No matter how new or old your sprinkler system is, you expect it to work reliably every time you turn it on. Unfortunately, even the most well-maintained system will develop issues that cause them to stop working unexpectedly. The sooner you can identify the possible cause of the problem, the easier it will be for you to get your Denver sprinkler system up and running. You just need to familiarize yourself with the most common causes of a non-functioning system. Here’s what you need to know.

Check the Controller

Your sprinkler system’s controller tells it when to turn on and when to turn off every day. Though it’s a sophisticated piece of equipment, issues can pop up. The most common problem is due to a lack of power at the controller. If your sprinkler system won’t turn on, check your controller first. Make sure the system is receiving power. If it’s not, check the circuit breaker for the controller and switch it back if the breaker tripped. If it’s receiving power and nothing is happening, check with your repair expert and let them make sure the controller is still in good working order.

Review the Programming

Most modern sprinkler systems allow you to program watering sessions to better suit your yard’s needs. This means you’re able to water your yard consistently whether you’re home or not. However, sometimes that programming can get swapped around or forgotten about. This means you might think that your sprinkler system isn’t running when you think it should because the system is telling it not to turn on. Check the current programming settings with your controller and make sure the system is set to water your yard at the time. If it is and the sprinklers aren’t working, you’ll need to call your repair technician. However, if the programming is telling the system to stay off, try adjusting the settings and see if the system turns on. In most cases, this will be enough to fix your sprinkler system.

The Sensors Are Broken

Just as modern sprinklers include the option to program watering sessions, they also feature rain and snow sensors. These sensors tell the system not to turn on when there’s an active rain or snowstorm. Unfortunately, identifying sensor issues can be tricky. Start by checking the controller and the programming settings you have in place. If there are no visible issues with those components, it could easily be the sensor. The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with your repair technician as soon as possible. They’ll be able to inspect the sensors and see if there’s underlying damage that’s keeping them from turning on in the first place. 

Low Water Pressure

The spray pattern of your sprinkler system depends entirely on the water pressure in the pipes. The stronger it is, the more area each sprinkler head will be able to cover at once. The weaker it is, the less spray your sprinkler heads will put out. If you notice subpar spray patterns or don’t see water coming out of the heads at all, check the water pressure on your property. Head to your nearest outdoor water spigot and turn it on. If there’s a steady flow of water, the issue with your sprinklers is due to another problem. However, if the water pressure seems low at the spigot, your best bet is to call a plumber. They’ll be able to inspect the water lines on your property and see if any blockages might contribute to the water pressure being low. Once they identify the source of the problem, they’ll be able to fix it quickly. This should restore your sprinkler system to its original condition.

Clogged Sprinkler Heads

It’s easy to think that you have serious damage when water doesn’t come out of each sprinkler head on your property. While you may have underlying issues that contribute to water not reaching certain locations, it’s more likely to be a problem with the sprinkler head itself. Take a look at the dry sprinkler head and inspect the water outlets across the entire unit. It’s normal for those outlets to get clogged with dirt, debris, and lawn clippings over time. If it looks dirty, clean the nozzle with a stiff-bristled brush and water. This should be enough to dislodge the dirt and restore water flow across your yard.

Issues With the Valve

Water valves are the easiest way to control whether your sprinkler system receives the water it needs to run through its cycle or if it stays dry. If there’s an active leak in the system or you’re preparing for winter, turning the valve off will keep your sprinklers in good shape. However, it’s incredibly easy to get sidetracked and forget that you turned the valve off in the first place. If your system isn’t running when it should, check the water valve. If it’s closed, open it back up and see if that fixes the problem. If it’s open and you’re still not seeing water coming out of your sprinklers, schedule a repair appointment.

Leaking Pipes

Every sprinkler system receives water from underground pipes. This is what allows the system to keep your entire lawn properly hydrated without forcing you to drag a hose around. When those pipes are in good condition, your system gets the water it needs. However, if they have even a small leak, it can seem like your sprinklers aren’t working correctly or at all. If you’ve been able to rule out all the other possible problems with your system, call your repair technician and let them assess the condition of your pipes. If there’s a leak, they’ll be able to fix the problem and restore your system.

Get Your System Inspected

If you notice that your system isn’t working as well as you’d like or you can’t get the system to turn on at all, don’t wait. Contact our team and schedule an inspection as soon as possible. We’ll help you figure out what’s causing the problem and find the right solution so you can water your lawn with ease.