Common Sprinkler Coverage Problems Dry Spots and Broken Heads

After a few seasons of heavy use, even the best sprinklers can begin to develop issues. If you notice any changes in your lush, green lawn, it may be time to check your sprinkler system. Fortunately, many of these problems are simple to diagnose and troubleshoot on your own, avoiding costly repairs. A few of the most common issues that arise are dry spots, broken sprinkler heads and compacted soil or the emergence of weeds. Read on to learn about how to identify a few common sprinkler coverage problems and what you can do to solve them.

An essential part of your sprinkler system, the sprinkler controller is in charge of many functions like keeping the system on time and ensuring the correct amount of water gets through to your lawn. The most important factor to look out for when evaluating the effectiveness of your controller is its consistency. Does it run according to your schedule? Is it running for too long or not long enough? Keep an eye on your controller to ensure everything is running smoothly to prevent any lapses in your watering schedule.

Leaks are one of the most common problems that can arise in your sprinkler system. The difficulty usually lies in discovering where the leak is. Contributing to water waste and runoff is bad for the environment as well as your water bill, so you'll want to minimize it as much as possible. If you notice any standing water or stretches of grass around your pipes that are especially green, that will be the likely place to start. Sprinkler heads that aren't performing optimally may also present an issue, so be sure to keep a close eye on how the water stream looks coming out of the sprinkler head. If it is lower than the others, there may be a leak nearby. This may also be caused by poor water pressure, so if you notice multiple sprinkler heads putting out less water than usual, check for blockages in your pipes.

Broken sprinkler heads are another common issue. Kept around the yard, it's easy for a head to be broken by landscape equipment, children playing or pets running around. You may first notice dry spots around the area with a broken head. If the sprinkler head has been broken for too long, brown patches and compacted soils in your grass may appear. Unless you can find an easy fix like unclogging or tightening the sprinkler head, it may be time for a replacement.