How to Detect a Leak in Your Irrigation System

Have you ever had an irrigation system leak? Landscaping is complicated. So any process you can add to make it simpler is a win. That's one reason we encourage our clients to install irrigation systems. Irrigation takes the guesswork out of watering your plants because it's easy to do too much or too little without it! And with a timer or other innovative technology, you don't need to be at or near your home to get water. But even irrigation systems aren't foolproof. Your system only waters well if you keep it in good condition. That's one of the reasons why irrigation inspections are so necessary. But one irrigation problem you may notice on your own is a leak.

Why Do Irrigation Systems Leak?

There can be many reasons why an irrigation system is leaking. Like everything else, they are subject to wear and tear and are more likely to malfunction if misused. Here are a few of the most typical causes of leaks.

Wear and Tear

One of the most common reasons your system may leak is from usage over time. Water corrodes metal, water pressure loosens fitting, and everything in the world wears out. Regular inspection by a professional irrigation specialist can help you detect and repair changes before they become problematic.

Nature

In colder climates, freezing temperatures are among the most common leak causes. Of course, we don't have to worry about that much in North Austin, but nature still affects everything housed outdoors. Nature always changes! As dirt shifts, the pipes can shift too. Mud gets into places it shouldn't, and lawn chemicals can cause reactions. Tree roots grow into and disrupt water lines. You can predict every possible cause of irrigation system leaks.

Human Error

Another common reason for leaks is human error. For example, if you turn on the water pressure too high, you can damage your system. Each system has a maximum allowable pressure that should not be exceeded. Any system part that sits above the ground is vulnerable to damage. For example, common culprits of broken sprinkler heads or other external system elements are errant lawn mower wheels or running feet. Finally, improper installation is a significant cause of leaks, as is a lack of maintenance. Each of these problems can be repaired by an irrigation installation professional.

How to Detect an Irrigation System Leak

So you now know the cause of irrigation system leaks. But how do you detect them? There are several signs to watch for.

Monitor Your Water Usage

The earliest sign of a leak is a sudden uptick in water usage with no apparent cause. While dry weather may require more frequent watering, if you can't attribute it to that or other reasons, it's worth investigating further to see if your system has a leak.

Pools of Water or Visible Damage

Another way to catch a water leak early is by noticing water accumulation around your sprinkler heads or other irrigation system parts. In addition to seeing the water itself, you may notice muddy or swampy spots within your yard. Sometimes you don't see the leak but the cause of it. For example, with sprinklers, you may see the physical damage to a sprinkler head rather than the resulting leak. Damage is visible in the form of chips or apparently broken parts or in the trajectory of the spray.

Dead Grass

Finally, the most typical reason that a homeowner figures out that something is wrong with their irrigation systems is when it's already too late. Often it's difficult to detect a leak until you notice the sign of it - dead grass. The damage may already be done at this point, but you can call the pros to fix it to prevent further problems.

It's Always Better to Prevent Leaks Rather than Fix Them

Prevention being preferable to cure is not exclusive to landscaping, but it's certainly true with it! That's why we offer irrigation inspection packages to help you catch irrigation system leaks and other irrigation issues early. Our 18-point irrigation inspection checklist catches the most common irrigation issues and allows you to fix them before they affect your lawn.

Let's Get Your Irrigation System Operating Properly!

Whether you have an old irrigation system you've been operating for years, a brand new one, or you are considering installing one, Progreen is your professional green team for your irrigation system needs. Call us to fix your leaks, inspect, or install your system!