Your sprinkler system is designed to keep your yard and landscaping looking great without forcing you to hand-water each plant. This saves time and makes sure your garden gets the right amount of water at the right time each week. Though your system is durable and can last for many years, it will eventually need to be replaced by your trusted Denver sprinkler installation team. For most homeowners, identifying the signs that it’s time for a replacement can be difficult at best. But the signs are always visible if you know what to look for. Here are a few telltale signs that it’s time to get rid of your old irrigation system and replace it with a new sprinkler system. 

The Tech is Outdated 

Believe it or not, sprinkler systems have come a long way over the years. They’re more efficient, draw less power, and are easier to use than they ever used to be. If your system is more than 15 years old, it’s worth scheduling an estimate for a full replacement. It’s only a matter of time until the system starts breaking frequently and, while older technology can often still be repaired, those frequent repair appointments add up. The last thing you want to do is spend more on repairs each year than you would on a full system replacement. Remember, if the system keeps failing, it will keep on failing no matter how many repairs are made each growing season. 

There Are Puddles and Leaks Around the Yard

Immediately after watering, your yard will likely be full of puddles and wet patches. This is normal and will go away after an hour or so once the excess water drains off or gets absorbed into the soil. If the puddles last for days or appear even when you haven’t run the sprinkler system, you have a problem. As the system starts to fail, underground leaks and issues with the connections can become more common and more frequent. 

Repairing the damage can help, but it probably won’t solve the problem entirely. Instead, you’ll want to lay new lines and pipes with more secure fittings. If you’re already going to the trouble of laying new lines, go ahead and replace the whole system. This will reduce the amount of damage and disruption done to your landscaping and helps your plants recover more quickly than they would with multiple appointments. 

Sputtering Sprinkler Heads Are the Norm

When your system is in good condition, the sprinkler heads should spray a steady stream of water across your landscaping. The pressure should be consistent and reach the full distance your installation team programmed it to. If you notice that your sprinkler heads are sputtering or spurting water instead of spraying it consistently, it’s time to replace the system. Before you make the call, inspect each head for signs of damage. If only one sprinkler head is sputtering, you’ll probably be able to get away with replacing the single unit. If all of them are making the same inconsistent spray pattern, it’s time to replace the whole system.

You Notice Changing Water Pressure

As we said before, your sprinkler heads should deliver a consistent spray every time they turn on. Over time, the seals inside your system can start to wear down. This often leads to changing water pressure in your sprinkler heads. While your plants may still get a decent amount of water during each cycle, the changing pressure can put strain on your system’s components. Low pressure means parts of your yard may go without water. If the pressure changes and is too high, your system will start to see premature wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of breakdowns and extensive damage. The best course of action is to work with a sprinkler service and install a new system altogether. This will ensure that your yard gets the right amount of water during the growing season without putting you at risk for unexpected breakdowns right in the middle of summer.

Your Control Valves are Constantly Dripping

The control valves are what tell your sprinkler system how much water to put out and when the system needs to turn on. Since they regulate the water supply, they’re also responsible for keeping your water bills as low as possible. Leaks and drips around the valves are a sure sign that you have damage in the system. Leaving the drips unaddressed will leave you paying far more for water than you should. After all, if you’re going to pay for water, you should make sure it’s water you actually get to use. 

You’ve Moved to a New House

The average sprinkler system only lasts for about 15 years before it starts developing issues that can damage your landscaping. Unless the previous owner of the home knows when the system was installed, you might be buying a house with an ancient system in place. Before you give into the temptation to update the landscaping and get your hands dirty in the garden, you’ll want to replace those old irrigation components with a new sprinkler system. Otherwise, you risk having to tear up portions of the yard to fix damage you didn’t know was there in the first place.  

How to Go About Getting Your New System Installed

There are some DIY sprinkler systems you can use in a pinch, but they’re not meant for long-term use. Instead, you’ll want to call an experienced sprinkler system installation team to assess the needs of your property. They’ll look at the yard, the placement of your garden beds, and the relative water pressure for the house to help determine the perfect placement for your new system.

If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s irrigation system, contact the team at Water Solutions Sprinkler Service today. We’ll come to your property and provide you with a free no-obligation estimate for installation or repairs. Whether you’re upgrading from an older system or installing the first irrigation lines for your growing lawn, we’ll make sure your home has everything it needs to keep your landscaping looking its best for years to come.