Common Sprinkler Issues in New Territory

A healthy, green lawn is the pride of many homeowners in New Territory, and Mr. Sprinkler Repair is here to help you keep it that way. Your sprinkler system is the unsung hero that keeps your landscape looking its best. But what happens when it stops working correctly? An inefficient irrigation system can lead to brown patches, muddy puddles, and surprisingly high water bills. By understanding common sprinkler issues—and knowing when to call Mr. Sprinkler Repair in New Territory for professional help—you can spot problems early and avoid costly damage.

This guide will walk you through the most frequent sprinkler problems we see in the New Territory area. With Mr. Sprinkler Repair as your go-to company for expert service, you’ll get help diagnosing issues, fixing faults, and keeping your system operating efficiently. Timely repairs aren’t just good for your lawn—they’re good for your wallet, too.

This guide will walk you through the most frequent sprinkler problems we see in the New Territory area. We will cover everything from faulty timers to hidden leaks, helping you diagnose issues and understand why timely repairs are so important for your lawn and your wallet.

4 Common Sprinkler Problems and Their Solutions

An automatic sprinkler system has many moving parts working together. When one component fails, it can affect the entire system’s performance. Here are four common issues that can disrupt your lawn care routine.

1. Timer Malfunctions

Your sprinkler timer, or controller, is the brain of your irrigation system. It tells the valves when to open and close, controlling the watering schedule for each zone. When the timer malfunctions, your lawn can either become a swamp or dry out completely.

Signs of a Problem:

• Sprinklers running at the wrong time or not at all.
• The digital display is blank or shows an error message.
• Watering cycles are much shorter or longer than programmed.
• The system doesn’t respond to manual commands.

What Causes It?

Timer malfunctions can stem from several sources. Power surges from lightning strikes are a common cause of fried internal components. Simple issues like dead backup batteries can cause the system to lose its programming after a power outage. In other cases, the timer might just be old and its electronic parts have worn out over time. Sometimes, the problem is just complex programming that has been set incorrectly.

The Solution:

First, check the simple things. Make sure the timer is plugged into a working outlet and check the circuit breaker. If the timer has a backup battery, replacing it might solve the issue. You can also try resetting the timer to its factory settings and reprogramming your watering schedule. If these steps don’t work, the unit likely needs to be repaired or replaced by a professional. An expert can quickly diagnose whether it’s a simple fix or a more serious electrical problem.

2. Cracked Pipes

Your sprinkler system relies on a network of underground pipes to deliver water to the sprinkler heads. While these pipes are durable, they are not indestructible. A crack or break in a main or lateral line can cause major problems.

Signs of a Problem:

• Sudden drops in water pressure, causing sprinklers to underperform.
• Geysers or bubbling water on the surface of your lawn.
• Unexplained wet, muddy spots or sunken areas in the yard.
• An unusually high water bill.

What Causes It?

In our area, shifting soil and invasive tree roots are primary culprits for cracked pipes. Roots can wrap around and crush pipes over time, leading to fractures. While less common in New Territory, freezing weather can also cause leftover water in the pipes to expand and crack the PVC. Accidental damage from digging during a landscaping project is another frequent cause.

The Solution:

Finding and repairing a cracked underground pipe requires skill. The first step is to locate the leak, which can be difficult without the right equipment. A professional technician can use specialized tools to pinpoint the exact location of the break, minimizing the amount of digging required. Once found, the damaged section of the pipe must be cut out and replaced with a new piece, ensuring all connections are properly sealed to prevent future leaks.

3. Faulty Valve Diaphragms

Each zone in your sprinkler system has a valve that opens and closes to allow water to flow to the sprinkler heads in that area. Inside each valve is a rubber seal called a diaphragm. If this small but crucial part fails, the valve will stop working correctly.

Signs of a Problem:

• One zone of sprinklers won’t turn on.
• One zone of sprinklers won’t turn off, running continuously.
• Low water pressure in a single zone.
• Water trickling from sprinkler heads long after the system has shut off.

What Causes It?

Over time, valve diaphragms can become stiff, warped, or torn due to age and constant pressure changes. Debris like sand, dirt, or small pebbles can also get caught in the valve, preventing the diaphragm from creating a proper seal. This can cause the valve to either get stuck open or fail to open at all.

The Solution:

Repairing a faulty valve involves shutting off the water supply and disassembling the valve housing to access the diaphragm. After cleaning out any debris, the old diaphragm can be replaced with a new one. While this seems straightforward, selecting the correct replacement part and reassembling the valve correctly is essential. An improper repair can lead to persistent leaks. A professional can ensure the job is done right the first time.

4. Leaking Sprinkler Heads

Leaking sprinkler heads are one of the most visible and wasteful sprinkler problems. Whether it’s a constant dribble or a geyser of water, these leaks can damage your lawn and drive up your water costs significantly.

Signs of a Problem:

• Puddles of water forming around the base of a sprinkler head.
• Water spraying from the body of the sprinkler head instead of the nozzle.
• The sprinkler head doesn’t pop up or retract properly.
• Erosion or mushy spots in the lawn near a sprinkler.

What Causes It?

Sprinkler heads are often damaged by lawnmowers, edgers, or foot traffic. The plastic casing can crack, or the internal seals can wear out from normal use. Sometimes, the head is simply clogged with dirt, preventing it from sealing correctly after the watering cycle ends. This is often called “low-head drainage” and is caused by water draining out of the lowest head in a zone.

The Solution:

For a broken sprinkler head, replacement is usually the best option. A technician can unscrew the old head and install a new one, ensuring it is adjusted to the proper height and spray pattern for optimal coverage. If the issue is low-head drainage, installing a sprinkler head with a built-in check valve can solve the problem by holding water in the pipe after the system shuts off.

Don’t Wait to Repair Your Sprinkler System

Ignoring these common sprinkler issues can lead to more than just a less-than-perfect lawn. Wasted water contributes to higher utility bills and strains our community’s resources. Uncontrolled leaks can cause soil erosion, damage your home’s foundation, and create breeding grounds for pests.

By addressing problems promptly, you ensure your irrigation system operates efficiently, keeping your lawn healthy while conserving water. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are a smart investment in the beauty and value of your property.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues in New Territory, don’t hesitate to get professional help. The team at Mr. Sprinkler Repair has the expertise and equipment to diagnose and fix any problem quickly and effectively.

Contact Mr. Sprinkler Repair today to schedule your service and get your system back in top condition!