When your sprinklers are working the way they’re supposed to, they send a steady supply of water to your plants and lawn without issue. Once the timer sends the signal, the system turns on and runs through the cycle automatically, only missing cycles if there’s a significant rainstorm that makes watering unnecessary. Since they’re entirely automatic, it’s easy to stop paying attention to the way the system is working at any given time or the issues it might be causing with your home’s exterior. Remember, water damage is a serious issue and the sooner you deal with it, the better off your property will be. Here are a few key things your Denver sprinkler repair team wants you to watch for around your property.

Pooling Around Your Foundation
Your home’s foundation is designed to be able to handle the occasional rainstorm without a problem. It’s even built to move with changing soil conditions without cracking and getting damaged. However, it’s not built to withstand constant exposure to water. Walk around your home’s exterior and keep an eye on the foundation line. Look for puddles collecting along the side of your house after running your sprinkler system. 

Even if those puddles fade after an hour or two, you’ll want to get your system inspected by a professional. Small puddles soaking into the ground around your home still increase the amount of moisture exposure your foundation faces. Over time, it can cause the foundation to crack and warp. Once this happens, you’ll be in for some costly repairs and may have to deal with additional damage throughout your home.

Cracks in the Siding
Your home’s siding isn’t just a decorative touch that adds personality and flair to your building. It also helps protect the insulation, wiring, and integrity of the house itself. When it’s damaged, the rest of your house is at risk for serious water damage, insect infestations, and even mold growth. Unfortunately, water repeatedly hitting the side of your house can cause the siding to warp and lift away from the supports on the exterior of your house. 

Look at your siding at least once a month and check for any cracks and warping in the materials. If you see any, get them repaired quickly and have your sprinklers inspected to make sure the issue won’t repeat itself. Your repair technician will be able to make the necessary repairs to adjust the spray pattern of your sprinklers.

Warping Paint
Exterior paint is designed to withstand regular exposure to moisture and the elements, but repeat exposure caused by sprinkler systems constantly hitting the side of your home can cause the paint to bubble up. Once it does, the moisture barrier formed by the paint will be compromised. This puts your siding at risk of extensive water damage if the problem continues. Once the moisture builds up in the siding, it can end up encouraging mold and mildew growth inside your walls. Adjusting the sprinkler heads to avoid hitting the house will keep the damage at bay.

Excess Moisture Buildup in the Basement
Sometimes, the spray from your sprinkler heads can soak into the ground very quickly. That doesn’t mean it’s not doing damage to your home. Get in the habit of inspecting your basement or crawlspace every few weeks. Pay attention to the humidity levels inside and make sure there’s no sign of water soaking through the foundation and into your home. If you notice anything out of place or feel that the space is overly humid, don’t wait. Get the damage checked out by an experienced contractor and take care of your sprinkler heads’ positioning.

Discoloration in Your Foundation
All water has some trace minerals in it. Those minerals are actually beneficial both for your health and your home’s soil composition. However, those same minerals can also make it really easy to notice water damage caused by your sprinkler system after the water has dried completely. Between watering sessions, walk around your home’s exterior and look for visible discoloration along the base of your home. You’ll likely see a buildup of white specks left behind as the water dried. If you see this, take action quickly. The sooner you get your sprinkler system adjusted, the safer your home’s foundation will be.

Musty Smell Indoors
Severe water damage will eventually soak into the walls of your home even if the source of the water damage comes from outside your house. Though you might not see visible water damage inside your house, you will likely be able to smell it. Give your home a smell test every week and pay attention to any inexplicably changing odors. If you suddenly start smelling damp, musty, or earthy smells inside your house, you likely have water damage soaking in from the exterior. Keep in mind that this could be due to a problem in your plumbing, so it’s always best to schedule an appointment with your trusted plumber.

Water Pooling on the Main Level
If water keeps hitting the side of your house and you continue to ignore the issues at hand, you may end up seeing water pooling inside your home along the base of your walls. Ignoring this damage isn’t an option. The longer it sits, the more damaged your home will become. As soon as you notice inexplicable moisture on your floor, get your sprinkler system and your plumbing system inspected. This way, you’ll be able to fix the issue before the problem spreads and threatens the safety of your house and your furnishings.

Don’t Let Your Sprinklers Hurt Your Home
Watch for these tell-tale signs that your sprinkler system is damaging your house so you can stay on top of repairs and keep your home in good condition. If you spot even a single one, don’t ignore the damage. Contact Water Solutions Sprinkler Service as soon as possible to schedule an inspection with our dedicated team. We’ll make sure your sprinkler system is calibrated correctly so the only things the sprinkler heads will water will be the plants you love.