Sprinkler Repair in Garland: Spotting Common Issues

A healthy, green lawn is a point of pride for any Garland homeowner. But keeping it that way depends on a sprinkler system maintained by experts like Mr. Sprinkler Repair. When your system fails, you might see brown patches, high water bills, or even a flooded yard. Understanding the common problems can help you decide if it’s a quick fix or time to call Mr. Sprinkler Repair for professional sprinkler repair in Garland.

This guide from Mr. Sprinkler Repair in Garland will walk you through four frequent sprinkler system issues we see in the North Texas area. We’ll cover the symptoms, what you can do, and when it’s best to let an expert handle it.

Your Guide to Common Sprinkler System Problems

1. Failed Well Pump Systems

Many homes in our area rely on well water for their irrigation. This setup uses a pump to create the pressure needed to water your lawn. When the pump fails, your whole system stops working.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Low or No Water Pressure: Sprinkler heads don’t pop up fully or only produce a weak spray.
• Pump Cycles On and Off: The pump turns on and off rapidly without completing a watering cycle.
• Noisy Pump: You hear humming, grinding, or clicking sounds from the pump motor.
• System Won’t Start: The sprinklers don’t turn on at all, even though the controller is working.

What You Can Check:
First, make sure the pump has power by checking its circuit breaker. You can also inspect the pressure tank gauge to see if it’s holding pressure. However, working with a well pump sprinkler system can be complex and involves high-voltage electricity.

When to Call a Professional:
Due to the risks, it’s safest to call a technician for most pump issues. We have the tools to diagnose whether it’s a failed motor, a bad pressure switch, or a leak in the line. Attempting a DIY repair on a well pump can be dangerous and may lead to more expensive damage.

2. Improper Winter Shutdown Damage

North Texas winters can bring unexpected freezes. If you don’t properly winterize your sprinkler system, water trapped inside can freeze, expand, and crack expensive components like pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads.

Signs of Freeze Damage:

• Visible cracks in the backflow preventer, valves, or PVC pipes.
• Water gushing from a specific spot when you turn the system on in spring.
• Sprinkler heads that are popped off or spraying water from their base.

How to Properly Winterize a Sprinkler System:
The best way to prevent freeze damage is to perform a blowout. This process uses an air compressor to force all water out of the pipes, valves, and heads. While some homeowners try this themselves, using the wrong pressure can damage the system. A professional winterization service ensures it’s done safely and correctly.

Come springtime, we recommend turning your system on slowly. Open the main water valve just a little at first and walk your property to check for leaks before opening it fully.

3. Sprinkler Timer Battery Failure

Your sprinkler controller, or timer, is the brain of the system. Most digital timers have a small backup battery. Its job is to save your watering schedule and clock settings during a power outage. When that battery fails, problems arise.

Common Symptoms:

• Erratic Watering Times: Sprinklers run at odd hours or not at all.
• Lost Programming: After a brief power flicker, your custom watering schedule is gone.
• Blank Screen: The controller display is blank, even when the power is on.

How to Fix It:
Replacing the battery is usually simple. Most controllers use a 9-volt or a small coin-cell battery located in a compartment on the unit. Check your timer’s manual for the correct type and replacement steps. After replacing it, you will need to reprogram your watering schedule. Remember to use your controller’s “seasonal adjust” feature to reduce watering times during cooler months, which helps conserve water and comply with Garland watering ordinances.

4. Hidden In-Ground Leaks

Underground sprinkler leaks are one of the most frustrating issues. Because the pipes are buried, a leak can go unnoticed for weeks, wasting a massive amount of water and damaging your lawn’s foundation. This is a common problem in areas with clay soils like Garland, where soil shifting can stress pipes.

Clues You Might Have an Underground Sprinkler Leak:

• Soggy Patches: You find persistently wet or mushy spots in the yard.
• Unusually High Water Bill: A sudden, unexplained spike in your water usage.
• Drop in Zone Pressure: One specific sprinkler zone has much lower pressure than the others.
• Dirt in the Water: Sprinkler heads spit out mud or debris.

How to Isolate a Leak:
You can try to find the leak by running one sprinkler zone at a time and walking the area, looking for the wettest spot. You can also check the water meter. Turn off all water inside and outside your house, then look at the meter’s leak indicator. If it’s spinning, you have a leak somewhere.

Professionals use non-invasive electronic leak detection equipment to pinpoint the exact location of a leak without digging up your entire yard. This saves time, money, and prevents unnecessary damage to your landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often should I have my sprinkler system inspected?
A: We recommend a professional inspection at least once a year, ideally in the spring. This helps catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems and ensures your system is ready for the hot Texas summer.

Q: Why is one zone of my sprinkler system not working?
A: This is usually caused by a faulty zone valve, a wiring issue between the controller and the valve, or a broken pipe specific to that zone. A technician can quickly diagnose the electrical or plumbing source of the problem.

Q: Can I repair a broken sprinkler head myself?
A: Yes, replacing a single broken sprinkler head is often a manageable DIY project. Just be sure to buy the exact same type of head (or a compatible replacement) and flush the line before installing the new one to clear out any debris.

Q: My water bill is very high. Could it be my sprinklers?
A: Absolutely. A single hidden underground leak can waste thousands of gallons of water per month. If your bill has jumped and your indoor water use hasn’t changed, your sprinkler system is the most likely culprit.

Q: How do I know what my watering days are in Garland?
A: The City of Garland has specific water conservation and watering schedules. It’s best to check the official city website for the most current rules, as they can change based on drought conditions. Programming your system to follow these rules helps you avoid fines.

Need Expert Sprinkler Repair in Garland?

Don’t let a faulty sprinkler system ruin your lawn or run up your water bill. If you’re facing any of these issues, or something else entirely, our team is ready to help. We offer professional diagnostics and repairs for homeowners in Garland and nearby communities.

Call us today to schedule your service!

• Phone: 469-942-9900
• Service Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Online Booking: Visit our website to schedule an appointment online.
• Service Area: Serving Garland, Richardson, Plano, Sachse, and surrounding areas.