7 Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Repair

A sprinkler system that isn’t working right wastes water and money — and can quietly damage your lawn and plants. These are the most common warning signs we see in Salt Lake yards.

1. Brown or dry patches

If one area browns out while the rest of the lawn is fine, the cause is usually coverage: a tilted, clogged or broken head, or spray patterns that don’t overlap.

2. Soggy spots or standing water

Puddles that won’t drain — especially in the same place every time — often point to a leaking line or valve underground.

3. Low water pressure

Weak spray across a zone can mean a leak, a partially closed valve, or a damaged backflow preventer. If it’s every zone, check the backflow first.

4. A zone that won’t turn on (or off)

Usually a valve or wiring issue. A zone that won’t shut off can waste a lot of water quickly, so turn off the water supply until it’s fixed.

5. Geysers or bubbling water

A broken head or cracked pipe — very common after a winter without a proper blowout.

6. A jump in your water bill

If your bill climbs without a change in your watering schedule, there may be a hidden leak somewhere in the system.

7. Water on sidewalks and driveways

Heads that spray pavement are wasting water. Adjusting the arc or swapping the nozzle usually fixes it.

Quick self-check

Run each zone for a couple of minutes and walk the yard while it runs. Look for heads that don’t pop up, misdirected spray, gaps in coverage and wet spots that shouldn’t be there. Make a note of the zone number for anything that looks off.

When to call a pro

Some fixes are as simple as cleaning a nozzle. Underground leaks, valve problems and backflow repairs are best handled by someone with the right parts and experience.

Hernandez Landscaping repairs sprinkler issues and leaks and designs new irrigation systems across the Greater Salt Lake City Area — with recommendations to keep your costs low and your lawn green.