5 Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Immediate Repair

A small leak today can become a flooded yard tomorrow. Recognizing the early warning signs of irrigation failure can save you money and headaches.

Your irrigation system is the lifeline of your landscape, especially here in Arizona. But like any mechanical system, it wears down over time. Often, the system will give you subtle hints that something is wrong before a catastrophic failure occurs. Here are the top 5 signs you need to call a professional.

1. Unexplained High Water Bills

This is often the first sign of a hidden leak. If your water usage spikes without a change in your habits or the season, you likely have a leak underground. A stuck valve or a cracked main line can waste thousands of gallons a month without ever showing water on the surface.

If you suspect a hidden leak, our system troubleshooting service can pinpoint the issue quickly.

2. Sputtering Heads

Sprinkler heads should spray a consistent, even pattern. If they are "coughing" or sputtering, it usually means air is trapped in the lines or there is a pressure issue. This can be caused by a crack in the pipe or a faulty valve.

3. Low Water Pressure

If your sprinkler heads aren't popping up all the way, or the spray radius has significantly decreased, you have a pressure problem. This could be due to a leak diverting pressure elsewhere, a clogged filter, or a failing backflow preventer.

4. Soggy or Brown Spots

Soggy Spots: If you have patches of lawn that are constantly squishy or muddy, you likely have a leaking pipe or a valve that isn't closing all the way (weeping valve).

Brown Spots: Conversely, dry, brown patches indicate that an area isn't getting coverage. This could be a clogged nozzle, a misaligned head, or a zone that isn't firing.

Don't let your lawn die off—schedule a sprinkler repair as soon as you notice uneven watering.

5. Concrete Watering

Are your sprinklers watering the sidewalk, driveway, or house more than the grass? Misaligned heads not only waste water but can also cause hard water damage to your home's stucco and windows. A simple adjustment or nozzle replacement can fix this.

Summary

Ignoring these signs won't make them go away. In fact, irrigation problems almost always get worse (and more expensive) with time. Regular inspections and prompt repairs are the key to a beautiful, water-efficient landscape.