How to Troubleshoot Irrigation Systems
When an irrigation system isn’t working correctly, it can negatively affect your property’s landscape. However, it’s not always easy to identify malfunctioning equipment, especially if you don’t have time to constantly surveil your yard. What problems should you be on the lookout for, and what action can you take when you discover them?
In this blog, we’ll teach you how to troubleshoot irrigation systems so you can get your landscape back to normal. And remember, if you ever need repairs, feel free to reach out to the team at Hydro Tech Irrigation!
Why Irrigation Repairs Are Important
When your irrigation system becomes damaged, it’s imperative that you resolve the problem sooner rather than later. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged sprinkler head or a leaky pipe, damage to your irrigation system leads to leaked water—and by association, hundreds of dollars of wasted water in the long run. These leaks also result in the uneven watering of your landscape, which could harm plants and strip your landscape of its beauty.
Even small malfunctions in your irrigation system force it to work harder. For example, a leak will force the system to work harder to maintain the correct amount of water pressure. This decreases the system’s life span and sets the stage for bigger failures in the future. So don’t turn a blind eye to an irrigation problem. Learn how to troubleshoot irrigation systems so you can solve these problems! Please remember to shut off water and power to your irrigation system before attempting any repairs.
Problem #1: Broken/Misaligned Sprinkler Heads
Have you discovered dry patches in your yard? Is water spraying onto your sidewalks and driveways when it normally isn’t supposed to? If so, it’s likely that your sprinkler heads have been jostled out of place or stopped working altogether. There are a variety of reasons this may have happened. For example, soil can settle, shifting your sprinklers’ positions. Your sprinklers may have even been struck by pedestrians’ feet or lawn mowers.
In the case of misalignment, sprinkler heads can simply be shifted back into place. If you discover that sprinkler heads have been damaged beyond repair, prompt replacement is the best course of action. We also recommend reviewing all nearby sprinkler heads even if you don’t suspect damage. It never hurts to be thorough.
Problem #2: Leaks in Pipes/Lines
Are you finding flooded, swampy areas in your landscape? Have your water bills skyrocketed without a clear explanation? If so, it could be that your irrigation system’s pipes have burst, causing a leak. Maybe tree roots tore their way through the pipes, or perhaps sharp rocks embedded in the soil are to blame. Whatever the case, it’s important to fix leaks as soon as possible before you wind up with hundreds of wasted dollars on your utility bill.
The first step of repairing this leak is shutting off the water supply. Then, dig carefully in the suspected area until you locate the leak. Finally, replace the damaged component and test the flow of water through the system. We also recommend that you inspect nearby lines for additional stress points.
Problem #3: Valve Failures
Irrigation systems are typically divided into zones, allowing you to provide different parts of your landscape with different amounts of water. These zones are gated by valves; these valves open when it’s time to water a zone, and they close when that time has passed. So, what does it mean when one of these zones is being continuously watered? It’s a sign that the valve isn’t working correctly, assuming it isn’t outright broken.
We recommend turning off the irrigation system, accessing the valve, and thoroughly examining it. You may find that the valve is simply clogged with debris, preventing it from opening and closing as intended. If so, you can remove this debris and hopefully restore functionality. However, it’s also possible that wiring/solenoids have broken, in which case we recommend professional repairs.
Problem #4: Malfunctioning Controller
An irrigation controller is the “brains” of your irrigation system. This computer controls your irrigation system, decides when to open/close zones, and can even be controlled via a remote. However, when an irrigation controller malfunctions, it can throw a once-functioning system out of order. Is your irrigation system no longer running according to schedule? Is your irrigation controller not responding to your remote? If so, you can confidently say that the controller is the source of the problem.
In some cases, simply resetting or restarting the irrigation controller is enough to solve the problem. If not, though, it’s possible that faulty wiring is the problem. We recommend deferring these repairs to a professional, but if you have electrical knowledge and want to give it a try, remember to disconnect power to the controller for the sake of your safety.
DIY Vs. Professional Irrigation Repairs
When something goes awry with your irrigation system, you’ll have to fix it. Learning how to troubleshoot irrigation systems is just the first step. However, not everyone is cut out for this work. Discovering problems in your irrigation system requires thorough investigation and an eye for small details. Repairing these problems demands your time, energy, and patience. So, if you don’t have any of these resources to spare, reaching out to Hydro Tech Irrigation might be the best path forward.
We are a locally owned and operated business in Powell, OH, and it’s always our pleasure to troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems for our community. That way, you don’t have to learn how to do this work on your own; you can sit back and relax while our professionals do it for you. Getting started is simple! All you have to do is contact us online and let us know how we can help. We look forward to arriving at your property and inspecting your irrigation system for ourselves.