Irrigation System Repair: How to Tell If Something’s Wrong

Irrigation systems may seem like a pretty complex concept but the truth is, it’s actually pretty easy to understand. Consisting of valves, pipes, and sprinkler heads, the irrigation system basically works by obtaining water underground and distributing it to the lawn or landscape. While a well-maintained irrigation system may last for years, you might experience some mishaps from time to time. Here’s a list of what could go wrong with your irrigation system after the sprinkler installation.

There are leaks at the sprinkler heads.

One of the most common problems that you’ll encounter is a leak on the sprinkler head, either individually or collectively. A leaking problem leads to water inefficiency and costly monthly water bills so as soon you notice a few leaks here and there, get some irrigation system repair services immediately. Among the causes of sprinkler head leaks include damaged zone valves, wrongly-installed valves, and damaged or dirty sprinkler heads.

There are leaks coming from the zone valves.

Aside from the sprinkler heads, you might also notice leaks that are caused by damaged zone valves. With continued use, some screws on the system become loose causing the valves to become wobbly in the process. A little tightening might do the trick. A damaged diaphragm may also cause some leaking but you can solve this issue by rebuilding it with a new diaphragm. However, if the valve is already broken, a replacement is your only answer.

The sprinkler zones are not working.

A sprinkler zone that isn’t turning on is oftentimes caused by faulty electrical signals. It may also result from a defective valve. If only a single sprinkler zone is acting up, a simple diaphragm cleaning may do the trick, but if the problem already involved multiple zones, it may be a result of a faulty transformer. Depending on the assessment of the issue, you might need to have the transformer replaced.

The water pressure is low.

The sprinkler heads are not popping up and sometimes, it just coughs up water. This might be caused by a relatively low water pressure. Low water pressure may be caused by a malfunctioning backflow device or a leak on the irrigation lines. If you can’t seem to find some leaks, have your irrigation line inspected by a technician. The line may have been restricted or compressed by objects like roots or branches.

The sprinkler heads are not working.

Another common irrigation system problem is a malfunctioning sprinkler head. It’s actually easy to spot a sprinkler that isn’t working. If the sprinkler head doesn’t pop up or there’s noticeable damage on the plastic case, the tendency is for water to spray uncontrollably or none at all. You can replace the sprinkler head or clean out the debris to resolve it.

When the irrigation system doesn’t seem to be in tip top shape, it’s pretty easy to determine the issues. The key here is to create a maintenance schedule so you’ll know when to have the parts cleaned or replaced. Be in the lookout even for the littlest of leaks so you can avoid the consequences. After all, prevention is always better than cure.