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Sprinkler Problems? A Floresville Homeowner’s Guide

A healthy, green lawn is a point of pride for any Floresville homeowner, especially with our hot South Texas summers. As Mr. Sprinkler Repair in Floresville knows well, your sprinkler system is your lawn’s best friend, working behind the scenes to keep it lush. But when it stops working correctly, it can cause dry patches, flooded flowerbeds, and high water bills.

At Mr. Sprinkler Repair, we see the same common issues pop up time and again. The good news is that many of them have simple fixes you can handle yourself. This guide will walk you through four frequent sprinkler problems, helping you spot the symptoms, perform easy checks, and know when it’s time to call in a professional.

1. Clogged Nozzles: The Sneaky Source of Dry Spots

Dirt, grass clippings, and mineral buildup are the biggest enemies of sprinkler nozzles. Even a small blockage can disrupt the spray pattern, leaving parts of your lawn thirsty while other areas get too much water.

Symptoms of Clogged Sprinkler Nozzles

You likely have clogged nozzles if you notice:

  • Weak or Uneven Spray: Instead of a full, uniform arc, the water sputters or only covers a small area.
  • Misting or Fogging: High water pressure pushing through a tiny opening can cause water to atomize, which evaporates before it even hits the ground.
  • Dry, Brown Patches: These often appear in a circular or semi-circular pattern, matching the sprinkler’s intended reach.
  • Water Gushing at the Base: A completely blocked head might cause water to pool around the sprinkler itself.

Quick Fixes for Clogged Nozzles

Before calling for help, try these simple cleaning steps. First, turn off the water to that specific zone at your controller to avoid getting soaked.

  • Initial Check: Retract the pop-up sprinkler head with your hand and wipe away any visible dirt or debris from around the nozzle.
  • Clean the Filter Screen: Most sprinkler heads have a small filter screen located directly underneath the nozzle. Unscrew the nozzle (turn counter-clockwise) and lift it off. Pull out the small plastic filter basket, rinse it under a faucet to remove grit, and place it back.
  • Scrub the Nozzle: While the nozzle is off, use an old toothbrush or a piece of wire (like a paperclip) to gently clear any blockages from the opening. Rinse it thoroughly before reattaching.


If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, the nozzle itself might be damaged or worn out. Replacing a nozzle is an inexpensive and easy fix. If clogs are a recurring issue, you may want to consider adding a system-wide filter to catch debris before it ever reaches the heads.

Clogged Nozzle Checklist:

  • Are there dry spots in an otherwise green lawn?
  • Does the sprinkler head sputter or mist?
  • Have you cleaned the nozzle and the filter screen beneath it?
  • Is it time to replace the old nozzle or add a main filter?

2. Electrical Failures: When a Zone Won’t Turn On

Electrical issues can feel intimidating, but they often have straightforward causes. A single non-functioning zone or a completely dead system usually points to a problem with the controller, wiring, or the valve that controls the water flow.

Symptoms of Electrical Problems

Electrical faults can manifest in several ways:

  • An Entire Zone Fails to Run: All other zones work fine, but one specific section of your yard stays dry.
  • The System Won’t Turn On at All: The controller may be blank or unresponsive.
  • Erratic or Random Watering: Sprinklers turn on and off at unscheduled times.
  • Tripped Circuit Breaker: The breaker connected to your sprinkler system frequently trips when it’s supposed to run.

Safe Diagnostics You Can Perform

A few safe checks can help you narrow down the source of the electrical issue.

  • Check the Controller: Is it plugged in securely? Does the screen show any error messages? Look at the zone in question—is it programmed correctly with a start time and run duration? Try running the zone manually from the controller.
  • Reset the System: Sometimes, a simple power cycle can fix a glitch. Unplug the controller for a minute and plug it back in. Also, check your home’s main electrical panel to see if a breaker has been tripped.
  • Listen for the Solenoid: Go to the valve box (the green, in-ground box) and have someone manually run the faulty zone from the controller. When the zone is activated, you should hear a faint “click” from the corresponding solenoid (a small cylinder with wires on top of the valve). No click often means the solenoid is bad or isn’t receiving power. A click but no water suggests a mechanical issue inside the valve.


Electrical work can be dangerous. If you’ve checked the controller settings and don’t feel comfortable working with valves or wiring, it’s best to call a professional. An irrigation technician can safely test wiring, replace faulty solenoids, and diagnose complex controller issues.

Electrical Failure Checklist:

  • Is the controller plugged in and programmed correctly?
  • Have you tried resetting the controller and checking the circuit breaker?
  • Did you listen for a “click” at the valve box?
  • Is it time to call a pro for safe wiring and valve diagnostics?

3. Overspray: Stop Watering the Sidewalk

Overspray is one of the most common and costly sources of water waste. When your sprinklers water the driveway, sidewalk, or side of your house instead of your lawn, you’re paying for water that provides zero benefit. This is usually caused by incorrect sprinkler head adjustment, high water pressure, or poor initial placement.

How to Tame Your Sprinklers

Adjusting your sprinkler heads can drastically reduce overspray and save you money.

  • Adjust the Arc: Most rotor and spray heads have an adjustable arc to control the spray pattern (e.g., from a 90-degree corner to a 180-degree half-circle). Look for adjustment collars or slots on the top of the head. Often, a small, specialized tool or a flathead screwdriver is all you need to fine-tune the spray pattern and keep water on the grass.
  • Adjust the Radius: You can also reduce how far the water throws. Look for a small screw in the center of the nozzle. Turning it clockwise typically reduces the spray distance by deflecting the water stream. Be careful not to turn it too much, as this can disrupt the pattern.
  • Regulate Pressure: If your system produces a lot of mist, your pressure is likely too high. Pressure-regulating sprinkler heads are designed to maintain a steady, optimal pressure, ensuring water is delivered in heavy droplets instead of a fine, wasteful mist.
  • Swap Nozzles: Mismatched nozzles are a frequent cause of overspray. Make sure you’re using the right nozzle type for the area—short-radius nozzles for small strips of grass and longer-radius ones for open lawn areas.


By correcting overspray, you not only conserve water but also prevent slippery, hazardous sidewalks and ugly water stains on fences and walls.

Overspray Checklist:

  • Are your sprinklers watering pavement or walls?
  • Have you tried adjusting the arc and radius on each head?
  • Is misting a problem? Consider pressure-regulating heads.
  • Are the right nozzles installed for each specific area?

4. Wind Drift: Losing Water to the Texas Breeze

In Floresville, a windy day can turn a perfectly good watering cycle into a frustrating exercise. Wind can blow the fine droplets from your sprinklers off course, leaving your lawn with dry spots and soaking your neighbor’s driveway. This is known as wind drift, and it’s a major cause of water inefficiency.

How to Combat Wind Drift

You can’t stop the wind, but you can adjust your watering strategy to minimize its effects.

  • Water at the Right Time: The best time to water in our climate is in the early morning (around 4 to 7 a.m.). Wind is typically calmer, and lower temperatures mean less water is lost to evaporation. Watering in the evening can promote fungal growth, so morning is always best.
  • Switch to MP Rotator Nozzles: Multi-stream rotating nozzles (MP Rotators) are a fantastic upgrade. Instead of a fine spray, they deliver thick, wind-resistant streams of water that rotate slowly over the landscape. This allows water to soak in deeply rather than blowing away.
  • Consider Drip Irrigation: For flowerbeds, gardens, and areas near hardscapes, drip irrigation is the most efficient solution. It delivers water directly to the plant’s root zone, so there is no spray for the wind to catch. This eliminates waste and ensures your plants get exactly what they need.


Making these adjustments will ensure more water lands where you want it—on your lawn and in your garden beds.

Wind Drift Checklist:

  • Do you notice wet pavement on windy days?
  • Are you watering in the calm, early morning hours?
  • Have you considered upgrading to wind-resistant MP Rotator nozzles?
  • Could drip irrigation be a better choice for your garden beds?

Keep Your System in Peak Condition

A well-maintained sprinkler system is key to a beautiful lawn and responsible water use. By regularly checking for these common problems, you can save water, money, and the health of your landscape.

If you’ve tried these tips and are still seeing issues, or if you’d rather leave it to an expert, we’re here to help. Contact Mr. Sprinkler Repair today to schedule a professional tune-up. We’ll get your Floresville sprinkler system running efficiently for the seasons ahead.