A properly functioning sprinkler system is essential for keeping your lawn and gardens healthy and lush. However, like any complex system, sprinklers can develop leaks, clogs and other issues over time. When problems arise, it’s important to diagnose and repair them quickly to prevent damage and wasted water.
In this comprehensive guide, we outline the seven most common sprinkler repairs homeowners face, along with step-by-step instructions for DIY troubleshooting and fixes. With a few basic tools and supplies, you can get your sprinkler system back up and running optimally again.
Inspecting Your Sprinkler System
The first step in any sprinkler repair project is a thorough inspection of the entire system. This allows you to identify any visible issues and determine where problems may be originating.
Walk along all zones of your sprinkler system while it’s operating and look for:
- Leaking connections: Check where sprinkler heads, valves or pipes connect. Tighten any loose connections with pipe wrenches. Replace worn washers, gaskets or o-rings on fittings.
- Clogged or broken spray heads: Clean out debris, replace damaged heads. Adjust any heads that aren’t spraying properly.
- Pooling water: This indicates a leak or malfunctioning head. Repair leaks at connections. Adjust sprinkler spray patterns and rates.
- Overspray: Wind or misaligned heads can waste water. Adjust heads to spray intended areas only. Install spray head risers to curb overspray.
- Dry spots: Check for broken pipes if areas aren’t getting water. Adjust spray pattern or add heads to reach all parts of the landscape.
Thorough inspections on a regular basis can help identify and address minor problems before they escalate into major repairs.
1. Fixing Leaks
One of the most common issues with sprinkler systems is leaks. Even small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time and lead to structural erosion or flooding. There are various causes of leaks:
Faulty fittings: Corrosion and normal wear-and-tear can cause fittings to crack and leak over time. Inspect all fittings and connections for drips during sprinkler operation. Tighten loose fittings with pipe wrenches. Replace old compression washers and gaskets to stop leaks.
Broken/damaged pipes: Pipes can crack from freezing temperatures, corrosion, old age or accidental damage. Listen for hissing sounds and look for wet spots when system is on. Repair cracks and holes with PVC primer & cement or splice repair couplings.
Mistakes in system design/installation: Poor planning can lead to leaks at connections. Hire a professional to inspect the system design and fix any problem areas. Adjust piping layout to eliminate awkward connections and pressure issues.
Equipment failures: Malfunctioning valves and broken sprinkler heads cause leaks. Replace any visibly damaged equipment. Conduct valve pressure tests and replace internal parts like diaphragms as needed.
With some basic tools and replacement parts, many leaks can be repaired DIY. But for complex pipe repairs or underlying design issues, sprinkler system professionals may be needed.
2. Adjusting Spray Heads and Nozzles
Rotating sprinkler heads with nozzles deliver water in set spray patterns and radii. But vibrations, blocked nozzles, improper setup and other factors can disrupt water delivery over time. Symptoms include dry areas, overspray, uneven coverage and inefficient watering. Adjusting heads and nozzles improves system performance.
Checking nozzles: Unscrew nozzles annually and clean out any debris clogging the openings. Replace any damaged nozzles. Use nozzles that match the head’s flow rate specs.
Re-leveling heads: Heads can shift over time and spray off-target. Re-level tilted heads in the ground using a screwdriver. Adjust the riser height as needed.
Adjusting arc and range: Use the arc adjustment screw to widen or narrow the spray distance as needed. Replace the nozzle to increase or decrease spray distance.
Fine-tuning spray pattern: Use the radius adjustment screw to fine-tune water delivery. Loosen the screw for a tight quarter-circle spray near the head. Tighten it gradually for a fuller circle.
Raising spray heads: Lawn growth, aeration and settling can bury heads over time.Elevate sunken heads on longer risers to maintain proper spray height.
Proper setup and routine adjustment keeps spray heads working efficiently. Areas stay uniformly watered without overspray.
3. Flushing Clogged Irrigation Lines
Debris that enters sprinkler lines can obstruct water flow, leading to poor irrigation coverage. Routine flushing removes accumulated dirt, minerals and organic matter clogging pipes.
Locating blockages: Note any heads not popping up or spraying weakly. Section off the irrigation system and run water through each zone separately to isolate problem areas.
Using a flush cap: Install a flush cap on the head furthest downstream in the problem zone. Turn the zone on, forcing debris out through the cap.
Manually flushing: A compression fitting allows you to attach a garden hose to irrigation pipes. Connect the hose and turn the water on high to purge lines downstream.
Chemical flushing: For stubborn clogs, dissolve debris using descaling solutions or enzymes as you flush the system. Always back-flush clean water afterwards.
Preventive maintenance: Flushing sprinkler lines 2-3 times per season keeps the system clear. Annual professional flushes can clean the entire network thoroughly.
With routine flushing, most sprinkler clogs can be cleared quickly without disassembting pipes. Preventive maintenance saves water and protects your system.
4. Draining and Winterizing Sprinklers
In climates with freezing winter temperatures, sprinklers must be fully drained and winterized to prevent pipe bursts. Taking a few simple steps in fall prepares the system for safe overwintering.
Inspecting: Do a walkthrough inspection and identify any repairs needed before winter shutdown. Fix leaky fittings, broken heads, low drip emitters to prevent freeze damage.
Draining: Turn off the water supply and activate each zone manually to bleed out all remaining water. Open drain valves at any system low points. Use compressed air to thoroughly clear water from lateral pipes if needed.
**Disassembling: **Take apart and store sprinkler heads, filters and backflow preventers indoors over winter.
Insulating: Foam pipe insulation wraps or heat tape along main supply lines and risers protects against ground freeze.
Emergency drainage: On warm winter days when thawing happens, manually run each zone briefly to drain melted water.
Spring restart: Confirm all water is drained before reopening the supply in spring. Charge the system slowly and check for any freeze damage before restarting operation.
With proper winterization, you can safely store your system and restart quickly in spring without needing extensive repairs.
5. Replacing Broken Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads have moving parts that wear out over time. They can also get damaged by lawn equipment or freezing temperatures. Replacing broken heads quickly restores uniform coverage.
Identifying failures: Look for heads not popping up, spinning erratically or leaking. Heads spraying in odd patterns likely have internal part failures.
Shutting off water: Turn off the zone valve and water supply before servicing heads to avoid flooding. Bleed pressure by activating the head manually.
Removing the head: Use a head removal tool to extract broken inner components and the riser. Plastic heads snap off risers when twisted.
Installing new heads: Apply pipe thread sealant to riser threads. Hand tighten onto the riser until aligned properly. Adjust arc and radius settings to match surrounding heads.
Testing operation: Turn the water back on and activate the zone to observe the new head. Make any adjustments needed before returning the system to automatic schedules.
Having replacement heads of each model on hand allows fast swaps when problems occur. Annual head inspections identify wear early.
6. Servicing Valves and Valve Boxes
Malfunctioning valves can disrupt water flow and irrigation coverage. A few key maintenance steps keep these control components working properly.
Checking for leaks: Valve leaks send water out through the box drain when the valve is off. Leaking diaphragms and damaged solenoids are common culprits.
Cleaning: Use a shop vacuum to remove accumulated dirt and debris from valve boxes. Check filter screens; clean or replace if clogged.
Lubricating: Lubricate solenoids, flow control stems and seals with silicone spray annually to prevent sticking.
Testing valves: Conduct pressure tests annually to check for adequate inlet/outlet pressure and smooth actuation.
Replacing parts: Typical valve repairs include new diaphragms, solenoids, seals and pressure regulation trim. Complete valve replacements may be needed after 10-15 years.
Insulating: Insulate valve boxes in cold climates to prevent freezing. Install heat tape on pipes and electronic valve boxes with freeze sensors.
Regular service maximizes valve longevity and ensures all zones receive appropriate pressure and flow for quality irrigation coverage.
7. Modifying Sprinkler System Layouts
Changes in plantings, lawns and landscape features over time can render the original sprinkler layout inefficient. Modifications tailored to the current landscaping improve water coverage.
Evaluating coverage: Note any persistently dry or overwatered areas, then identify layout issues causing them. Head spacing, radii and spray angles may need realignment.
Adding heads: Increase head density to reach newly planted beds, lawns or expanded landscape footprints. Install additional zones if needed.
Relocating heads: Move heads to higher traffic areas and keep them aligned with plants’ water needs. Convert fixed spray heads to rotors for large open areas.
Updating components: Larger lots may need re-piping with wider diameter pipe to provide adequate flow rates. Go for uniformity in head models for easier maintenance.
Working with a pro: Have an irrigation professional do a full renovation analysis and design improvements tailored to mature landscape needs.
As landscaping evolves, keep efficiencies high by having your sprinkler system re-evaluated and modified by experts.
Troubleshooting Common Sprinkler Problems
Diagnosing basic issues accurately helps pinpoint solutions for the most common sprinkler problems homeowners encounter:
Heads not popping up: This is typically caused by low water pressure. Check system pressure at the valves – look for kinked or clogged pipes reducing flow. Adjust the downstream pressure regulation if needed.
Spray not reaching full distance: Nozzles likely need cleaning if spray patterns are uneven. Replace nozzles to increase spray distance as necessary.
Water leaks at heads: Tighten connections, replace old gaskets and washers at leaking fittings. Damaged swing joints may need replacement.
Heads spraying in wrong direction: Re-level or adjust heads spraying outside intended areas. Replace worn wiper seals if realignment doesn’t resolve off-target spraying.
Sections of system not working: Check zone valves for proper operation and repair or replace malfunctioning diaphragms, solenoids. Flush debris clogging pipes downstream.
Low head drainage after watering: Add check valves at sprinkler heads to prevent unwanted drainage which wastes water. This keeps heads primed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repairing Sprinklers
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions homeowners have about diagnosing and repairing common sprinkler system problems on their own:
What are signs I may have a leak in my sprinkler system?
Signs of a leak include visible water pooling and unusually wet areas when the system runs, sharp increases in water bills, soil erosion around pipes and heads, and heads not popping up or spraying properly due to low pressure. Inspect all connections, pipes and heads closely to locate the leak source.
Why do some of my sprinkler heads spray in the wrong direction?
Heads spraying the wrong way are likely off level or sunken into the ground. Use a screwdriver to re-level crooked heads. Adjust the riser height as needed to realign spray direction. Worn wiper seals inside the head can also disrupt spray patterns.
My sprinklers don’t cover my entire yard. What should I do?
Poor coverage usually means you need more sprinkler heads in problem areas. Draw an irrigation map of your current layout, identify dry zones and add heads there, adjusting spray patterns to reach thirsty areas. Converting fixed spray heads to rotors can also increase range.
How often should I inspect and service my sprinkler system?
Ideally, inspect your system at the start of each season for damaged heads, leaks and alignment issues. Flush water lines before use in spring. Conduct a full professional inspection annually to keep the system working optimally long-term.
How can I adjust the spray distance and pattern of my sprinkler heads?
Use the arc adjustment screw to widen or narrow the spray distance. Replace the nozzle with a different model to significantly increase or decrease spray radius as needed. Fine-tune the spray pattern with the radius adjustment screw.
Why is my automatic sprinkler system not turning on?
First check that the water supply valves are open. Then inspect the automatic controller for proper settings. Trace wires from the controller to valves and repair any damaged connections. Faulty solenoids and seized valve components can also disrupt automated operation.
How often should I run my sprinklers?
Ideal sprinkler runtimes vary based on climate, plant types and soil conditions. Run times of 10-25 minutes per zone every 2-7 days are typical, but adjust as needed based on moisture probes and the appearance of your lawn and gardens.
Conclusion
While sprinkler systems seem mysterious at first, diagnosing and repairing most common problems is straightforward with some DIY troubleshooting know-how. Learning the basics allows you to act quickly when issues arise and keep your system working efficiently.
Correctly winterizing, regular inspections, routine maintenance and periodic upgrades ensure your sprinklers provide optimal irrigation coverage over the long-term. Consider having professionals tackle major upgrades and below-ground repairs for best results.
With a properly functioning sprinkler system, you’ll use water wisely while keeping landscapes lush and vibrant all season long. The benefits are well worth the minimal time needed for preventive maintenance and repairs.