Having a sprinkler system on your residential or commercial property can be the difference between a lush, green lawn and dry, unhealthy soil. Once your sprinkler system is activated or newly installed in the spring, some issues may develop, some you can resolve yourself, while others call for a professional.
Catching your sprinkler system’s warning signs early, like leaks or broken valves, can help you avoid more expensive problems down the road, saving you time and money.
10 Symptoms & Solutions
There are several common symptoms your sprinkler system may develop and solutions to your sprinkler repair in Calgary that will keep it working well for the long term.
Inactive sprinkler zones
A dormant sprinkler zone may cause uneven watering patterns on your lawn. A home can have one or more sprinkler zones on its lawn, so check each sprinkler. A general fix is checking your control panel for electrical issues or defective wiring, which can cause a sprinkler to malfunction. First, reset the system. If you’re still having issues after a reset, it’s time to call in a professional to do a quick fix.
Low water pressure
A warning is if your water pressure is consistently low when you use your sprinkler system. If you notice the water is not reaching parts of your lawn, it usually means there is a break. Homeowners are advised to look for pooling water.
Strange noises
A sprinkler system has regular noises that you’ll get used to. If you hear different sounds that seem unusual, it’s time to investigate. Loud whistling, hissing sounds, and banging are an indication of a problem. Faulty components, trapped air, or water leaks could be a sign that a repair is needed, and it’s time to call in a professional.
Electricity issues
Common electrical problems will result in one or more zones not working. It is advised to check the programming and try manually running the zones from the controller. If that doesn’t work, call an irrigation professional. If the controller is not getting power at all, check the breaker for the outlet, if that does not work it is best to have a technician check it out.
High water bills
A high water bill could mean trouble for your sprinkler system and your wallet. Overwatering or a broken or older system could be the culprit. The first solution is to check your water meter for a leak. Also, it’s good practice to visibly check your sprinkler heads for damage. But what you may not be able to see is a leaking valve, cracked pipe or a fitting that is hiding underground. If you’ve exhausted your solutions, call a professional to get your sprinkler system fixed.
Heads stuck down
If your sprinkler heads are stuck down and won’t pop up, it’s usually caused by dirt, sediment, or grass stuck in the sprinkler heads. Low water pressure and broken housing are also some possible causes. Replacing the sprinkler assembly is often the solution.
Leaks
Leaks are a common problem and an indication that there is a problem with your sprinkler system. If you notice that your water usage is going up, it may indicate a leak. This problem needs to be fixed right away so you’re not needlessly using excessive amounts of water. Replacing a sprinkler head could be a simple solution to a water leak. For a larger issue, the pipes may need to be dug up for repairs.
Broken or seized valves
A seized or broken valve can turn into an expensive repair and needs to be rectified right away. Wear and tear can reduce the functionality and efficiency of valves, necessitating regular checks and replacements.
Soil erosion
Your sprinkler system is on a timer and set to water the lawn at specific times for a set period. If your system is overwatering your lawn or garden, your soil will eventually erode the topsoil. A quick fix is to adjust the sprinkler head position and angle. If that doesn’t work, call a technician to get it looked at.
Uneven water distribution
If brown patches or oversaturated grass is showing up on your normally lush green lawn, it may be due to an uneven water distribution problem. Uneven water scattering is a sign of a malfunctioning sprinkler system. Clogged nozzles, broken heads, or issues with your water pressure are all signs that your sprinkler is not working properly. Troubleshooting can be as simple as cleaning filters, replacing damaged parts, or inspecting sprinkler heads. If these activities don’t resolve the situation, it’s always prudent to call a sprinkler technician.
DIY Vs Call a Professional
It may be tempting to fix your sprinkler system on your own. There are some things a homeowner or business can safely handle, like adjusting sprinkler heads or repositioning a sprinkler to avoid overwatering. But for anything more involved, buried line breaks, valve failures, or electrical issues, underground sprinkler repair in Calgary is best left to one of our expert technicians.
Are You Ready to Fix Your Sprinkler System?
Having a sprinkler system will save you time and money in the long run and improves the look and health of your lawn or garden. But sprinkler systems are not fail-safe – they need proper upkeep and small fixes before larger problems arise.
Serving Calgary, Rocky View County, Okotoks, Lethbridge, and Kelowna, B.C., Naiad Irrigation Systems is one of Alberta’s trusted irrigation companies. Call to speak with one of our certified technicians today. Inspections and tune-ups are also available.
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Book a service or call us today @ 587-200-3994. We provide top-notch services from Irrigation Association-certified professionals.
