Top 4 Sprinkler Problems in Farmers Branch and Their Fixes

A lush, green lawn is a point of pride for any homeowner in Farmers Branch, and Mr. Sprinkler Repair in Farmers Branch is here to help you keep it that way. Your sprinkler system is the unsung hero that works tirelessly to keep your landscape vibrant, especially during our hot Texas summers. But when it stops working correctly, problems can quickly arise, leading to brown patches, water waste, and costly utility bills. Trusting a local expert like Mr. Sprinkler Repair ensures your system gets the care it needs to keep your lawn looking its best.

Many sprinkler issues are surprisingly common and can often be addressed with simple adjustments. Mr. Sprinkler Repair in Farmers Branch regularly helps homeowners in the Farmers Branch area identify and resolve these problems quickly. This guide will walk you through four of the most frequent sprinkler issues our team encounters. We’ll explain how to spot them and what you can do to fix them, with tips on when to call Mr. Sprinkler Repair for fast, professional service—helping you keep your lawn healthy and your water usage efficient.

1. Overgrown Grass Blocking Sprinkler Spray

One of the simplest yet most overlooked issues is grass that has grown too tall around sprinkler heads. When blades of grass or weeds obstruct the nozzle, they block the water’s path, creating an uneven spray pattern. This often results in dry, brown spots in some areas and overly saturated patches in others.

You might notice a “doughnut” effect, where the grass immediately around the sprinkler head is yellow, while the grass further away is green. This happens because the water is being deflected by the tall grass instead of spraying outward as intended.

How to Fix It

• Trim Regularly: The easiest solution is to make trimming around sprinkler heads a regular part of your lawn care routine. Use a string trimmer or edger to carefully cut the grass and weeds away from the base of each sprinkler. Be cautious not to damage the sprinkler head itself.
• Install Donut Guards: Consider installing sprinkler head guards, often called “donuts.” These plastic or concrete rings sit around the base of the sprinkler, preventing grass and weeds from growing over it. They create a clear zone that ensures an unobstructed spray every time.
• Adjust Sprinkler Height: In some cases, the sprinkler head may have settled into the ground over time. You can raise it by digging around the unit and adding a taller riser to bring it back to the proper height, just above the soil level.

2. Timer Battery Failure

Your sprinkler system’s controller is its brain, and it relies on a battery to retain its settings. Most modern timers use a backup battery to save your programmed watering schedule in case of a power outage. When this battery dies, a brief power flicker can be enough to wipe the memory clean, reverting the system to its factory settings or shutting it off completely.

If you notice your sprinklers aren’t running on schedule, especially after a storm, a dead timer battery is a likely culprit. You may see a “No AC” warning, a blank screen, or an incorrect time displayed on the controller.

How to Fix It

• Check and Replace the Battery: Most sprinkler controllers have a small compartment for a 9-volt or coin-cell battery. Refer to your owner’s manual to locate it. We recommend replacing this battery once a year as a preventive measure. A good time to do this is during daylight saving time changes, as it’s an easy date to remember.
• Reprogram the Timer: After replacing the battery, you will likely need to reprogram your watering schedule. Set the current date and time, then enter the desired start times, run times, and watering days for each zone.
• Inspect for Power Issues: If a new battery doesn’t solve the problem, check that the controller is plugged into a working electrical outlet. If it’s hardwired, you may need to check the circuit breaker. If the power supply seems to be the issue, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose and repair any electrical faults.

3. Poor Maintenance Practices

Like any mechanical system, your sprinklers require regular maintenance to function efficiently. Neglecting your system can lead to a cascade of problems, including clogged nozzles, leaky valves, and broken heads. Over time, these small issues can turn into major failures that require expensive repairs and cause significant damage to your lawn.

Signs of poor maintenance include sprinklers that don’t pop up, heads that spray water in the wrong direction (like onto your driveway or house), or areas of your lawn that are constantly soggy.

How to Fix It

• Perform Seasonal Check-Ups: At the beginning of each watering season, run a manual test of your entire system. Turn on each zone one by one and walk through your yard. Look for clogged nozzles, damaged heads, and leaks.
• Clean Filters and Nozzles: Debris like dirt, sand, and small pebbles can easily clog sprinkler nozzles. Most heads have a small filter screen at the base that can be removed and rinsed. Use a pin or small tool to gently clear any blockages from the nozzle openings.
• Schedule Professional Tune-Ups: The best way to prevent major issues is to have a professional inspect your system at least once a year. An expert can spot problems you might miss, adjust head alignment for optimal coverage, check water pressure, and ensure your controller is programmed for maximum efficiency.

4. Improper Winter Shutdown

Forgetting to properly winterize your sprinkler system is one of the most damaging mistakes a homeowner can make in North Texas. When temperatures drop below freezing, any water left in the pipes can freeze and expand, causing pipes to crack and sprinkler heads to burst. This damage is often hidden underground and only becomes apparent in the spring when you turn the system back on, resulting in massive leaks.

How to Fix It

• Shut Off the Water Supply: Locate your system’s main shut-off valve and turn it off completely. This is typically found in a basement, crawl space, or an underground valve box near your water meter.
• Blow Out the Lines: The most effective way to winterize is to use an air compressor to blow all remaining water out of the pipes and sprinkler heads. This can be dangerous and damage your system if not done correctly. The pressure must be carefully regulated (typically between 40-80 PSI) to avoid breaking pipes or valves. Due to the risks involved, we highly recommend hiring a professional for this step.
• Set the Timer to “Off”: Turn your controller’s main dial to the “Off” or “Rain” mode. This stops the timer from trying to run the system during the winter, which can damage the solenoids in the valves.

Stay Ahead of Sprinkler Problems

Regular attention and preventive maintenance are key to keeping your sprinkler system in top condition. By trimming around heads, changing batteries, and performing seasonal inspections, you can solve many common problems yourself. However, for more complex tasks like winterization or electrical repairs, don’t hesitate to call for professional help.

A well-maintained sprinkler system not only ensures a beautiful lawn but also conserves water and saves you money. If you’re facing any of these issues or need an expert eye, the team at Mr. Sprinkler Repair is here to serve the Farmers Branch community.