Irrigation – Common Irrigation Problems and How to Spot Them

Landscape maintenance is a major step to achieving a picture-worthy lawn, which requires an effective irrigation system. Sadly, irrigation problems are common and can negatively affect even the most meticulously designed landscapes. Identifying these issues early as a homeowner can save you time, money, and the heartache of seeing your beautiful outdoor space into a damaged nightmare. Most Common Irrigation Issues There are many answers to explain why irrigation problems exist and come to be, and though a common nuisance, there's no telling when these issues can affect your landscape. Watering systems are unpredictable, and a homeowner may only recognize them once it's too late and your lawn is flooded. Here are a few common irrigation issues to be on the watch for if you find you may be experiencing unusual behavior from your system: Uneven Coverage & Watering Uneven watering often leads to dry patches, where plants struggle to survive due to the inadequate amount of moisture received. Misaligned sprinklers may cause these patches, clogged nozzles, or other faulty irrigation issues. Thankfully dry patches are easy to spot — regularly inspect your garden for areas with wilted plants, brown grass, or dryer soil than usual, even after watering. By keeping a close eye on the condition of your lawn and garden, you can quickly get results on its health. Taking a quick walk around your garden during a watering session will reveal the areas with insufficient water coverage. Uneven water distribution can lead to stunted growth in certain plants and encourage weed growth in dry spots. These side effects may be due to clogged sprinklers, leading to certain zones in the landscape not receiving the proper amount. On the other hand, overwatering can be just as damaging to your landscape, especially without proper drainage. Overwatered areas may appear waterlogged, with muddy soil, and exhibit signs of rotting roots, such as yellowing leaves or a strange smell. Puddles forming around the base of plants is another telltale sign of excessive watering, which can be prevented with a proper irrigation system. Reduced Water Flow Reduced water flow can be a side effect of many malfunctioning parts in your irrigation system. Clogged sprinkler heads and drippers are a common problem in irrigation systems, caused by dirt accumulation or debris build-up. Reduced water flow or irregular spray patterns can indicate these clogs. Have an expert perform a routine check to ensure water is evenly distributed through each sprinkler head. Another issue in reduced water flow can be blocked valves, causing entire irrigation zones to remain inactive and dry, a big no-no for your landscape. These problems can lead to severe water deprivation for the plants in that zone, causing them to wilt and die. Regularly inspect your valves and sprinkler heads with professional services to clean and repair them if necessary. Leaks Leaky irrigation pipes or defective connectors can cause water to pool on the surface and flood your grass. To detect potential leaks, look for puddles or wet patches in your garden, especially in non-watering zones. Not only do leaks waste water, but they can also damage your plants and lawn over time. A major sign of water leakage is a sudden increase in your water bills without a related increase in usage. Keep a close eye on your water and energy bills and consult a professional irrigation service like ProGreen Austin if you notice any unexplained spikes. Irregular Watering Schedule An irregular watering schedule can come as a surprise but can be caused by many reasons. A malfunctioning irrigation controller can lead to overwatering and underwatering at different times, messing up the set watering schedule. Your controller may be responsible for this, and it's a good idea to check for any programming or power supply issues when applicable. Electrical issues can also disrupt the communication between your controller and the irrigation system. If you notice some zones are being irregularly watered, this might indicate an electrical problem that requires professional attention. What to Do When Irrigation Issues Arise Suddenly No matter how carefully you maintain your irrigation system, unexpected problems, from accidents to natural events, may still happen. In these instances, taking action is your best bet against minimizing the damage to your lawn and restoring the functionality of your system. Here's what you can do when these issues arise unexpectedly:

1. Turn Off the System: If you notice a sudden leak or significant problems, immediately turn off the irrigation system. Shut off the main water supply or system's controller to prevent further damage and water waste.
2. Check for Obvious Signs of Damage: After turning off the system, inspect for any visible signs of damage or clogs and then look for pooling water, damaged sprinkler heads, or anything broken or malfunctioning. While some issues may be obvious, others might require a professional opinion to diagnose correctly.
3. Contact Professional Irrigation Services: Contact professional irrigation services like ProGreen Austin is best for any issues beyond your understanding. Experienced technicians can quickly identify the root cause and provide effective solutions to keep your system running smoothly again.
4. Avoid DIY Repairs: While it might be tempting to tackle irrigation issues yourself, attempting DIY repairs can worsen the problem. You could end up causing further damage if you’re unsure of what you’re doing, which can compromise the system's integrity. Trust the experts to handle the rest.
5. Schedule A Maintenance Session: Consider scheduling regular maintenance with professionals after figuring out where the problem lies. By being proactive, you prevent future problems for your irrigation system, which saves money on potential repairs.