A home owner’s issue with a broken Sprinkler system leaking may start out as a minor annoyance. Quickly becomes a large issue. We see this in hidden underground leaks as well as visible pools of water in the yard which you ignore at your risk of water waste, increased bills, and damage to your landscape. To understand what causes the leaks and how to repair them is the first step in the care of your irrigation system health and efficiency.
Why to Ignore Sprinkler Leaks.
At first a broken sprinkler system may seem like a small issue. In the long run it can do in depth damage to your lawn, cause patches of mud, and weak plant roots. Also it may raise your monthly water bill. In some cases leaks may cause structural issues when water gets to your home’s foundation.
Timely repair of leaks is key to maintaining water efficiency and protecting your investment. Early detection of issues will have your system performing at top level and your lawn looking even.
Common Causes of Sprinkler System Leaks
There is a number of causes to why sprinkler systems leak. The exact which one is important in fixing the issue out properly.
One out of every which causes is damaged pipes. In the soil we see pipes that have cracked from shift in the earth, from the cold, or from accident which happened in the yard. A little crack and we see continuous water loss.
Another common issue we see is worn out sprinkler heads. Over time what we find is they break, come loose, or become clogged which in turn causes uneven water spray and base leaks.
Valve issues also play a large role. Should a valve to fail to fully shut off what results is water which flows constantly.This in turn causes leaks when the system is supposed to be off.
Poor quality work at time of installation also a cause of leaks. Also see that improper pipe connections and low grade materials are avoided . They may fail out within a short time in fact.
Signs Your Sprinkler System Is Leaking
Recognize the first signs of a leak and you will avoid larger repairs down the road.
In some cases you may see parts of the lawn which are always wet, even when the system is off. Also you may notice that some areas of your grass grow better they may look greener due to too much water.
A large jump in your water bill for no reason may be an alert sign that something is up. Also you might notice water coming out of the ground or that pools around sprinkler heads.
In some areas low water pressure may also be a sign of a hidden leak in the system.
How to Fix Sprinkler System Leaks
Determine the issue causing the problem in your sprinkler system first, then fix what is broken, as many issues can be resolved with simple repairs.Fix what is broken in your sprinkler system by determining the issue first out which it is caused, but many issues at hand are resolved with easy repairs.
If the issue is of a broken sprinkler head that is what we see mostly which is also easy and affordable to replace. Also see to it that you get a compatible replacement part for proper water distribution.
In some cases we may have to dig out the affected area for pipe leaks and at that point either fix or replace the faulty section. Use of good quality materials and tight fittings will put an end to such issues in the future.
If valves are out of order cleaning or replacing them will bring back proper function. In some cases debris inside the valve causes it to not close all the way.
During the middle of a sprinkler system repair issue it is also true that you should test your system out. Go through each zone and see for any left over leaks or irregular water flow which may still be present.
Preventing Future Leaks
Regularly performing maintenance is very important. Check your system at periodic intervals for signs of damage, loose connections, or clogged heads. Clean the sprinkler heads and check for wear to extend the life of your system.
Throughout the seasons we see that it is also very important to do proper seasonal maintenance. Before winter hit, winterize your system which will in return prevent Sprinkler system leaking from freezing and cracking. In the warmer months pay close attention to water pressure to avoid putting too much strain on components.
Using quality components and professional installation will also reduce the chance of leaks which develop over time.
When to Call a Professional
You can handle some sprinkler issues yourself, but some problems require professional help.
If you are unable to determine the source of the leak, or if the damage is great, it is best to call in a professional. Professionals have access to better equipment and they also have the experience to fix hidden leaks and repair the issue at hand.
Professional services also see to it that your system is at peak performance for water efficiency and the long term.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with sprinkler system issues is not as overwheming as it may seem when you act quickly and identify the issue at hand. We have had issues with Sprinkler system leaking everything from broken pipes to faulty valves which all lead to high repair bills and damage to your lawn. By performing regular maintenance, making in time repairs, and taking proper care of your system you can have smooth and efficient operation of your irrigation system for many years.
