How To Identify Issues With Your Sprinkler System
How To Identify Issues With Your Sprinkler System
A good sprinkler system is essential to your lawn and landscaping. But a broken one can increase your water bill and damage your property. Having trouble with your sprinkler system can be a major frustration. But if you take the time to identify problems early, you can easily fix them and save yourself some cash in the process.
Sprinkler Head Issues
One of the most common issues with sprinkler systems is clogged heads. Over time, lawn mower cuttings and debris from storms can block water flow from a spray head, impacting the distribution of water to your grass and causing uneven coverage. Some clogged sprinkler heads can also be the result of damaged hoses and pipes. Check your owner’s manual for the best way to fix these issues. Another common issue is a leaking control valve. This can cause excess water to leak out of a sprinkler head and run off into the yard.
Leaks
Leaks in your sprinkler system can waste water and cost you money. They can also cause muddy messes and damage your landscaping. The most common leaks are in your sprinkler valves. These are like faucets in your home that turn off and on the flow of water. They can get blocked, which causes them to leak. This can be caused by debris clogging them or a general wear and tear. When a leak is detected, the first thing that should happen is to shut off your water and dig in the area of the problem to see if the pipe has broken or if there’s soil accumulating in it. This will allow you to pinpoint the leak and cut it off from your sprinklers before it can cause further damage.
Uneven Spray Patterns
When your sprinklers are running, they should spray water evenly across the entire yard. If some areas are consistently soggy and others are bone dry, this is an indication that your system isn’t functioning properly. Uneven spray patterns from your rotor sprinkler heads are caused by too much pressure in one area or a poor spray pattern. This can be easily fixed by adjusting the head adjustment screw. If you have spray-type sprinklers, clean the screen that goes beneath each nozzle and reinstall it. This will remove any debris that may be obstructing the spray of water out of each nozzle.
Low Water Pressure
Watering your lawn with the correct water pressure is critical for keeping it looking fresh and healthy. But when your sprinkler system isn’t delivering the water you need to get it to work, it can be a big problem. Low water pressure in your sprinklers is a common issue that occurs for many different reasons. But the most common cause of low water pressure is a faulty backflow preventer valve. The valves on your backflow preventer must be fully open to allow the right amount of water flow. However, some homeowners may accidentally leave the valves closed on their systems, which can reduce the pressure of your sprinklers. Another common cause of low water pressure in your irrigation system is tree roots and shrubs clogging the lines underground. The roots of the trees and shrubs can wrap around the line or pierce it, reducing the flow of water to your lawn. A more serious problem is a broken or ruptured water line. This can happen when you dig too close to a water line, or when you move a cable line or gas pipe in your yard. If you are unsure about the cause of your low water pressure, it is best to contact a professional sprinkler contractor. They will be able to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.
Categorised in: General, Irrigation