Common Sprinkler System Problems and How to Fix Them

When a sprinkler system is working properly, your yard will be watered evenly and kept in good condition, no matter the weather. However, these systems are prone to malfunctions brought about for any number of reasons. The longer that these problems persist, the more extensive the issue will become, costing you more and more money to repair if left untreated. While there is a wide range of problems that your sprinkler system could be affected by, the following details the most common of them as well as how to fix the issue.

Misaligned Equipment

The equipment used within your sprinkler system can become misaligned in moments, leaving you with an uneven distribution of water across your yard that results in the development of brown spots and water runoff. This occurs when the sprinkler head becomes tilted, whether due to standard foot traffic or issues with the soil underneath. A similar misalignment issue is when the sprinkler head sinks into the ground due to soil that’s too soft. To fix these particular problems, it’s recommended that you remove the sod with a shovel, lift the sprinkler head and straighten it, and then replace the sod pieces around the system, making sure that the sod is firm and holds the sprinkler head properly.

Mixed Zones

Mixed zones occur when you’re using different types of sprinkler heads in one zone. For instance, the two main types of sprinkler heads are rotor and spray. However, spray heads emit around 50 percent more water than rotor heads. If you make the mistake of placing a spray head and rotor head in the same zone that was meant to only use a rotor head, portions of your grass in that area will be overly wet. Never mix a spray head and rotor head in the same zone and always use the same brand and type of head when replacing one.

Blocked Heads

Blocked heads occur for a variety of reasons, including everything from an overgrowth of vegetation to sprinkler heads being poorly installed. No matter the reason, this results in brown grass when water doesn’t reach its intended area as well as an uneven spray. Make sure to trim any overgrown vegetation and move the sprinkler head to a more convenient position if something is blocking it. If you find that these problems are too difficult to fix on your own, consider seeking services for sprinkler repair in Las Vegas.