A well-maintained sprinkler system can be the key to maintaining a healthy and green lawn, but many homeowners don’t realize when it’s time for routine sprinkler maintenance. If you neglect your sprinkler system, it can result in a variety of problems, including dry patches, overwatering, and pricey water bills. Fortunately, there are easy warning signs to recognize that can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
5 Signs Your Sprinklers Need Routine Sprinkler Maintenance
#1: Uneven Watering with Lush and Dead Patches
One of the most noticeable signs that your sprinklers need maintenance is uneven watering. If you notice that some areas of your lawn are getting too much water while others are dry, it’s time to call in a professional. The easiest way to recognize this warning sign is when you have beautiful, lush, green grass next to dead, brown spots. The 5 of 30 feet distance isn’t enough to be another factor; it means your lawn isn’t getting the same watering privileges. Clogged sprinkler heads, broken pipes, or misaligned sprinkler heads can cause uneven watering.
#2: Low or High Water Pressure
Changes in water pressure are another classic sign that you need sprinkler maintenance. If you notice that your sprinklers are not putting out as much water as they used to, it could be a sign of a clog in the system or a leak in the pipes. Alternatively, if the water is coming out at high speed or volume, you may have a problem with your control valves or a clog that is causing a pressure backup.
#3: Unexpected Increase in Water Consumption
If your water bills have suddenly increased, it could be a sign that your sprinkler system is wasting water. A leaky or malfunctioning sprinkler system can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month, resulting in high water bills. However, before you freak out because you have a water bill increase, we do want to note that it is normal for your water bill to fluctuate throughout the seasons, especially during the warmer months of spring and summer. To verify that your water bill is behaving outside of regular expectations, we recommend comparing it to the previous year or asking a similar neighbor what their water bill looks like.
#4: Excessive Noise and Sputtering
If your sprinkler system is making excessive noise or sputtering, it’s a clear sign that you need sprinkler maintenance. A noisy or sputtering sprinkler system can be caused by various problems, with the most common issue being a clogged sprinkler head. Clogs typically occur due to dirt, debris, and mineral build-up inside the head of the sprinkler. Other common causes for excessive noise and sputtering are worn-out valves or malfunctioning water pressure regulators.
#5: Dripping or Hissing Control Valves
In your sprinkler system, your control valves are responsible for regulating water flow to different aspects of your lawn. There are two ways to notice that you have a control valve issue. First, you may see or hear the issue. If you see your control valve is perpetually dripping, it will cause the device to be constantly wet and the area around it damp. Alternatively, you may hear a hissing sound coming from the valve.
The second way to notice a control valve issue is by catching uneven watering. If you have a leak at your control valve, the system is likely unable to get water to every part of your lawn, so you will likely see dead or dry patches at the edges of the system’s reach.
The Benefits of Routine Sprinkler Maintenance
Let’s face it; as a homeowner, you have a long list of chores and maintenance to complete in and around your home 24/7. The last thing you want to do is add more work, but your lawn, trees, shrubs, plants, and garden depend on a properly operating sprinkler system. That is why hiring a professional team to perform routine sprinkler maintenance is an easy and affordable way to ensure your lawn gets the tender loving care it needs without the hassle, confusion, and expense of trying to perform sprinkler maintenance yourself. You can rest assured that your sprinkler system is ready for every season, providing you with the luscious lawn and gardens you enjoy.
Read our article on the Benefits of Sprinkler Maintenance for Spring and Summer to learn more!
Colonial Lawn and Garden Routine Sprinkler Maintenance Package
We at Colonial Lawn and Garden are here to help you maintain your sprinkler system so it operates efficiently from start-up to shutdown. We offer a routine sprinkler system maintenance plan where a professional technician will visit your property seven times throughout the year.
Starting in the spring, your expert technician will start up your sprinkler system for the year. This is a complex endeavor, far beyond just turning on a switch. We will reactivate the system, ensuring your system is operating at peak condition, and your property is set to receive optimal irrigation from the first day.
We will perform five check-ins on your sprinkler system throughout the spring and summer. Our check-ins include routine sprinkler system maintenance that enables us to detect problems and make adjustments or repairs in the early stages, preventing major or expensive issues from developing. Our check-ins also allow us to adjust your sprinkler system as the seasons change and make changes as you develop your property.
Our seventh check of the year is to winterize your sprinkler system. Did you know that it takes less than a cup of water left over in your sprinkler system for it to freeze, causing expensive repairs? During the winterization process, your technician will blow out the lines and perform other essential tasks to ensure your system is ready for winter.
For more information on how Colonial Lawn and Garden can make your life easier and your property even more beautiful, contact us today for a free estimate.
