A well-maintained sprinkler system is essential for a lush green lawn and a healthy garden. Hot summer is one of the prevalent times to encounter sprinkler system problems. Even the best sprinkler systems can occasionally experience issues such as clogged nozzles, broken heads, or poor water pressure, which need to be resolved immediately. Insufficient watering can quickly cause brown patches on your green lawn.
If you notice that your grass and plants are not looking as green and healthy as they used to be, then you might be experiencing the following sprinkler problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the common sprinkler problems, their causes, and how you can resolve them.
1. Clogged Sprinkler Heads
Sand, dirt, and other debris, such as small pebbles, can clog the sprinkler heads. One sign of a clogged nozzle is that the sprinkler head does not rise or release water. A clogged sprinkler head can reduce water flow and provide uneven coverage to your lawn or garden. It blocks water from coming out of all or a few parts of the nozzle, leading to brown spots in the lawn. Luckily, a clogged head is one of the simplest problems to fix.
How to fix: To fix this sprinkler problem, turn off the water supply and remove the nozzle and filter, rinse the filter under running water to remove debris, use a brush or toothpick to remove stubborn buildup, and reattach the nozzle back and test the system to ensure water flow.
2. Broken Spray Heads
If your sprinkler head does not pop up or only pops up to spray water everywhere, it means it is broken or damaged. A broken head can cause uneven watering, flooding, and water wastage. Broken sprinkler heads occur when a lawn mower or vehicle drives over them.
How to fix: You will need to replace the broken head with a new one. It is the only way to fix it. Turn off the water, screw off the damaged head from the riser, and screw on the new head that matches your sprinkler system. Turn the water on and test the system.
Read More: Which Sprinkler System Should You Use in Your Yard
3. Incorrect Head Height
Sprinkler heads can settle, sink, and tilt over time due to natural soil compaction, vehicles running over them, and foot traffic. A sprinkler head that sinks too low will apply too much water to areas closer to the head. On the other hand, a head that is too high will cause water to miss the proper areas and is also at risk from lawn care damage, such as mowing. This will lead to soggy areas, brown spots, and misting.
How to fix: Fixing an incorrect head height is simple but make sure not to hit and break the pipe. Use a shovel to dig soil around the sprinkler head, remove the grass, and clear the dirt around the head. Then, lift and straighten the head to correct its position and height. Pack the soil around it until it is level with the ground.
4. Leaking Pipes
This is the most difficult sprinkler system problem because the leaks are underground. Freezing temperatures cause broken or leaking pipes, wear and tear, or damage from tree roots. Since you can’t see the damage at the surface, leaking pipes can lead to water wastage, high water bills, poor water pressure, and soggy areas in the lawn due to being unnoticed for a long period. One sign of a broken pipe is that the sprinklers don’t pop up properly and don’t emit water to the desired area. Also, if your yard has excessively wet areas, especially in a straight line between sprinkler heads, it could indicate a leaking pipe.
How to fix a leak: Locate the damaged pipe by looking for soggy or unusually green areas in your lawn. Turn off the water and dig around the leaking area to reveal the broken pipe. You may need to replace a damaged part of the pipe or fix a leak by patching the pipe with a repair coupling. Turn on the water supply and test the pipe for leaks before filling the hole again.