What Are the Problems of Sprinkler System?
A sprinkler system distributes water through underground plastic tubing to sprinkler heads that pop up and spray your lawn or landscape. These systems can be damaged by many factors, such as a cold winter or improperly winterizing the sprinklers, soil compaction or pests.
Fortunately, most of the problems with sprinklers are easy to diagnose and fix yourself. Some of the most common problems include:
Low Water Pressure
If your sprinkler heads aren’t popping up or spraying their intended area, low water pressure is probably to blame. This can be caused by many things, so it’s important to test your system to see what the problem is. This will help you determine whether the issue is something as simple as a not-quite-open valve or more serious, like a broken pipe.
A good rule of thumb is to expect a drop in pressure between the utility water line and your sprinkler head. This is because the amount of pressure that exists at a given point is dependent on the distance between the source and the head, as well as the design of the particular sprinkler system.
When the sprinkler system is operating, the pressure will increase again as it moves water throughout the irrigation lines. However, this will also depend on how far away the head is from the point of origin, as well as how high the sprinklers are set.
Another common cause of low water pressure is dirty nozzles or pipes. This can occur when a sprinkler head isn’t used regularly, which allows dirt to build up in the nozzle. In this case, it’s important to clean the nozzle with compressed air or a brush. It’s also a good idea to flush the irrigation lines occasionally to get rid of any dirt that may have built up inside.
A broken sprinkler head can also lead to low water pressure. This is because the water will be leaking out of a damaged nozzle, and it won’t be being forced through the sprinkler head with as much force. In this case, you’ll need to call Sprinkler Repair Utah County for assistance.
Low water pressure in your sprinklers can also be a sign that the local water supply is experiencing an increase in demand. This is especially true during hot and dry weather conditions. In some cases, the water company may even be experiencing a shortage due to a large number of new homes/businesses using the same water supply.
If you suspect this is the problem, it’s a good idea to contact Sprinkler Repair Utah County. In addition, it’s a good idea to talk to your neighbors to see if they are also experiencing lower water pressure.
Clogged Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads often become clogged with dirt, debris, and mineral buildup. This affects water distribution for the entire lawn or garden. It's important to keep an eye on your sprinklers throughout the year to make sure they're not being blocked by anything. It's usually a matter of unscrewing the sprinkler head from the riser tube, cleaning it with water, and then screwing it back on.
If you notice sprinklers spraying water in a random pattern, it's probably due to misdirected pressure from the valve. This problem can be solved by adjusting the spray pattern of the sprinklers, or by installing a valve that regulates pressure.
Broken sprinkler heads are another common issue that can be difficult to detect. The force exerted on a sprinkler by lawn mowers, vehicles, or foot traffic can crack the body of the sprinkler, causing water wastage and flooding in surrounding areas.
Another common problem with sprinkler systems is a buzzing sound that indicates a relay system issue. This is a magnetic switch that activates the system, and if it's not functioning correctly, you may not get your sprinklers to pop up when they should.
It's also possible for wires in the valve box to become damaged, which prevents the controller from "talking" to the valves and making them open and close as they should. This is a common problem that can be caused by normal wear and tear or even tampering from critters, and it's a good idea to call our irrigation service as soon as you hear the buzzing.
Water dripping from a sprinkler head is never a good sign and means that the system is over-watering or there's a leak in the piping. This is a serious problem that can lead to significant waste and should be dealt with immediately. The easiest way to diagnose this problem is by checking the backflow device (if you have one), as well as the sprinkler valves. If the valves are all on and there's still a leak in the piping, it's time to contact us for an irrigation renovation.
Faulty Irrigation Controller
A well-maintained irrigation system can help you maintain a green, healthy lawn or garden. However, even the best systems can experience problems from time to time. If you’re noticing unexplained problems with your sprinkler system, it may be time to call in a professional for inspection and repair.
Whether you’re dealing with a clogged sprinkler head or an electrical issue, a malfunctioning irrigation controller can lead to inefficient watering patterns and wasted water. Here are some of the signs that you may need to invest in a new irrigation controller:
Zones don’t turn on
If a sprinkler head fails to pop up when your irrigation system turns on, it could mean the head is in the wrong position. Alternatively, it could also be that the head is leaking.
In either case, you’ll need to reposition the head and fix the leak to get your system back up and running.
If the sprinkler heads don’t come on at all, it’s typically caused by a problem with the electrical signals running between the controller and the valve solenoids. The wires and connections can corrode, or the diaphragm in the valve could break and prevent it from opening. If you suspect this is the problem, use a multimeter to check the voltage at the inactive zones and compare it to the working zones.
Buzzing noises
If you hear a faint buzzing sound when your sprinkler system is operating, it can mean that the irrigation system is over-watering or that there’s a leak in the piping. Leaking pipes and valves can waste up to 25,000 gallons per year, so it’s important to catch them as soon as possible.
Louder buzzing sounds can indicate that the system’s pump motor is starting to fail or that there’s a problem with the voltage supply. In some cases, the valves themselves can become stuck due to pieces of stone getting in them and refusing to close fully. The best way to solve this problem is to replace the valve. You can do this yourself, if you have the right tools, but it’s a good idea to call in an irrigation repair service to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Leaking Pipes or Fittings
As lawns and flowers awaken in the spring, they depend on irrigation systems to deliver water. However, just like plumbing systems in homes, sprinklers can experience leaks. If left unchecked, these leaks can lead to wasted water and a large water bill. Luckily, there are some telltale signs that can help you spot an irrigation leak early.
If you notice a spike in your water usage, this may be an indication of a leak. The easiest way to check this is by turning off the water supply and checking your water meter. If the meter’s needle continues to move even though the water is turned off, you likely have a leak somewhere in your sprinkler system. This could be as simple as a faulty valve, or it might require more extensive digging to find the source of the leak.
The sprinkler heads themselves are often a prime suspect in sprinkler system leaks. If they are clogged with dirt, debris or minerals, this can restrict water flow to the head and cause it to malfunction. It can also reduce the amount of coverage each head gives the lawn or garden.
When a sprinkler head leaks, it may be due to a cracked seal, a broken diaphragm or other internal problems. In addition, if the backflow valve is off or the rain sensor is not working properly, this can prevent water from flowing through the irrigation system.
Another common culprit of leaking pipes in sprinkler systems is corrosion. If water is not properly flushed, contaminants such as chlorine can remain in the pipes and eventually cause them to corrode. If the leak is severe, the pipes may need to be replaced.
Leaks in underground sprinkler lines can be more difficult to detect, but they are just as problematic. This type of sprinkler leak usually occurs along the line between the sprinkler valve and the first sprinkler head. While this is less of a nuisance than a leak at the control box, it still requires professional attention. To avoid this problem, make sure to drain or blow out the irrigation lines in the fall and perform regular inspections.
A sprinkler system distributes water through underground plastic tubing to sprinkler heads that pop up and spray your lawn or landscape. These systems can be damaged by many factors, such as a cold winter or improperly winterizing the sprinklers, soil compaction or pests. Fortunately, most of the problems with sprinklers are easy to diagnose and…