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4 Signs Your Sprinkler System in Lakeside Needs a Repair

A healthy, green lawn is a point of pride for any Lakeside homeowner. Your automatic sprinkler system is the key to that lush landscape, but when it stops working correctly, it can cause more than just brown spots. It can lead to wasted water, high utility bills, and even damage to your yard. Fortunately, Mr. Sprinkler Repair is here to ensure your system stays in top shape.

Many sprinkler problems start small and can be hard to spot. Is that one dry patch a fluke, or is a valve failing? Is your water bill high because of the heat, or is a sensor broken? This guide from Mr. Sprinkler Repair in Lakeside will walk you through four common sprinkler issues we see, helping you identify symptoms, perform quick checks, and know when it’s time to call in a professional.

1. Sensor Malfunctions: Watering in the Rain?

Modern sprinklers often use rain or soil moisture sensors to water smarter. These devices prevent your system from running during a downpour or when the soil is already damp. When they fail, your system loses its “brain,” leading to inefficiency and wasted water.

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Your sprinklers run in the middle of a rainstorm.
  • The system runs on its scheduled day, even if the ground is clearly saturated.
  • Your lawn has mushy spots or signs of fungus, indicating overwatering.


What Causes It?
Sensors are exposed to the elements 24/7. Debris like leaves and twigs can block rain sensors, while dirt can cake onto soil moisture probes. Wires can also degrade over time from sun exposure or get accidentally cut by a lawnmower or edger.

Quick DIY Check:
First, visually inspect your sensor. Is it covered in debris? Gently clean it off. For rain sensors, most have a test pin or button. Pressing it should temporarily interrupt the watering cycle. If it doesn’t, the sensor or its wiring may have failed.

When to Call a Pro:
If cleaning the sensor and running a manual test doesn’t solve the problem, you likely have a wiring issue or a dead sensor. A professional can quickly diagnose the connection, test the electrical signals, and perform a sprinkler sensor repair with a new, properly calibrated unit suited for Lakeside’s climate.

2. Inconsistent Valve Operation: One Zone Won’t Start (or Stop)

Your sprinkler system is divided into zones, and each zone is controlled by a valve. These valves are like gates that open and close to let water flow to specific areas. When one fails, you get uneven watering—a swamp in one area and a desert in another.

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • One or more sprinkler zones never turn on.
  • A zone won’t turn off, running continuously long after the cycle ends.
  • Water is constantly leaking from the sprinkler heads in one specific zone, even when the system is off.


What Causes It?
The most common cause is a worn-out or blocked diaphragm inside the valve. Tiny rocks, sand, or other debris common in our local water supply can get lodged in the valve, preventing it from sealing completely. Electrical issues with the solenoid (the part that activates the valve) are also frequent culprits.

Quick DIY Check:
Locate your sprinkler valve box, which is usually a green rectangular box flush with the ground. Open it and look for any obvious signs of damage, leaks, or loose wires on the solenoids. Sometimes, simply tightening a solenoid that has vibrated loose can fix the issue. You can also try swapping the solenoid from the faulty valve with one from a working valve to see if the problem follows the solenoid.

When to Call a Pro:
If you’re not comfortable with wiring or if the DIY swap doesn’t work, it’s time for a professional. A technician can test the electrical signals from your controller, locate internal blockages, and rebuild or replace the valve. Handling sprinkler valve and pressure regulator issues without the right tools can lead to bigger leaks, so it’s often best left to an expert.

3. Pressure Regulator Issues: Misting and Mismatched Coverage

Proper water pressure is critical for sprinkler performance. Too high, and the water atomizes into a fine mist that evaporates or blows away. Too low, and the sprinkler heads won’t pop up fully or throw water far enough, leaving dry rings around each head.

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Sprinkler heads are creating a fog or mist instead of droplets.
  • Water streams are weak, and heads don’t reach their full spray distance.
  • You notice “donuts” of dry grass around the sprinkler heads.
  • Heads at the start of a zone work fine, but those at the end barely spray.


What Causes It?
A faulty system-wide pressure regulator is a primary cause. This device, usually installed near your main water connection, can fail over time. In other cases, individual sprinkler heads with built-in regulators may get clogged or break down. A leak somewhere in the main irrigation line can also cause a system-wide pressure drop.

Quick DIY Check:
Walk your property while the system is running. Do all zones exhibit the same pressure problem? If it’s a system-wide issue, check your main irrigation shut-off valve to ensure it’s fully open. If only one zone has low pressure, check the heads for clogs by unscrewing the nozzles and cleaning the small filters inside.

When to Call a Pro:
Diagnosing and fixing pressure issues usually requires specialized gauges and knowledge of hydraulics. If you suspect a pressure regulator failure or a hidden leak, calling for a sprinkler repair in Lakeside is your best bet. A professional can measure the exact PSI at various points in your system to pinpoint the cause and install the right solution.

4. Watering at the Wrong Time: Fighting the Sun

Your watering schedule is just as important as the system itself. Watering in the middle of a hot, sunny Lakeside afternoon is one of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make. A large percentage of that water will evaporate before it ever reaches the roots of your grass.

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Your sprinklers are programmed to run between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • You notice water evaporating off your driveway and sidewalk almost instantly.
  • Your lawn seems dry and your water bill is high, despite regular watering.


What Causes It?
This is usually an issue of simple programming. Many homeowners set their controllers once and forget about them. Power outages can also reset controllers to their factory default schedules, which are often not optimized for water conservation.

Quick DIY Check:
This one is all on you! The best time to water in Lakeside is in the early morning, typically between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. At this time, the sun is low, temperatures are cool, and winds are calm. This gives the water time to soak deep into the soil and be absorbed by the roots. Adjust your controller’s start times accordingly.

When to Call a Pro:
If you’ve adjusted the schedule and still feel your lawn isn’t getting what it needs, the problem might be the watering duration. Different sprinkler types (rotors, sprays) and soil conditions require different run times. A professional can perform a “catch cup” test to measure how much water your system delivers and program a custom, efficient schedule for you.

Take Control of Your Lawn and Water Bill

A well-maintained sprinkler system keeps your lawn beautiful and your water bills in check. By recognizing the signs of sensor failures, valve issues, pressure problems, and poor scheduling, you can take action before small problems become expensive headaches.

If you’ve tried the quick checks and are still facing issues, don’t let your landscape suffer. Mr. Sprinkler Repair is here to help Lakeside homeowners with fast, reliable diagnostics and repairs.

Schedule your 30-minute diagnostic today, and let our experts get your system running perfectly.