Top 3 Causes of Corrosion in a Lawn Sprinkler System

Sprinkler systems keep lawns looking healthy and vibrant. However, the sprinkler system’s heads and pipes may become corroded, necessitating a professional sprinkler repair in Las Vegas. It is important to know about the top causes of corrosion in a lawn sprinkler system and what you can do in order to prevent the repaired or replaced sprinkler heads from quickly corroding again.

High Oxygen Levels

A high water oxygen level is a common source of corrosion. The presence of oxygen corrodes metals. The oxygen takes electrons away from the metal, causing it to weaken and develop rust. If the oxygen levels in your water are high, it might be due to incorrect pressure levels or natural fluctuations in the water supply. There is not much you can do about high oxygen levels in the water, but you can monitor the sprinkler heads and arrange for prompt maintenance at the first sign of corrosion.

Herbicide or Pesticide Application

If your lawn receives herbicide or pesticide applications, they could be the cause of the corrosion on sprinkler heads. Some herbicides and pesticides contain harsh chemicals, and those chemicals could interact with the metal on the sprinkler heads. Ask your lawn maintenance service to only use herbicides or pesticides that do not contain chemicals known to cause metal damage.

Bacteria

High bacteria levels in the water may also be a cause of corrosion in a sprinkler head. Some bacteria may use metal as a nutrient for growth. They may also use other minerals in the water, such as iron or sodium for their metabolism. When the bacteria metabolize the minerals or elements, they release waste products that are acidic. Those acids eat away at and corrode the metal. One way to prevent this is to use a municipal water source that’s treated to kill bacteria.