Regular watering is the key to a healthy, vibrant landscape, and the most convenient way to keep consistent is through an irrigation system. Having a good sprinkler system means you can keep a regular schedule for your lawn and your plants, even when you’re not there. While these systems remove a lot of hassle from the task, it’s not uncommon for them to develop problems.
Over time, irrigation systems may wear down or break, and often it comes with telltale signs, from inconsistent water pressure to visible damage. Having a damaged system can lead to your landscape not getting the water it needs or getting too much, and it can also result in repairs that are costly to fix. Spotting the signs early and understanding them can help you take action before the damage grows, and to keep your landscape thriving. Here are a few common signs:
1. Higher Water Bills
Spotting a high utility bill can be alarming, and when you see an unusually high charge, it’s important to investigate. If you’re noticing a spike in your water bills, it could be a sign that your sprinkler system has a problem. You may have a leak in your system, or the system’s design might be using an excessive amount of water, and this can cost you more money than expected each month.
When this happens, it’s best for your yard to be checked for signs of a leak, such as soggy areas or dripping sprinkler heads, or for the system to be investigated. You may need a thorough inspection or a system upgrade to reduce water usage.
2. Uneven Watering
If parts of your lawn seem well watered and healthy while other spots are dry or even dying, your sprinkler system may not be evenly distributing water. This may be a sign of a malfunctioning sprinkler head or a blocked pipe.
A good way to address the problem is to have the sprinkler heads checked. A head may be stuck in position, or the nozzles could be clogged. These parts may need to be cleaned or replaced. If a pipe is blocked, it will have to be assessed and unclogged.
3. Sprinkler Heads Not Popping Up
When your sprinklers fail to pop up when you turn on the system, it can be a variety of issues. It could be a problem with the water pressure, a blockage in the sprinkler heads, or physical damage to the heads.
Low water pressure can keep the sprinklers from popping up, and any blockages can damage the heads and prevent them from working normally. A proper investigation can help to fix the pressure, but if that isn’t the issue, you may need to have the heads fixed or replaced.
4. Pooling Water
Finding soggy spots or puddles in your yard can be frustrating. It can drown your plants’ roots, cause mold or mildew to grow, and overall create a muddy mess. This can be a clear sign of a leak in your system or overwatering.
Be sure to check your system settings first off and see if it’s running too long or too frequently. If it isn’t, there may be a problem with the sprinkler heads or the pipes. Getting the leaks or damage professionally repaired can stop the water from pooling, and it will also prevent water waste.
5. Irregular Spray Patterns
If sprinkler heads are misaligned or shifted by ground movement, they might not spray properly. This can lead to water being wasted and your system not covering the entire area, which can prevent your yard from getting the coverage it needs.
To make sure your sprinklers are spraying evenly, they need to be inspected and possibly adjusted to ensure they’re properly aligned. There may be dirt or debris clogging the nozzles, too, which makes regular maintenance and cleaning important.
6. Fluctuations in Water Pressure
If your water pressure isn’t consistent, the amount of water your sprinklers distribute might start to fluctuate. This could mean your yard isn’t getting enough water, or the sprinklers are spraying water too forcefully. Either result can come from issues with your valves, pipe blockages, or your home’s water supply.
The best first step is to check the pressure settings on your sprinkler system and adjust if they’re too low or too high. If the settings are right, look for leaks or blockages in your system, or have your water pressure checked to see if there’s an internal issue. This could determine whether the problem is your irrigation system or your plumbing
7. Dry Patches Despite Regular Watering
It can be frustrating to have your irrigation system set up and to still find dry patches around your yard. If your sprinklers are on a set schedule, but you’re not getting enough water, there could be an issue with the sprinklers’ performance.
Your sprinkler heads might not be reaching the spots you want them to, or there could be an internal issue. Start by manually testing your sprinklers and seeing their coverage. If there are areas they aren’t reaching, have your sprinkler heads adjusted or inspected to ensure they’re in the right position and clear of any blockages.
When Do You Call a Professional?
While some irrigation issues are visible and easy to resolve, others often require more expertise to fix. Persistent issues like leaks, water pressure fluctuations, and poor coverage means it’s time to schedule a professional inspection. A specialist in irrigation will be able to assess the problem quickly and repair it, making sure your system goes back to running efficiently and providing what your landscape needs.
Tips to Prevent Irrigation Issues
Repairs can be costly and stressful when they come up. The best way to keep your irrigation maintenance cost effective is to get ahead of the issues and prevent them. Here are a few tips on how to do so:
- Schedule regular inspections: Plan for a professional inspection at least once a year to make sure your system is working well.
- Clean and adjust sprinkler heads: Dirt and debris can easily block your sprinkler nozzles, so be sure to clean and adjust them regularly.
- Inspect for leaks: Be on the lookout for soggy areas or pooling water, which could be a sign of leaks.
- Test your water pressure: Be sure that your sprinkler system is working at the proper pressure to avoid underwatering or overwatering.
Trustworthy Irrigation System Repair
Don’t let problems with your irrigation system stress you out! At Oasis Landscapes & Irrigation, our team offers the best irrigation system installation and maintenance services we can provide to keep your landscape looking its best. Whether you need your sprinklers inspected or you need a new system, our experts are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a service with us!
