16 Nov

Common issues with sprinkler systems

Keeping your lawn hydrated is the key to maintaining a beautiful, healthy landscape. Rain sure helps, but you’ll need to install a hydration system in order to achieve that idyllic look you’ve been striving for.  But what happens when your sprinkler system stops working or begins to water unevenly? What are the kinds of things you need to look for? What are some of the common issues you might encounter? That’s what we’re here to discuss today. Here are some of the warning signs you should look for that might serve as an indication something could be wrong with your sprinkler system. Let’s jump right in! Unusually high water bill We usually install sprinkler systems to avoid high water costs. If you opened your bill this month and saw an enormous number at the bottom, then perhaps your sprinkler system isn’t working the way it’s intended.  Usually water waste with sprinklers is caused by a leak somewhere in your system – and that’s a problem that you’ll have to call a professional to address. But if your bill is high – it’s a sure fire sign that something is wrong. You’ll definitely want to call a pro to your home to give your sprinkler system a once over.  Uneven watering Sometimes we specifically program certain areas to deliver more water to your lawn than others. That’s the beauty of a well-designed irrigation system. However, sometimes we notice that certain areas are getting way too much water and other times, it’s not getting nearly enough.  Things like brown or dried grass begin to appear; or perhaps you’ll notice pools of water around your driveway or on your lawn. If that’s the case, then it’s a telltale sign of uneven watering and a potential issue with your valves, a leak or water pressure. This can be caused by any number of issues, but it’s going to be one you’ll want to have your irrigation pros diagnose.  Lack of pressure or coughing sprinkler heads Like anything that sprays water – if there isn’t enough pressure, then water can’t get to where it needs to get to. If you’re noticing that the spray of your sprinklers is weak or that it seems to be spitting water instead of producing a steady stream – then you’re going to find that your lawn won’t get the water it needs to thrive.  If you notice your irrigation system doing this, you need to call a pro immediately. Yes, the causes of the malfunction are likely to be fairly routine (bad valves, leaks, water pressure issues and the like) – but the consequences could be far more severe if you allow the issue to go unaddressed. Perhaps the lines are backed up with debris. Perhaps your pipes are shifting, bending or even breaking. Either way – ignoring these issues could turn a relatively routine maintenance issue into an incredibly expensive catastrophe for your system. Be sure to get on the horn and get the problem addressed and properly diagnosed immediately! Hopefully, if you’re experiencing these issues, you have a professional handy that you can call. If you live in the Tampa, FL or Largo, FL area, feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to give you a free consultation. Until then, good luck!