A broken sprinkler head is an easy issue to overlook but in fact it may be wasting a large volume of water in a short amount of time. If water is spraying in the wrong direction, pooling in one area, leaking at the base, or going straight up into the air your irrigation system is not performing as it should. Instead of even coverage over your lawn you get some areas which are very wet which may even become muddy, some that are dry which may turn brown, some runoff and thus you see more mud and less grass, and in the end higher water bills.
For most home owners sprinkler damage is a hidden issue until the yard begins to look uneven. A section may become too wet at the same time that another area turns brown. Also the head may be cracked, clogged, buried, tilted, or totally broken from pressure, mowing, foot traffic, or age. Timely repair is key as sprinkler problems do not tend to correct themselves. As the system runs with damaged components it wastes more water, time, and money.
Small Sprinkler Damage Can Waste More Than Expected
Sprinkler systems are designed for even water distribution. When one head breaks down the whole irrigation zone is out of whack. Pressure drops, the near by heads may spray weakly, and the damaged head may flood one area which in turn doesn’t cover the rest of the lawn.
This is a double edged issue. For one the faulty head wastes water each time the system comes on. Also the rest of the yard may not be getting enough water due to uneven pressure. Homeowners may therefore extend the watering time out thinking the lawn is thirsty when in fact the issue is a broken sprinkler head.
A quick check can determine if the head requires cleaning, adjustment, replacement, or in depth irrigation repair. Addressing the issue at the early stage keeps the system running efficiently and also stops minor damage from turning into a major issue.
Why Sprinkler Heads Break So Often
Sprinkler heads are at ground level which makes them very easy to damage. Lawnmowers, cars, animals, foot traffic, gardening tools, and soil movement all play a role. Even a minor incident can cause breakage of the head, bending of the riser, or displacement of the spray pattern.
Dirt and debris also a cause for which sprinkler heads will break down. Soil, grass clippings, sand, and hard water scale may clog the nozzles. Once the nozzle is in fact blocked the spray may weaken, mist out unevenly, or may stop totally. Also in some cases pressure will build up around the head which in turn causes leaking at the base.
Age is also a key issue. As time goes by sprinkler heads wear out from continuous water pressure, sun exposure, weather changes, and seasonal use. Plastic components become brittle, seals weaken, and moving parts stop working properly. A head which was once reliable may over time begin to leak, stick, or spray unevenly.
Signs Your Sprinkler Head Needs Repair
A broken sprinkler head may not look as bad as you think. Some issues are minor in appearance but large in repair. May notice the sprinkler putting out very little water in one area, dry spots by where the spray should be, also water ending up on the sidewalk, the fence, the drive way, and the walls instead of the grass
Another indicator is poor spray. If the water is going very high, very low, to the side, or in an unusual pattern the head may be cracked, clogged, or out of alignment. A head which doesn’t pop up fully may be full of dirt or grass, also a head which stays up after use may have internal damage.
Higher water bills are a sign of possible sprinkler issues. If you have not changed your irrigation schedule but notice an increase in water usage, defective sprinkler heads may be to blame for water waste during each cycle. During operation of the system check for leaks and spray issues which may not be present when the sprinklers are off.
Quick Repair For Your Lawn and Wallet.
Quick repair of broken sprinklers will prevent water waste that which goes to your yard and utility bills. Replacing or fixing up defective sprinkler heads brings back proper spray performance, improves pressure, and see better even water coverage.
A professional does best for repair which also in turn prevents overwatering. We see that when water sits in one place it damages root structure, creates muddy soil, brings in pest problems, and hurts grass health. Also it may create dry spots in areas that no longer get adequate coverage. A balanced approach with sprinkler use keeps the lawn healthy and waste to a minimum.
Fast maintenance also an issue before seasonal changes. In the heat a broken sprinkler head will cause dry spots to appear quickly. In wet seasons we see lots of leaks and pooling which in turn makes for a messy yard and more work to maintain. To keep your irrigation system in tip top shape which in turn better serves your lawn at the peak of its growth.
How We Handle Sprinkler Head Repair
At time of the initial check we go over the sprinkler zone which is in operation at the moment. This allows us to see how each head performs, to identify pressure drops, and also to check for water leaks from the head, riser, valve area, or pipe connection. Live inspection at that time gives us a full picture of what is causing water waste.
We go over the state of the sprinkler head at this point. If it is clogged we clean it out or get a new one. If the head is cracked, broken, stuck, or putting out the wrong spray we replace it with the proper style for your lawn. Type of head matters because even the wrong spray pattern still leads to waste.
Also we change out the spray direction and range. A sprinkler is for grass and landscape areas not for sidewalks, driveways, walls or streets. Proper adjustment which in turn reduces runoff and keeps water in its place.
If damage is to the head we check the riser and connection. At times what appears to be a faulty sprinkler head is really a broken fitting or an underground leak. Fixing the right element will put an end to repeated issues and also see the system performance improve.
Better Water Quality Begins With The Right Solution.
A sprinkler system does best when each head is in the right place and is adjusted properly. A broken head will throw off the whole zone but the right repair job can have the system back to normal in no time.
Rebuilding broken sprinkler systems is more extensive than just to replace what is visible. We address waste, we improve coverage, we protect your lawn, and we make sure your irrigation system is using water efficiently. Once done right your lawn will get even and consistent water without over wetting one area or another.
Home owners don’t pay attention to that which is at first small in terms of sprinkler leaks or odd spray patterns. What may be minor now has the tendency to cause higher water bills, lawn damage, and more repair in the future. A prompt service visit can fix the issue, restore pressure, and have your yard looking clean and health.
Final Thought
Broken sprinkler heads also cause overage in water use which in turn raises bills and which may damage your lawn if left unrepaired. Quick repair will put the system back to optimal performance, improve overall system performance and at the same time protect your yard from dry spots, puddles and runoff. When your sprinkler system is working right your lawn gets the water it needs and does not get over watered every day.
Ready to fix that water waste issue with your Broken Sprinkler Head ? We offer a quick sprinkler repair service today which also includes better lawn coverage, reduced leaks, and in turn a more efficient irrigation system for your home or property!