5 Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Repair
Soggy spots, brown patches, weak spray, stuck zones and a jump in your water bill, and what each one usually means.
Your sprinkler system works hard, especially during Utah's hot, dry summers. Most problems start small and get worse quietly. They waste water, raise your bill and stress your lawn. Here are five signs it's time to have your system looked at.
1. Soggy Spots or Standing Water
If one area of your yard is always mushy, or water pools around a sprinkler head, you may have a leaking pipe, a broken fitting or a valve that won't fully close. Clay soil, common across the Salt Lake Valley, drains slowly, so leaks can turn into puddles fast. They can also harm plants and nearby hardscaping.
2. Dry or Brown Patches
Brown spots in an otherwise green lawn often mean water isn't reaching that area. Common causes include:
- A clogged or broken sprinkler head
- A head that's tilted, sunken or blocked by grass
- Spray patterns that don't overlap the way they should
Before you water more, check whether the system is covering the whole yard evenly.
3. Low Water Pressure or Weak Spray
If heads barely pop up or the spray looks weak, something is restricting the flow. It could be a leak somewhere in the line, a partly closed valve, a clogged filter or a problem with the backflow device. Low pressure leads to uneven watering and stressed grass.
4. Zones That Won't Turn On (or Won't Turn Off)
A zone that won't start, or keeps running after it should stop, usually points to a valve or wiring issue. It can also be a controller problem. Valves can stick, solenoids can fail and wires can get damaged by digging or by soil shifting through freeze-thaw cycles. A zone that won't shut off can waste a lot of water quickly.
5. A Higher Water Bill Than Usual
If your water bill jumps and you haven't changed your watering schedule, a hidden leak may be the cause. Underground leaks don't always show up right away, especially in deep or well-drained areas. A sudden increase is worth checking out.
Don't Forget Spring Startup
Many repairs show up in spring, when the system is turned back on after winter. Freeze damage to pipes, heads and backflow devices is common in Utah, even after a winterization. Watch your system closely during its first few runs each year.
Why Fixing Problems Early Matters
Small sprinkler problems rarely fix themselves. A broken head can turn into a washed-out area, and a slow leak can turn into a bigger repair. Fixing problems early saves water, protects your landscaping and keeps your lawn healthy through the summer.
Get Your Sprinklers Fixed by Everwork
If you've noticed any of these signs, we can help. Everwork is a family-owned business based in Sandy, serving homeowners and businesses across Salt Lake County. Check out our sprinkler repair service, or contact us or call (801) 875-8109 to schedule a repair.