A lush, green lawn is the pride of any homeowner, and a reliable sprinkler system is the key to maintaining it. However, even the best systems can run into problems that lead to brown patches, water waste, and high utility bills. At Murphy Sprinkler Repair, our team understands the common culprits behind a faulty system, helping you spot trouble early and providing expert solutions when you need them.
This guide will walk you through four of the most frequent sprinkler problems homeowners face. Our team will explore the causes and solutions for broken heads, leaks, timer malfunctions, and strange noises. Timely repairs are crucial for conserving water and keeping your lawn healthy, so here is what the experts at Murphy Sprinkler Repair recommend looking out for.
A broken sprinkler head is one of the most visible and frustrating sprinkler issues. A geyser of water shooting from your lawn is a clear sign that something is wrong. These breaks can happen for several reasons.
A broken sprinkler head almost always requires a replacement. While it might seem like a simple swap, it’s important to use the correct replacement part that matches your system’s flow rate and coverage pattern. Using the wrong head can lead to over or under-watering in that zone. A professional can quickly identify the right model and ensure it’s installed at the correct height to prevent future lawnmower incidents.
A less dramatic but equally wasteful issue is a leaking sprinkler head. This problem often goes unnoticed until you spot a persistently muddy patch of lawn or see your water bill spike. Leaks can occur at the base of the head or from the seal at the top.
For a worn seal, the fix can be as simple as cleaning the head and replacing the seal. If the casing is cracked, the entire head must be replaced. To solve low head drainage, a technician can install check valves on the sprinkler heads. These valves act as a one-way gate, holding water in the pipes and preventing it from draining out through the lowest point.
Your sprinkler system’s timer, or controller, is its brain. When it malfunctions, your entire watering schedule is thrown off. This can result in your lawn getting too much water, too little water, or water at the wrong time of day, which promotes evaporation.
First, check the timer’s programming to ensure the schedule is correct. If there was a recent power outage, you may simply need to reprogram it. If the controller is old or unresponsive, it might be time for a replacement. Modern “smart” controllers offer significant advantages, allowing you to adjust watering based on weather forecasts, which saves water and improves lawn health.
Your sprinkler system should operate relatively quietly. If you hear loud noises like chattering, spitting, or a high-pitched whistling, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more significant damage down the line.
If high water pressure is the culprit, a pressure regulator can be installed at the main water connection for your irrigation system. This will protect all components from excess wear. For a noisy head, a thorough cleaning might dislodge debris. If the noise persists, replacing the head is usually the best course of action. A professional can diagnose the source of the noise to determine if the issue lies with the head, the valve, or the system’s pressure.
Addressing sprinkler issues promptly is essential for maintaining a beautiful lawn and managing your water consumption. Small leaks and inefficient watering can waste thousands of gallons of water over a season, damaging your landscape and your budget.
If you’re facing any of these common problems, or if your sprinkler system just isn’t performing as it should, our team at Murphy Sprinkler Repair is here to help. We have the expertise to diagnose and fix any issue, from simple head replacements to complex timer and pressure problems.
Contact Murphy Sprinkler Repair today to schedule a professional inspection and get your system back in top condition.
