Signs your Sprinklers Might Need Repair
Sprinklers Might Need Repair
Approximately one homeowner out of every three does not know how often their lawn needs to be watered, nor how much. That’s why many of us purchase sprinkler systems, because then we don’t have to worry about it anymore. Learn the signs that tell you sprinklers might need repair.
But nothing lasts forever. Sprinklers break down every so often, like every other piece of technology available in the modern world. To prevent skyrocketing utility bills and damaged lawns, you need to be able to recognize the signs of a malfunctioning sprinkler system right away. So, here are some signs that your sprinkler system may be experiencing problems.
Sprinkler head-colds
If the sprinkler heads in your lawn begin “coughing” or sputtering, this is a sure sign that something has begun to act up in your yard. Spitting sprinklers can cause both overwatering and under watering in patches across your lawns. While this could be a result of pressurization problems or issues with internal valves and seals, the heads also may have been bumped out of position, or have become clogged. There is no way to know for sure without consulting a sprinkler technician or other irrigation professional.
Soggy spots
Over-watering can be disastrous to your lawn; instead of having a lush lawn with springy green blades of grass, you could be left with a swampy mess every morning when you walk out to fetch the morning paper. This could be caused by leaks, rotation problems, or incorrect zone settings; but once again, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of the problem without consulting a professional.
Pressure problems
If the valves and regulators start to malfunction in your sprinkler, water can begin to dribble out of the sprinkler heads instead of spraying out as it is supposed to. You could also have a situation where the sprinklers turn into water-based machine guns; the water could be too highly pressurized, causing damage to your plants and outdoor furniture. This is definitely one of those situations where an irrigation and sprinkler services professional should be brought in, and they have the best equipment for regulating pressure in your sprinkler system. Call the professionals at Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage, & Lighting today for all your sprinkler service repair needs!
Water bill increases
A sudden spike in your water bill can indicate a leak or other malfunction in your sprinkler system. Whenever you install a new sprinkler system, it is always good to begin keeping an eye on your water and other utility bills to ensure you can register a baseline reading as soon as possible. Once you know your average usage (which may differ from season to season, depending on your local climate and weather patterns), you will easily be able to see the changes that can alert you to an issue in your irrigation system.
Dry spots
While soggy spots are relatively easy to detect (squish, splash, anyone?), dry spots can be just as damaging without being so obvious to a busy homeowner. The soil may become dry to the touch, but not appear visibly in distress until days or weeks have gone by. One of the earliest signs could be yellowing vegetation with no other apparent cause, like pet waste sites or herbicide application. The only way to be sure would be to physically examine the soil by touch and sight. If it is dustier or more like concrete than usual, your sprinkler may not be producing enough water to the affected areas for any number of reasons. Your certified sprinkler professional can help you get on the right track with any necessary repairs or replacement parts and show you the signs your sprinklers might need repair.