More than half of all Americans own a home. And while many urban homes have small yards (or no yard area to speak of), there are millions of homes with expansive front and back yards that require consistent care.
But many homeowners are unfamiliar with their home’s irrigation system. Lawn sprinklers come in all sorts of types and capacities and it’s crucial to learn more about the common signs of sprinkler damage. Doing so could help you save your lawn!
Common Signs of Leaky Lawn Sprinklers
If you’re not entirely sure that your sprinklers have sprung a leak, following the trail to the root of the problem can be tricky. Fortunately, there are several telltale signs of leaky lawn sprinklers. Some of the most common signs include:
- Flooded Curb
- Muddy Spots
- Dead Patches
- Visible Dripping or Spraying
- A High Water Bill
Should you develop a sneaking suspicion that your sprinklers might be leaking, these are the signs you should look out for. Familiarizing yourself with these signs can also help you handle any potential sprinkler issues with confidence and ease.
Flooded Curb
Have you noticed an excessive amount of water near your home’s curbs? If your area hasn’t been experiencing a lot of rain, that water could be runoff from your yard. A flood curb can be a sign of too much watering or a faulty sprinkler head.
To achieve the ideal level of water coverage, many lawn service technicians will install sprinkler heads near the concrete pavement. This includes a home’s driveway or neighboring sidewalk. Unfortunately, these sprinklers can be forgotten.
After several months of lawn growth, these heads can become clogged with dead grass blades or dirt. They may also warp within the soil and end up embedded against a concrete surface.
No matter what, the result is a sputtering sprinkler head that only serves to gurgle water into the curb. If you spot pools of water near your sprinkler system in the morning, it may be time to investigate further.
Muddy Spots
One of the most obvious signs of sprinkler damage is a muddy yard. If you’ve got leaks throughout a subterranean system, they may be causing your soil to become overly wet, resulting in sunken, muddy areas throughout the yard.
Conversely, a damaged sprinkler system can also contribute to dead patches of grass.
Dead Patches
While it may seem strange to associate dead patches of grass with a sprinkler leak, these two things are related. If your sprinkler isn’t reaching the full depth of area it’s designed to reach, there may be parts of your lawn that aren’t receiving any water.
This leads to dead, dry patches or lines or grass. These patches can be frustrating, but they’re often a sign of poor sprinkler heads. It’s far easier to replace or repair sprayer heads than an entire system, so this may be a relief.
Visible Dripping or Spraying
If you see your sprinkler heads dripping or spraying unevenly, then you’ve spotted a problem. Leaking sprayer heads may need to be replaced or treated with a cleaning agent. Heads that spray unevenly may be clogged or damaged.
Depending on the nature of your irrigation system, you may be able to replace faulty sprinkler heads on your own or you may need to hire a professional technician. Still, dripping sprinklers can lead to muddy, bare patches on your lawn. It’s best to act now.
A High Water Bill
You may also want to check your water meter for signs of sudden spikes. A high water bill can be a sign that your sprinkler system is regularly leaking water.
Not only is the damaging to your finances, but it can also lead to long-term problems with your yard. To avoid dealing with a sodden property, check your water meter at the first sign of leaks.
How to Fix Damaged Lawn Sprinklers
When it comes to fixing a damaged lawn irrigation system, homeowners have two primary options. They can either choose to:
- Repair their sprinkler system, or
- Replace it entirely
While repairs are typically less expensive than full replacements, installing a new sprinkler system can be the better and more cost-effective option in some cases. Of course, you could also attempt to perform a repair or replacement yourself.
However, modern sprinkler systems can be complex. Additionally, you may be dealing with multiple leaks. As such, a professional service can save you time and money over attempting a DIY project.
Repair
If you’re already satisfied with your irrigation system, you may want to opt for repairs. Experienced repair technicians can replace rusty components and clean filthy heads, allowing water to flow freely once more.
You could choose to attempt a DIY lawn sprinkler repair, but it may prove challenging. Most modern irrigation systems are mostly underground. It may be better to hire a team of professionals before you dig up half your yard.
Replace
Replacing your irrigation system can cost more than repairing it. But it could also be a better solution when dealing with multiple leaks or an aging sprinkler system. Besides, modern irrigation solutions come in many sizes, shapes, and types.
A brand-new sprinkler system could help you save water, money, and a lot of frustration. Efficient irrigation options are often installed beneath the surface of your lawn for greater effectiveness, helping you to achieve a more luscious lawn.
Enjoy an Effective Sprinkling System
A leaky sprinkler system can be challenging to repair or replace without professional help. If you spot muddy or dead patches in your otherwise gorgeous lawn, you may be dealing with irrigation issues.
Lawn sprinklers aren’t impervious to environmental damage, and sprinkler heads can rust or become clogged. This often results in spraying or dripping. If you can’t find any obvious signs of leaks, you may want to check your water meter.
A high water bill could be a sign of a leaky sprinkling system. If you’re curious to find out more about sprinkler repair and replacement, be sure to learn more about our team now!
