Landscape & Irrigation Contractor
LandTeck Inc.
Beautiful Landscapes Start Here!
C-10 Lic#0079811
Call Us For A Free Estimate!
702-491-6607
Having an irrigation system is key for keeping a beautiful, healthy lawn. But if any piece of your sprinkler system is out of whack, it could cause major issues from flooding to underwatering. This could ruin the landscape that you worked so hard to grow!
But how do you know if you need just a sprinkler system repair or a replacement?
A sprinkler system is made up of numerous parts, including:
Timer
Controller system
Pipes and tubing
Valves
Sprinkler head
Backflow preventers
If any of these parts are broken or damaged, it could cause the entire system to fail. Just because your sprinkler system is not working correctly does not automatically mean that you need to fully remove and replace it.
Here are some signs that can help you determine whether a sprinkler system repair is needed – or if it is time for an upgraded replacement.
Common Sprinkler System Repair Issues
Sunken Head
One of the most common sprinkler system problems is a low or sunken head. The sprinkler head may start to sink into the soft ground or can get tilted from being stepped on or hit by a lawnmower. This will cause the sprinkler to spray water at odd angles or become blocked.
Control Valves
Another common sprinkler system repair issue is leaky control valves. This could cause water to leak out from the sprinkler heads constantly, even when the system is supposed to be turned off. It may also decrease the water pressure of the entire irrigation system.
Clogs
If you notice any water pressure changes or changes in the spray pattern of your irrigation system, this could be caused by a clogged sprinkler head or blockage within the pipes. Sometimes, mud or grass clumps block the water flow, causing the entire sprinkler system to act up. Thankfully, this is usually a quick and easy fix.
Common Problems That Require Sprinkler System Replacement
There are several warning signs that could point to issues requiring a full irrigation system replacement.
Utility Spike
First, if there are any unexpected increases in your water bill, it may be caused by efficiency issues with your system. The average sprinkler system uses about 12,000 gallons of water per month if it runs 3 times a week. If this usage suddenly increases, this is a warning sign that something is wrong with the irrigation system.
Recurring Issues
Second, if you are requiring frequent repairs to your sprinklers beyond just routine maintenance or part repairs, then it may be time to replace your system. The piping may not be installed correctly or changes to your landscape could have affected the layout. For instance, tree roots could grow and block or shift underground pipes, causing problems with the sprinkler system.
Poor Coverage
Finally, uneven coverage to your lawn can be a sign you may need a sprinkler system upgrade. If you notice that some spots are dry while others are getting ample water, the layout of your system needs to be re-evaluated.
How Old Is Your Sprinkler System?
Generally, a sprinkler system should last for 10 to 15 years if it is properly maintained. Top-quality irrigation systems can even last for 15-20 years without needing replacements. So, if your sprinkler system was installed just a few years ago, it likely just needs repairs. Contact the installer if you are running into any major problems or repeated issues. In some cases, these parts may be covered under the warranty. If your system is nearing 15 or 20 years old, it could be time for a replacement and an upgrade. Newer sprinkler systems are designed to optimize water usage to lower consumption and costs. Additionally, newer sprinkler systems come with some pretty useful features, such as timers and even smart irrigation system controls.
7 Signs You Need a Sprinkler System Repair
Here are seven warning signs to watch out for:
1. Uneven Watering
Irrigation systems are designed to distribute water across your yard evenly. So, if you notice that some areas of your lawn are consistently getting more water than others, you may have a faulty system that needs fixing. For instance, if one area is always soggy while another is bone dry, that’s a clear sign that something is wrong. Uneven watering can cause water waste, uneven growth, and dry grass patches. Signs of uneven watering often indicate an issue with the valves, clogged sprinkler heads, or broken pipes. If the problem results from a clog, you can usually clear it yourself by removing the sprinkler head and carefully clearing out the debris. However, if the problem is a broken pipe or faulty valve, you’ll likely need to call in a professional to make the necessary irrigation system repair.
2. Change in Water Pressure
A sudden change in water pressure is another common sign that your irrigation system isn’t working as it should. The system won’t distribute water evenly if the pressure is too low. Conversely, the irrigation system may start leaking or even burst if it’s too high. Check your control valves and regulators to see if they’re the source of the pressure change. If they are, you may be able to fix the problem by adjusting the settings or cleaning the valves.
However, if these areas seem to be working fine, you likely have an issue with the irrigation pipe. These pipes can fall out of place or become clogged over time, affecting the water pressure. If you’re experiencing a sudden change in water pressure, it’s best to call in a professional. Fixing it yourself could make the situation worse.
3. Faulty Control Valves
The valve is responsible for turning the water supply on and off to the different zones of your irrigation system. If one of the valves isn’t working correctly, it can cause water to flow constantly or not at all. This can lead to overwatering or underwatering, depending on which zones are affected. Faulty valves are often caused by corrosion or a build-up of minerals. Sometimes, it only takes a good cleaning to get them working properly again. If that isn’t fixing the problem, then you’ll need to have a professional irrigation system repair company diagnose the issue. It could be that the valve needs to be replaced altogether.
4. Sputtering Sprinkler Heads
If you notice that your sprinkler heads are sputtering, it’s a good idea to check them for clogs. When you fail to maintain your irrigation system regularly, debris can easily get caught in the heads and prevent water from flowing out correctly.
You can usually clear a clog by simply removing the sprinkler head and cleaning it out. Yet, if the problem persists, you may have an issue with the pipe or valve. Pinpointing the sputtering source is crucial to preventing more significant issues down the line.
5. Drips or Leaks
Water dripping from a sprinkler head is never a good sign. It either means that the system is over-watering or there is a leak in the piping. Either way, this leads to significant waste. According to the EPA, an irrigation system that isn’t well maintained can waste up to 25,000 gallons of water annually. If you’re seeing drips coming from your sprinklers, take a closer look at the surrounding area. See if you can locate the source of the leak. It’s often easy to fix a leaky pipe or valve by tightening screws or replacing a washer. If the problem is more serious, you may need to call a professional. A leak can do severe damage to your yard and surrounding property.
6. Expensive Water Bills
Sudden spikes in your monthly water bills can signify that something is wrong with your irrigation system. This is especially true if you don’t recall using more water than usual. In this case, there’s a good chance that you have a leak somewhere in your irrigation system. It’s important to note that not all leaks are visible. For example, there may be a leak in the pipe leading to your irrigation system, causing water to flow even when the sprinklers aren’t turned on.
If you’re experiencing unexplained spikes in your water bill, it’s best to call in an irrigation system repair professional. They will help you locate and fix the issue.
7. Soil Erosion
Finally, if you’re seeing patches of soil erosion around your property, it might mean your irrigation system isn’t working properly. When the sprinklers are on, they’re supposed to distribute water evenly across your yard. This helps prevent water from pooling in certain areas and washing away the topsoil. If you’re seeing signs of soil erosion, it’s a good idea to have your irrigation system inspected. Chances are, one or more of the components is no longer working as it should. By addressing the issue early on, you can prevent further damage to your property.
Have You Kept up With Routine Maintenance for Your Sprinkler System?
Keeping up with routine maintenance requirements can extend the life of your sprinkler system considerably. It is highly recommended that you hire a service to winterize your irrigation system every year to protect sprinkler heads and pipes from freezing and bursting.
You should also have a routine cleaning and inspection every few years from a professional service. They will check for any damaged or worn-out parts. It is best to schedule this type of inspection before the spring or summer begins. This is to ensure that your sprinkler system is ready to go.
If you have not had your irrigation system routinely inspected, cleaned, or winterized, schedule this right away. This can help to catch any small issues with your sprinklers before they become major ones – and it could help you avoid a full sprinkler system replacement.