A damaged sprinkler system is a major issue. It hurts your landscaping which can decrease your home’s curb appeal almost immediately. But if you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably wondering what repairs you should expect to experience throughout your time owning your home. Though every sprinkler system is unique, your Denver sprinkler installation team has seen several problems that happen far more frequently than others. And the sooner you learn to recognize the signs, the better off you’ll be. Here are a few of the most common sprinkler repairs to watch for. 

Clogged Sprinkler Heads

Your home’s sprinkler heads pop up when they’re watering your yard and retract when they’re not. This helps keep you from accidentally walking into them when you’re out in the yard. While it does protect them from damage, it can lead to clogs in your sprinkler heads. 

Remember, the heads sit flush with the ground. They’re exposed to dirt and debris every time they pop up and retract. When the soil is soft, dirt can get into the mechanism and clog the spray head. If you notice that your sprinkler isn’t spraying when it turns on, schedule a repair appointment. Getting it cleaned professionally will likely solve the problem.

Broken Sprinkler Heads

Though sprinkler heads are durable, they’re not invincible. If you’re not paying attention when you’re mowing or the kids are playing outside, it’s possible to break the sprinkler heads. And sometimes, the problem can happen seemingly on its own. 

Pay attention to the way your sprinkler heads work when the system turns on.  If you notice that one head isn’t popping up or spraying, contact an expert. Sprinkler heads can break for many reasons. And the only way to know for sure what’s causing the problem with your system is to get it inspected by a professional. They’ll be able to assess the condition of your entire system and find the root cause of the problem. And once they do, they’ll be able to fix it. 

Improperly Programmed Timers

When your sprinkler system doesn’t turn on, it’s normal to panic. Nothing is worse than having to hand-water your lawn.  But the problem might not be a catastrophic issue with your sprinklers. It could be related to the timer system. If you don’t know how to use it correctly, you might have improperly programmed timers. 

If this is the case, your sprinkler technician will be able to check the system and make sure you know how to use your timers. If the timers are outdated or not able to handle the demands of modern technology and wiring systems, they’ll be able to help you find a replacement that better fits your needs. 

Jammed Valves

Inside every sprinkler system, there are valves that control the flow of water to each sprinkler head. When they open properly, you get the flow you expect and your lawn gets the water it needs regularly. But when the valves get jammed, your sprinklers won’t work properly.

Unfortunately, there are tons of different causes of jammed valves. It could be debris around the mechanism or it could be a fault with the system itself. The only way to know for sure is to get it inspected by a professional. They’ll make sure your valves are working properly every time. And if they identify an issue, they’ll fix it quickly so you can get back to watering your lawn and landscaping on a regular basis.  

Sprinkler Heads Sitting Too High

Sprinkler heads pop up when the system is set to turn on. It’s how they spread a steady supply of water over your lawn and landscaping. But sometimes, they pop up too far and this exposes them both to the elements and to possible landscaping hazards. Worse, it can change the spray and cause the sprinklers to hit the wrong part of your yard. This can cause your yard to suffer and keeps your lawn from looking as great as it should.

If you notice a head sitting higher than the others or see that your sprinklers aren’t spraying where they should, it could be a problem with the height of the heads. Your technician will be able to find out what’s making your sprinklers pop up too high. And they’ll be able to fix the problem so you can enjoy the lush lawn you love.

Broken or Leaky Pipes

Unfortunately, even the best sprinkler systems rely on pipes to supply water to your system. If the pipes are damaged or have leaks, it can impact the quality of your watering system. When this happens, you’ll see a decrease in water pressure for the heads that rely on that pipe or water line for their supply.

If the spray looks like it’s underperforming, make an appointment with your technician. They’ll be able to find the leak or break in the pipe, even if the pipe is underground. Once they do, they’ll help you figure out the best solution to fix the damage. Once it’s fixed, your sprinklers will perform as normal.

Damaged Electrical Components

Let’s face it…almost everything convenient relies on electricity. And your sprinkler system is no different. That means it has a complex electrical system that controls the sprinkler heads popping up, the spray patterns, and the frequency that the system runs. But if the electrical components are damaged, you’ll notice problems almost immediately.

If you see that your system isn’t working as it should, book an appointment. If it’s an electrical issue, you’ll need a professional to fix the problem. There are dozens of possible causes of electrical issues. And if you don’t know how to spot them, you’ll end up addressing the wrong issue. 

Get Your System Inspected

The best way to stay on top of potential maintenance issues is to schedule a full system inspection with your sprinkler repair expert. The sooner you do, the easier it will be to fix minor issues before they turn into major problems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced team.