4 Common Willis Sprinkler Issues & Fixes

A lush, green lawn is the pride of many homeowners in Willis, Texas. Your sprinkler system is the unsung hero that works behind the scenes to keep it that way, with trusted service providers like Mr. Sprinkler Repair in Willis ready to help when things go wrong. But what happens when it stops working correctly? A malfunctioning system can lead to brown patches, water waste, and a lot of frustration.

Understanding the common problems that can affect your sprinklers is the first step toward a solution. We’ll explore four frequent issues: dead timer batteries, overgrown grass, electrical shorts, and poor lawn coverage. While some of these can be solved with simple adjustments, others may benefit from expert attention. The experienced team at Mr. Sprinkler Repair can help you identify and resolve these issues quickly and efficiently. This guide will walk you through each problem and show you how Mr. Sprinkler Repair can provide the right fix when you need it most.

Is Your Timer to Blame? Check the Battery

One of the simplest yet most overlooked issues is a dead battery in your sprinkler timer or controller. The timer is the brain of your entire system, telling your sprinklers when to turn on and off. While most modern timers are connected to your home’s electrical supply, many have a backup battery.

This battery saves your watering schedule and settings during a power outage. If the battery dies, a brief power flicker could be enough to reset your entire program to its factory settings. You might not even notice until your lawn starts looking stressed.

How to Identify and Fix It

• Check the Display: If the timer’s display is blank or flashing an error message, a power issue is likely.
• Inspect the Battery: Open the timer’s battery compartment. Most use a common battery type, like a 9-volt or AA. Look for any signs of corrosion on the terminals.
• Replace and Reprogram: Swap out the old battery for a new one. After replacing it, you will likely need to reprogram your watering schedule. Check that the date and time are correct to ensure the cycle runs as intended.

Replacing the battery is an easy and inexpensive fix. Making it a habit to change the battery once a year can save you from future headaches.

Is Tall Grass Blocking Your Sprinklers?

Sometimes the problem isn’t with your sprinkler system at all, but with what’s around it. As your lawn grows, tall grass and weeds can obstruct the sprinkler heads. This blocks the water from reaching its intended area, creating dry, brown spots even though your system is running.

This issue is especially common with pop-up style sprinkler heads that don’t rise very high above the ground. The water ends up spraying into the blades of grass right next to the head instead of across your lawn.

How to Identify and Fix It

• Watch Your System Run: Turn on your sprinklers and watch each zone. Do you see heads that are spraying into a wall of grass? Are there areas where the spray pattern seems weak or uneven?
• Clear the Area: The fix is straightforward. Trim the grass and any weeds around each sprinkler head. Use a string trimmer for a clean cut, being careful not to damage the sprinkler head itself. You should clear a space of at least a few inches around each one.
• Consider Riser Extensions: If your grass is naturally thick and tall, you might need a more permanent solution. A professional can install taller pop-up sprinklers or add riser extensions to lift the existing heads higher.

Regularly trimming around your sprinkler heads as part of your lawn maintenance routine will ensure your lawn gets the even watering it needs.

The Hidden Danger of Electrical Short Circuits

Electrical problems can be more difficult to diagnose and riskier to handle. Your sprinkler system uses a series of low-voltage wires to connect the controller to each valve. A short circuit occurs when a “hot” wire comes into contact with a neutral or ground wire. This can cause one or more zones to stop working, or in some cases, cause a zone to run continuously.

Short circuits are often caused by:

• Damaged or frayed wire insulation from shovels or landscaping tools.
• Moisture getting into waterproof wire connectors.
• Pinching or damage from tree roots or shifting ground.
• Old, corroded wiring.

How to Identify and Fix It

• Look for Error Messages: Many modern controllers will display an “ERR” or “FAULT” message, often indicating which zone is experiencing the issue.
• Use a Multimeter: For the more DIY-savvy homeowner, a multimeter can test the electrical resistance (ohms) at the controller. A reading that is too low or too high can signal a short.
• When to Call a Pro: Tracing and repairing electrical shorts can be complex and time-consuming. It often involves locating the damaged section of wire, which may be buried underground. Due to the nature of this work, we highly recommend calling a professional. An expert has the tools and experience to locate and repair the short safely and efficiently.

Attempting to fix electrical issues without the proper knowledge can lead to further damage to your controller or valves.

Are There Gaps in Your Lawn Coverage?

Do you have distinct brown patches or dry spots even though your sprinklers seem to be working? This often points to poor system layout or design. Your sprinkler system might not have been designed correctly for your lawn’s specific shape and size, leaving gaps where water doesn’t reach.

This can happen for several reasons:

• Incorrect sprinkler head types were used.
• Heads are spaced too far apart.
• The spray patterns are not adjusted correctly.
• Changes in landscaping, like new garden beds or patios, have created obstructions.

How to Identify and Fix It

• Perform a “Can Test”: Place empty tuna or cat food cans at various spots throughout your lawn, including the green and brown areas. Run your sprinkler system for 15-20 minutes. Afterward, measure the water in each can. Significant differences in water levels confirm uneven coverage.
• Adjust Nozzles: Some sprinkler nozzles can be adjusted to change the spray arc and radius. You may be able to turn a few screws to cover a dry spot. Check your sprinkler head manufacturer’s guide for instructions.
• Professional Redesign: If simple adjustments don’t work, the problem lies in the system’s fundamental design. Solving it may require moving sprinkler heads, adding new ones, or changing the nozzle types. This is a job best left to professionals who can assess your property’s unique needs, water pressure, and layout to create an efficient, effective system.

A well-designed system not only ensures a healthy lawn but also conserves water by delivering it exactly where it’s needed.

Your Willis Sprinkler Repair Experts

While some sprinkler issues have simple fixes, many require professional expertise. For problems like electrical shorts or poor system design, a DIY approach can lead to more significant damage and costs down the road. An expert can diagnose problems accurately and provide lasting solutions.

If you’re facing sprinkler troubles in Willis, Texas, don’t let your lawn suffer. The team at Mr. Sprinkler Repair has the knowledge and tools to handle any issue, from simple adjustments to complete system overhauls.

Contact Mr. Sprinkler Repair today for fast, reliable, and professional service to get your lawn back to its greenest!