Are you starting to notice that your shoes are a little more soggy than usual after you inspect your lawn and gardens? You would expect your footwear to be a bit damp, as your sprinkler system helps your grass and vegetation look their greenest. But these puddles you’re splashing in are near the sprinklers themselves.
It’s easy to spot a sprinkler leaking as your lawn will have new pools of water that never seem to go away. But this kind of over-watering is not only detrimental to your plants but also your water bill when it arrives.
Diagnosing a sprinkler leak is thankfully easy once you know what to look for. If you’re prepared to get your hands wet and dirty, then follow this guide to stop your sprinkler system from being a drip.
What if It’s Low-Head Drainage?
If your sprinkler system is on a slope and you’re noticing puddles at the bottom of the hill, then low-head drainage is likely the reason for your sprinkler leak. This happens because the water drains via the sprinkler head at the lowest point of the system. When this occurs, the pipe can fill with air and cause the water to run.
One method to overcome this is by installing anti-drain valves on the sprinkler head that’s leaking. This is often an optional feature and is not always included in water systems. Simply install the new head valve or get an expert in sprinkler repair to complete the task and resolve the issue.
What if It’s Broken Pipes?
When you see multiple patches of water around your yard, then you might have a problem with broken pipes. Two water lines run through a sprinkler system. There’s the main line, which supplies water to the entire property, and lateral lines that are located between the sprinkler heads and the valve you use to turn on the water.
If the main line is the culprit for your sprinkler system leaking underground, then you need to turn it off and contact a specialist to fix the issue. Unfortunately, repairing a lateral line is similar to finding a broken bulb on Christmas lights.
You’ll need to investigate each of the pipes running between the sprinkler heads to determine which one is broken. If you can control your system’s zones, you can still use the sprinklers and avoid running water through the broken lateral pipe. But you’ll need to get someone out to repair it as it’s not often something you can do on your own, unless you’re an expert in irrigation systems.
What if It’s the Control Valves?
Spotting a sprinkler valve leaking when it’s off is quite easy, because water will still be gushing out of it. All of the valves in your sprinkler act similar to a faucet in that they turn the water flow on and off.
The reason for a sprinkler valve leaking is normally due to a blockage or because it is worn out and needs replacing. It’s best to have a specialist replace the valve as they will often check the others so that you don’t have to call them out again in a matter of days.
What if It’s Your Landscape?
If you’ve exhausted every scenario and still can’t determine why you’ve got bodies of water forming around your lawn and gardens, then perhaps it’s not your sprinkler system. Another common cause is the landscape itself. If you’ve recently installed an irrigation system or retaining wall, then this may have impacted your drainage system.
Poor drainage can cause severe damage to your yard, so it’s best to get an expert in sprinkler systems out quickly. They can not only take a look over your sprinkler system, but also assess the landscape to ensure that any water is getting drained appropriately.
How to Prevent Your Sprinkler Leaking
While it might seem like it’s out of your control, there are ways to prevent turning your backyard into a small lake. These small measures will ensure that your sprinkler system doesn’t ruin all the hard work you’ve put into your luscious landscape.
Regular Inspections
It’s worth getting into a routine of checking your system so that you don’t get a surprise one morning that your yard is flooded. Pick a date every month and write a checklist of all the items you’re going to inspect.
Begin by taking a look at the controller to ensure it’s working properly and plugged in properly. It’s worth taking a look at any sensors and wires as well for any damage. If you sprinkle in zones, test each one to ensure everything is operating properly.
Protect the Sprinkler Heads
Your sprinkler heads are the most vulnerable parts of your system. They can get damaged from poor installations, general wear and tear, and their worst enemy, lawnmowers.
Install your heads on swing pipes so that they float within the soil. This will give them greater protection and reduce the need to replace them regularly.
Flush the System
Before a new season begins, you should flush out the pipes to clear out any debris, contaminated water, or anything else that can clog the system and cause damage. Installing screens is another measure that can also help improve filtration if you prefer to save on water. But you should perform one of these measures to protect the system as a whole.
Do You Want Your Garden Looking Its Best?
Water for your plants and lawn is essential for their survival, but a sprinkler leaking can be too much of a good thing and cause major problems. It’s vital you spot the issues early, so you don’t end up with a flooded yard.
If you’re searching for more tips on how to care for your home, then keep following our blog. Not only do we provide advice for around the house, but we also share wisdom on health, tech, and fashion. It’s got everything you need so that not only will your landscape feel good, but so will you.
