Your Guide to Sprinkler Repair in Plano, TX

A healthy, green lawn is a point of pride for any Plano homeowner, but keeping it that way during the intense North Texas heat can be a challenge. Mr. Sprinkler Repair in Plano is here to help.
Your sprinkler system is your first line of defense, yet it’s not a “set it and forget it” tool. The combination of our dense clay soil, high summer temperatures, and local water restrictions puts immense stress on irrigation components. When your system starts acting up, you see the evidence quickly in the form of brown spots, puddles, or skyrocketing water bills.

This guide will walk you through the four most common sprinkler problems we see in the Plano area. At Mr. Sprinkler Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing these issues quickly and efficiently. We’ll help you identify the symptoms, understand the causes, and even try a few simple fixes yourself. We’ll also explain when it’s time to call in the experts at Mr. Sprinkler Repair for a professional solution.

Sprinkler Head Not Retracting

One of the most visible sprinkler issues is a head that stays popped up after the watering cycle is complete. While it might seem like a small annoyance, these exposed risers are a big problem. They are easily damaged by lawnmowers, foot traffic, and pets, leading to broken heads and wasted water.

Symptoms and Causes

• Symptom: The sprinkler head riser (the part that pops up) remains visible above the grass line long after the system shuts off.
• Cause: Debris like sand, dirt, or grass clippings has become lodged between the riser and the body of the sprinkler head.
• Cause: The internal spring or seal has worn out due to age or regular use, losing its ability to pull the riser back down.

What You Can Do

Before calling for service, you can try cleaning the head. Unscrew the top nozzle assembly from the sprinkler body. Carefully pull out the internal riser and spring. Rinse all the components with clean water, wiping away any visible grit or mud. Reassemble the head and run a quick test cycle. If it still fails to retract, the internal mechanism is likely worn and needs replacement.

When to Call a Pro

If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, or if multiple heads are failing, it’s time for a professional. A technician from Mr. Sprinkler Repair can quickly replace the faulty head with a durable, high-quality model. We ensure it’s installed at the correct height to prevent future damage and operate efficiently.

Non-Uniform Coverage (Dry and Wet Spots)

Have you noticed distinct brown patches in some areas of your lawn while other spots seem swampy? This is a classic sign of non-uniform coverage. Your sprinkler system should deliver a consistent amount of water across every zone, but several factors can disrupt this balance.

Symptoms and Causes

• Symptom: Puddles of standing water form in some parts of the lawn, while other areas are dry and stressed.
• Cause: Clogged nozzles are a primary culprit. Tiny bits of dirt or mineral deposits can block the spray pattern.
• Cause: Incorrect water pressure—either too high or too low—can ruin performance. High pressure creates a fine mist that blows away, while low pressure results in weak streams that don’t reach their intended distance.
• Cause: Tilted or sunken sprinkler heads will spray in the wrong direction, overwatering one area and completely missing another.

What You Can Do

Start with a visual inspection. While the system is running, check for:

• Clogged Nozzles: Use a small tool or paperclip to gently clear any visible blockages in the nozzle openings.
• Tilted Heads: The sprinkler head should be perfectly perpendicular to the ground. Carefully dig around a tilted head and straighten it, packing soil firmly around the base to hold it in place.
• Obstructions: Ensure tall grass, overgrown shrubs, or lawn decorations aren’t blocking the spray pattern.

When to Call a Pro

Diagnosing and fixing coverage issues often requires specialized tools and knowledge. If simple adjustments don’t work, you may have a bigger problem like a line leak causing low pressure or improperly matched nozzles. Mr. Sprinkler Repair can perform a system audit, check pressure, and recommend solutions like installing pressure-regulating heads or swapping nozzles to achieve “matched precipitation.” This ensures every square foot of your lawn gets exactly the water it needs.

Valve Box Flooding

The valve box is the nerve center of your irrigation system, housing the electric valves that control each zone. Discovering this box is full of water is an immediate red flag that something is wrong. Lingering water can corrode electrical connections, short out solenoids, and lead to valve failure.

Symptoms and Causes

• Symptom: You open the green, rectangular lid of your in-ground valve box and find it partially or completely full of water.
• Cause: The most common reason is failing internal valve components. A worn diaphragm or loose fittings can cause a persistent, slow leak that fills the box over time.
• Cause: Less commonly, a crack in the PVC pipe leading into or out of the valves can also be the source.

What You Can Do

Pinpointing the source of a leak inside a crowded valve box is difficult. You can look for obvious drips or streams of water around the valve bodies and pipe connections. However, because the wiring and components are sensitive, it’s often best to leave this repair to a professional. Avoid letting the water sit for days, as it can cause extensive damage.

When to Call a Pro

This is a job for an expert. Valve repair or replacement requires shutting off the water supply, cutting and refitting pipes, and properly wiring the new components. The team at Mr. Sprinkler Repair has the tools and experience to diagnose the exact leak, rebuild or replace the faulty valve, and ensure all wiring is waterproof and secure, protecting your system for the long term.

Sticking Rotary Heads

Rotary heads are designed to sweep back and forth in a smooth, consistent arc, watering large areas of grass. When one of these gear-driven heads gets stuck, it stops rotating and floods a single spot, wasting water and damaging your lawn and landscape.

Symptoms and Causes

• Symptom: A rotary sprinkler head sprays continuously in one direction instead of rotating through its designated pattern.
• Cause: The complex internal gear mechanism has been stripped or broken, often from being forced in the wrong direction or simple wear and tear.
• Cause: Low water pressure can prevent the head from having enough force to power the gear drive.

What You Can Do

First, check that the head isn’t simply adjusted to a very narrow arc. Most rotary heads have adjustment points for the spray pattern. If that’s not the issue, inspect the head for external damage. Sometimes a hard impact can break the internal assembly. Unfortunately, once the internal gears are stripped, the head cannot be repaired and must be replaced.

When to Call a Pro

If you have a sticking rotor, it needs to be replaced. A professional can ensure the replacement head has the correct nozzle and arc settings for its specific location. If the issue is low pressure affecting multiple heads, we can investigate the root cause, whether it’s a main line leak, a failing valve, or an issue at the backflow preventer.

A Note on Plano’s Soil and Water-Saving Tips

Plano’s heavy clay soil doesn’t absorb water quickly, leading to runoff if your system applies water too fast. Combined with city-mandated watering schedules, efficiency is key. To save water and keep your lawn healthy:

• Install a Smart Controller: These Wi-Fi-enabled controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on local weather, saving you water and money.
• Use Matched Precipitation Nozzles: Ensure all heads in a zone deliver water at the same rate, preventing over- and under-watering.
• Consider Cycle & Soak: Program your controller to run for shorter periods with a “soak” time in between. This allows our clay soil to absorb the water fully before the next cycle begins.

Don’t Let Sprinkler Problems Ruin Your Lawn

A malfunctioning sprinkler system wastes water, damages your landscape, and costs you money. For fast, reliable sprinkler repair in Plano, trust the experts at Mr. Sprinkler Repair. We offer same-day service and free, no-obligation estimates to get your system back in perfect working order.

Call us today to schedule your free estimate!

• Phone: 972-737-7999
• Website:https://mrsprinklerrepair.com/service-areas/dallas-area-service/plano/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I test my sprinkler system?
A: We recommend running a manual test of your entire system at least once a month during the watering season. Walk your property while each zone is active to look for broken heads, leaks, or coverage issues before they cause major damage.

Q2: Why is my water bill so high, but my lawn is still brown?
A: This is often caused by a hidden leak in an underground pipe or a faulty valve that is constantly seeping water. Even a small, unseen leak can waste thousands of gallons per month. Our technicians can perform a pressure test to locate these costly leaks.

Q3: Can I replace just one broken sprinkler head myself?
A: Yes, replacing a single head is a manageable DIY project. However, it’s critical to buy the exact same type of head (or a compatible modern equivalent) and install it at the correct height to ensure it works properly with the rest of the zone. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call a professional.