damage pipes and heads.
• Regularly inspect your system for wear and tear and address issues early on.
• Install a modern sprinkler system with smart controllers for optimal water usage and conservation.
• During installation, check water distribution to ensure the water reaches desired areas evenly and provides proper coverage.
• Properly winterize the system before the cold temperatures to protect your system from freezing temperatures.

The Bottom Line

Your sprinkler system should be working properly as summer is in full swing. Regular inspection and maintenance are key to keeping your irrigation system in optimal condition for many years. Irrigation experts recommend checking the sprinkler system monthly and performing seasonal checks. This will help you identify potential problems before they become major, costly ones. Don't allow a malfunctioning irrigation system to ruin your lawn and home's exterior beauty. If you are experiencing any of these sprinkler problems, consider addressing them promptly or contact a sprinkler system professional for assistance.

By staying cautious and fixing the issues promptly, you can keep your system in top shape and enjoy a beautiful landscape all year. If you practice good sprinkler care and these signs continue to appear, it may be time to upgrade your sprinkler system. At DripWorks, we provide high-quality and affordable sprinkler systems from top brands like K-Rain, Rain Bird, Toro, Aqualine, and Hydro Rain Blue Lock. We carry all sprinklers, controllers, valves, pipes, and all products used in a sprinkler system. Visit the website to buy the best quality sprinkler system at an affordable price.