If you’re like most homeowners, you rely on your irrigation system to keep your lawn looking green and healthy. But over time, even the best irrigation systems can develop problems that can cause them to become less effective.
A malfunctioning irrigation system can end up costing you money in wasted water and higher utility bills, so it’s important to be on the lookout for signs that your lawn sprinkler system may need repairs. In this post, we’ll share six of those signs with you.
Why Use an Irrigation System?
An irrigation system is a great way to water your lawn or garden without having to do it yourself. It can also save you money on your water bill each month. Here are the benefits of using an irrigation system:
- Set it and forget it: Once you have your irrigation system installed, you can set it on a timer and forget about it. It will water your lawn or garden for you while you’re at work or running errands.
- It’s more efficient: An irrigation system is more efficient than hand-watering because it waters the roots of your plants directly. This means that less water is wasted, and your plants will stay healthy and hydrated.
- It saves you time: Instead of spending hours every week hand-watering your lawn or garden, you can use that time to do other things. With an irrigation system, all you have to do is set it up and let it run.
Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of using an irrigation system, let’s look at six signs that yours may need repair. Irrigation system repair is not something you should put off, so if you notice any of these signs, call a professional right away.
1. Your Water Bill Is Higher Than Usual
One of the first signs that you may need irrigation repair is an unusually high water bill. If your monthly water bill has increased significantly and you can’t explain why, it’s likely that your irrigation system is to blame.
A leaky irrigation system can waste a lot of water, which will end up costing you money. Be sure to check your irrigation system for leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible.
Another possibility is that your sprinklers are watering your lawn or garden too often. This can also lead to higher water bills, so be sure to check your irrigation system’s timer and make sure it’s set correctly.
2. Dripping Control Valves
The back end of a properly functioning irrigation system should never be dripping water. If you notice any pooled water around your backflow preventer or control irrigation valves, it’s time to give us a call. Dripping not only wastes water and increases your bill, but it can also lead to significant damage to the surrounding area if left unchecked.
Properly operating valves are critical to the success of your irrigation system. If you have a valve that is leaking or not opening or closing properly, it can wreak havoc on your lawn and landscaping.
3. Sputtering Sprinkler Heads
If you’ve ever used a water hose and had the water stop suddenly, you know how annoying it can be. Unfortunately, the same thing happens with your sprinkler heads when they become clogged with dirt and debris. When this happens, your sprinkler heads will sputter and spit out water erratically, which means your lawn isn’t getting the benefit of consistent, steady watering.
If you notice any of your sprinkler heads acting up, it’s time to have them cleaned or replaced. Depending on the severity of the clog, a simple cleaning may do the trick. However, if the problem is more serious, you may need to replace the entire sprinkler head.
4. Yellow or Brown Spots
If you start to notice yellow or brown patches in your otherwise green lawn, it could be a sign that your irrigation system is not functioning properly. Either over-or under-watering usually causes these spots.
Over-watering can cause your grass to turn yellow or brown from too much water and not enough oxygen reaching the roots. Under-watering will cause your grass to turn brown because the roots are not getting enough moisture.
If you notice any yellow or brown spots on your lawn, check your irrigation system to make sure it is working properly. You may need to make some adjustments to ensure your lawn is getting the right amount of water.
5. High or Low Pressure Issues
When you turn on your sprinklers, water should flow out at a consistent rate. If the water pressure is too high or low, this can be a sign that there’s something wrong with your system. You may need to have a professional come out and take a look at your system to see what the problem is.
High or low water pressure can cause all sorts of problems with your irrigation system, so it’s important to keep an eye on it. If you notice any changes in the water pressure, contact a professional right away.
6. Timer Isn’t Working Properly
If your timer isn’t working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems with your irrigation system. For example, if your timer is set for the wrong time of day, your sprinklers may water during the heat of the day when evaporation is highest. This can waste a lot of water and money.
It’s important to check your timer regularly to make sure it is working properly. This will help ensure your sprinklers are watering at the right time and avoid any wasted water. Sprinkler repair companies can also help you troubleshoot any timer issues you may be having.
Get Your Irrigation System Repaired Today
Whether you’re having problems with your sprinklers, valves, or timer, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible. At Monsoon Irrigation and Landscape Lighting, we can help you troubleshoot any issues you’re having with your irrigation system.
Our focus is on ensuring you have access to a quality irrigation system that meets your needs and budget. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you keep your lawn looking its best!