4 Sprinkler Problems Justin Homeowners Face

A healthy, green lawn is the pride of any Justin home, but a faulty sprinkler system can quickly turn that dream into a patchy, water-logged nightmare. That’s where Mr. Sprinkler Repair in Justin comes in to help. You might notice dry spots in one area and puddles in another, or maybe a whole section of your yard isn’t getting watered at all. These are common signs that your irrigation system needs attention.

Before you get frustrated with high water bills and a struggling landscape, let’s walk through the most frequent sprinkler issues we see here in North Texas. This guide from Mr. Sprinkler Repair will help you diagnose the problem, try a few simple checks yourself, and know when it’s time to call in a professional for sprinkler repair in Justin.

1. The Stubborn Rotor Head That Won’t Rotate

One of the most common complaints we hear is about a rotor head that sprays water in only one direction. When a rotor head is not rotating, it can’t distribute water evenly across its designated area, leading to a mix of overwatered turf and bone-dry patches.

Symptoms to Look For:

• A distinct pie-shaped dry spot in your lawn.
• A single, powerful stream of water shooting in one direction.
• Puddling or swampy ground right where the sprinkler is spraying.

Common Causes & DIY Checks

• Debris: Dirt, sand, or small pebbles can get lodged in the sprinkler head’s internal gears, jamming the rotation mechanism.

• • DIY Check: Gently pull up the sprinkler riser and check the filter screen at the bottom. Clean it of any debris. You can also try carefully turning the head by hand (when the system is off) to see if you can dislodge anything.

• Worn-Out Gears: Over time, the plastic gears inside a rotor head can wear down or break, especially under the Texas sun.

• • DIY Check: Unfortunately, internal gears are not easily repairable. If cleaning doesn’t work, the head itself likely needs replacement.

• Incorrect Arc/Radius Settings: Sometimes, the head is simply set to a very narrow arc, making it seem like it isn’t moving.

• • DIY Check: Most rotor heads have adjustment slots on top. Using the manufacturer’s key or a small flathead screwdriver, you can adjust the arc (the degree of rotation) and the radius (how far it throws water). Check your sprinkler’s manual for specific instructions.

When to Call a Pro: If cleaning and adjusting don’t solve the problem, it’s time for a professional. A technician from Mr. Sprinkler Repair can quickly diagnose whether it’s a simple head replacement or a deeper issue like low water pressure affecting performance.

2. Puddling and Runoff Around Sprinkler Heads

Are you noticing pools of water forming in your yard every time the sprinklers run? Sprinkler puddling is more than just an eyesore; it wastes a significant amount of water, promotes lawn diseases like fungus, and can damage your home’s foundation if it’s too close.

Symptoms to Look For:

• Visible pools of water around one or more sprinkler heads.
• Mushy, soft ground that stays wet long after watering.
• Water running off your lawn and onto sidewalks or driveways.

Common Causes & DIY Checks

• Misaligned Head: The sprinkler might be tilted or knocked out of position, causing it to spray directly downward or into an obstacle.

• • DIY Check: With the system off, carefully dig around the head and straighten it so it sits perpendicular to the ground. Pack soil firmly around it to hold it in place.

• Leaking Seals: A worn-out wiper seal at the top of the sprinkler body can cause water to leak out around the base of the pop-up riser.

• • DIY Check: When the zone is running, check if water is bubbling up from the base of the head. Replacing a single head or its seal is often the fix.

• Incorrect Run Time or Pressure: Running your system for too long or having water pressure that is too high can overwhelm your soil’s ability to absorb water.

• • DIY Check: Try reducing the run time for that specific zone on your controller. If you suspect high pressure (often indicated by misting or fogging from the heads), a professional adjustment is needed.

When to Call a Pro: If you’ve straightened your heads and still see puddles, call us. We can diagnose low-head drainage, replace broken seals, and use specialized tools to test and regulate your system’s water pressure for optimal performance.

3. An Entire Sprinkler Zone Is Not Working

Perhaps the most alarming issue is when a whole section of your sprinkler system fails to turn on. When a sprinkler zone is not working, a large part of your lawn is left to dry out, putting your grass and plants under serious stress.

Symptoms to Look For:

• You run your system, and one or more zones never activate.
• Large, defined areas of your lawn are turning brown.
• The controller indicates a zone is running, but no water comes out.

Common Causes & DIY Checks

• Controller Programming: The simplest explanation is often a setting on the controller. The zone might be accidentally turned off or have its run time set to zero.

• • DIY Check: Cycle through your controller’s settings. Ensure the problematic zone is enabled and has a run time of at least a few minutes. Check for any “off” or “suspend” settings.

• Faulty Zone Valve or Solenoid: Each zone is controlled by a valve, which is opened by an electrical signal to a component called a solenoid. If either the valve is stuck or the solenoid is burnt out, the zone won’t run.

• • DIY Check: Locate your valve boxes (usually green rectangular lids flush with the ground). Check for any visible damage or loose wires. You can try manually opening the valve using its bleed screw to see if water flows to the heads. This will tell you if the problem is electrical or mechanical.

• Water Supply Issues: A leak in the pipe that feeds the zone or a closed shut-off valve can prevent water from reaching the heads.

When to Call a Pro: Valve and solenoid issues are the most common culprits. If you’re not comfortable working with valve boxes or your manual check doesn’t solve it, you need professional irrigation repair. Mr. Sprinkler Repair has the tools to test solenoids and locate underground valve boxes and leaks efficiently.

4. A Complete System or Sprinkler Electrical Failure

If your entire system is dead or multiple zones are acting erratically, you likely have a sprinkler electrical failure. These problems can be tricky to diagnose without the right equipment, as they often involve wiring, transformers, or the controller itself.

Symptoms to Look For:

• The sprinkler controller display is blank.
• The system won’t turn on at all, either manually or automatically.
• Multiple zones fail to run, or a fuse in the controller keeps blowing.

Common Causes & DIY Checks

• No Power to the Controller: The most basic issue could be a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty outlet.

• • DIY Check: Check your home’s breaker panel to see if the breaker for the garage or outdoor outlet is tripped. Plug a small lamp into the outlet where the controller is connected to verify it has power.

• Faulty Transformer: The transformer converts your home’s AC power to low-voltage power for the controller. If it fails, the controller won’t turn on.
• Damaged Wiring: Wires running from the controller to the valve boxes can be accidentally cut by landscaping activities (like edging or digging) or damaged by rodents. A single nick in a common wire can disable the entire system.

When to Call a Pro: Electrical issues beyond a tripped breaker require professional expertise. Searching for a cut wire or testing a transformer without the right tools is frustrating and can lead to further damage. If you’re looking for “irrigation repair near me” to handle an electrical issue, our technicians are trained to trace wires, test electrical components, and get your system running safely.

Your Justin Sprinkler Solution is a Call Away

Don’t let sprinkler problems ruin your lawn. While some issues have simple fixes, most require a professional touch to ensure a lasting repair. At Mr. Sprinkler Repair, we pride ourselves on providing fast, reliable service to homeowners in Justin and the surrounding communities.

We offer same-week appointments to get your system back in top shape quickly.

Ready to get your lawn back on track? Call us today at 682-688-4187 or book your service online at mrsprinklerrepair.com/schedule-service/!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I have my sprinkler system inspected?
   We recommend a professional inspection at least once a year, ideally in the spring, to catch any issues before the hot Texas summer arrives.
   
   
2. Why is my water bill so high?
   A sudden spike in your water bill is often caused by a hidden leak in your sprinkler system’s main line or a stuck valve that’s running constantly, even when the system is off.
   
   
3. Can you repair any brand of sprinkler system?
   Yes! Our technicians are experienced with all major brands, including Rain Bird, Hunter, Toro, and Orbit.
   
   
4. How long does a typical sprinkler repair take?
   Most common repairs, like replacing broken heads, fixing a valve, or adjusting coverage, can be completed in just one to two hours.
   
   
5. Do you offer services in areas outside of Justin?
   Absolutely. We proudly serve Justin as well as nearby neighborhoods, ensuring homeowners across the area have access to expert irrigation services.