Top Sprinkler System Issues and Solutions

The sprinkler system ensures your plants get the water they require to thrive. A properly functioning sprinkler system is essential to achieving a picturesque lawn and garden. However, like any irrigation system, even a high-quality sprinkler system can run into issues over time and need attention. These issues range from low-pressure and leaky pipes to clogged sprinklers and design issues. Whatever your problem, you must fix it immediately to avoid costly repairs.

In this sprinklers guide, our experts share the most common sprinkler issues homeowners can face and provide solutions to keep their systems running smoothly and their landscapes healthy.

1. Broken Sprinkler Heads

Broken or damaged sprinkler heads are among the most frequent problems that many homeowners encounter with their sprinkler systems. Wear and tear, physical damage from foot traffic or lawnmowers, and harsh environmental conditions like freezing weather can all cause this problem.

Broken sprinklers can lead to water wastage, uneven watering, and landscape damage. When sprinkler heads are broken, they don't spray water in all directions of your lawn. They may spray in areas they shouldn't, such as the side of your house, driveway, or sidewalks.

Solution

First, evaluate the damage and determine whether repair or replacement is needed to fix broken sprinkler heads. For minor repairs, clean and replace damaged parts as necessary. If the sprinkler is completely broken and needs a new sprinkler head, turn off the system and replace the damaged sprinkler head with a new one. Make sure to get the sprinkler head that meets the requirements of your current sprinkler system to ensure peak performance. After replacement, test the system for even coverage.

2. Clogged Nozzles

Clogged nozzles and filters are another top problem in sprinkler systems. This issue is caused by debris buildup or intake due to hard water. In some situations, nozzles and filters get clogged after pipe repairs. Dirt, sand, and grass clippings can enter the system and block the water flow. If all sprinklers in your zone are working properly but the last one or two are merely dribbling water, the reason could be a blocked filter or dirt in the pipe.

Clogged nozzles can reduce your sprinkler system's performance, leading to inconsistent watering, dry spots in the lawn, and inefficient water distribution. Moreover, dirt buildup in the pipes can block water movements, increasing pressure in pipes and harming the system.

Solution

Inspect the system to locate blocked and affected nozzles. To resolve this issue, remove the clogged nozzle's head and clean the filter under running water. Use a wire or small brush to remove stubborn debris. Then, run a system for a few seconds without a nozzle. This flushes any leftover debris from the pipe. Reinstall the nozzle and test the system for optimal water flow.

3. Sprinkler System Design Issue

One of the top sprinkler system issues is an improperly designed sprinkler system. Poor system design can reduce water usage efficiency and damage your landscaping. Design flaws usually include overlapping coverage, insufficient head-to-head spacing, or misplaced sprinklers that water sidewalks or structures rather than targeted areas.

The most common design flaw is a lack of head-to-head design, which causes dry spots, overwatering, or underwatering in specific areas. It is a misconception that if water from a single sprinkler reaches a specific area, then the entire area is being watered. However, the area covered by a single sprinkler is not watered uniformly. All these design errors lead to wasted water, higher utility costs, and potentially harmful environmental consequences.

Solution

To address design issues, thoroughly inspect your sprinkler system to discover any inefficiencies. For head-to-head design, install a second sprinkler at the outside radius of the first to provide even precipitation across an area. If you're watering shrubs against a wall, use sprinklers that cover double the distance.

We recommend hiring professional landscapers to help you with this. The technicians will check your system and make the necessary changes or redesign the system layout to boost its performance and promote water saving. DripWorks provides landscapers with an environmentally friendly, efficient, and effective sprinkler system that meets all their landscaping requirements.

4. Zone and Valve Issues

Sprinkler systems are divided into zones, allowing you to adjust irrigation based on the precise watering requirements of different landscape areas. Each zone should turn on and off properly to ensure that every part of your lawn receives the right amount of water. Problems occur when a zone fails to activate properly due to a faulty valve.

Valve malfunctions can occur due to dirt, debris, or age-related wear. Failure to fix valve issues can result in inconsistent watering, loss of plant life, and wasted water. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your sprinkler's zones.

Solution

If any zone in your sprinkler system is not working, it could be due to a leak in the system, a defective valve, or an animal could have chewed the pipe. Inspect the system valves to check if any debris or damage is causing the issue. Clean the valve, tighten loose fittings, and if the problem persists, replace broken parts or install a new valve assembly. Inspect your valves regularly for signs of wear and damage. Also, maintain zone functionality and valves on a regular basis to ensure the system works consistently.

Related Post: Common Sprinkler Problems and How to Diagnose Them

5. Pipes Crimped by Tree Roots

One of the most common sprinkler system issues in yards is pipe crimping caused by invasive tree roots. This occurs due to improperly trenched pipes, but most of the time, it happens because the used pipes and fittings are too weak to withstand the pressures of a tree's root system.

Leaks and cracks in pipes due to crimping can cause poor water flow, low pressure, and ineffective irrigation. If one side of your yard sprinklers is working properly and the other half is slightly dripping water, then this could be the issue. Troubleshooting this problem is simple if you can access the pipe on both sides of the tree.

Solution

Repairing a crimped or damaged pipe is simple. Dig down to locate the affected pipe, then cut and replace the damaged part. For new installations, use high-quality, high-density pipes and fittings to alleviate these issues.

These materials provide a durable and long-lasting irrigation solution, maintaining your system's effectiveness.

6. Overwatering Lawn

Overwatering is another common problem homeowners experience on their lawns. This can occur due to poor sprinkler system design, timer malfunctions, or incorrect scheduling. Overwatering can cause many difficulties for landscapers, such as wasting water and increasing utility costs. In addition, it can result in shallow root growth, poor drought tolerance, and increased plant vulnerability to fungal disease and pests.

Solution

To avoid overwatering your yard, first identify the root cause and implement the right solution. These solutions range from adjusting timer settings according to season and reducing watering frequency to installing rain sensors or redesigning the system layout for higher efficiency. Avoid overwatering to keep your landscape healthy and conserve water resources. To prevent this, determine the amount of water your plants require each week and schedule your watering accordingly.

Also Read:Which Sprinkler System Should You Use in Your Yard

The Bottom Line

Don't let problematic sprinkler systems prevent you from creating the beautiful and sustainable landscape of your dreams. Regular maintenance and inspection are key to avoiding these issues. Address the problems as soon as you find them to ensure optimal system performance and enjoy a thriving lawn.

Looking for a trusted irrigation brand that carries high-quality sprinkler system components? Contact DripWorks. We carry all types of sprinklers, pipes, valves, and sprinkler tools for residential and commercial settings. Explore our quality irrigation products from top brands like RainBird, Hunter, K-Rain and take a step towards a water-efficient, greener landscape