Saving Money on Sprinkler Repairs for Homeowners Guide

The sprinkler system contributes significantly to the beauty of your property. A well-functioning sprinkler system is crucial for a healthy lawn and garden. Sprinkler systems, like any other irrigation system, can have problems. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix your system can help you save both time and money. While certain sprinkler repairs are unavoidable, there are strategies you can take to decrease the financial impact when necessary. As homeowners, we are all searching for methods to save money and water. Water is the essence of your garden as it is the main character in achieving lush foliage and vibrant blooms.

In this homeowner's guide, we break down the factors contributing to sprinkler repair costs and share ways to save money on repairs.

Understanding the Need for Sprinkler Repairs and Its Benefits

It is critical to understand the 'why' behind sprinkler repair. Common sprinkler problems that homeowners face include leaking pipes, broken sprinkler heads, malfunctioning controllers, valve issues, and uneven water distribution. A relaxing daily walk around your property may show some of the more obvious problems, but underground leaks or non-visible line breaks might remain undetected.

Neglecting sprinkler repair can significantly affect the system and the environment. This leads to water wastage, soil erosion, and excessive water consumption and contributes to droughts. There are numerous environmental and financial benefits of timely sprinkler repair. It can save you money in the long term in multiple ways.

• Reduce water consumption and lower water bills
• Increase the home's curb appeal and its value
• Extend the life of the sprinkler system
• Preventing expensive lawn damage
• Avoid costly emergency repairs

Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Repairs

Here are the common signs that your sprinkler system is calling out for help.

Uneven Watering: If you observe dry patches or overly saturated spots on your lawn, it's possible that your sprinklers aren't distributing water evenly. This could result from blocked nozzles, broken heads, or valve issues.

Low Water Pressure: If your sprinklers aren't spraying water as far as they used to, or if the spray is weak, you may have low water pressure. This could be due to leaks, obstructions, or issues with the main water supply.

Rising Water Bills: A sudden spike in your water bill without increasing water usage indicates an undetected leak in your sprinkler system. Leaks can go unnoticed and lead to significant water waste.

Erratic Watering Schedule: If your sprinklers turn on at the wrong times or do not follow the programmed schedule, there could be a problem with your irrigation controller or timer. A faulty controller can disrupt your entire irrigation system.

Water Pooling: Water puddles near your sprinkler heads or on the lawn may indicate a leak in the system. Water pooling is a strong indication that your system is not working properly and requires repair.

Sprinklers Not Retracting: If your sprinklers don't retract after watering, they might be damaged or blocked by debris. This makes your lawn vulnerable to foot traffic and lawnmower damage.

Determining the Sprinkler Repair Cost

The cost of sprinkler repair can vary greatly depending on the property size, the severity of the problem, the system's complexity, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. It's crucial to note that ignoring repairs might worsen the problem, resulting in higher costs over time.

Some sprinkler problems can be easy and inexpensive for DIY enthusiast to fix. For example, replacing a damaged sprinkler head can cost between $10 and $30.

When dealing with more complex issues, such as underground leaks or line breaks, professional help is essential. On average, homeowners could pay between $130 and $360, with an average cost of $250. When you factor in the cost of parts and necessary excavation, the expense can easily reach the thousands, particularly for bigger properties with complex systems.

How to Save Money on Sprinkler Repairs

Here are ways to save on sprinkler repairs and water bills.

Use High-Quality and Efficient Components

When installing or replacing sprinkler system components, choose high-quality and durable irrigation system parts. Investing in long-lasting materials might save you money in the long term because they require fewer repairs. Moreover, choose high-efficiency sprinkler heads with flexible spray patterns, uniform water distribution, and low water usage to conserve water.

Invest in Smart Controllers

Smart irrigation controllers also help with sprinkler repair by decreasing strain on the system. These controllers can adjust watering schedules based on weather and soil moisture which maximizes water efficiency.

Sprinkler System Timely Maintenance

Maintaining your sprinkler system is crucial to ensure it continues to perform properly and effectively. Here are some sprinkler system maintenance tips for saving money.

Regularly Inspect System

Inspect your sprinkler system regularly to ensure that it is working properly. Check for leaks, clogs, misalignment, and damaged sprinkler heads to avoid costly repairs and water waste.

Adjust Sprinkler Heads

Keep your sprinkler heads properly positioned to prevent water waste. Make sure they're tilted away from sidewalks and driveways.

Regularly Clean and Maintain

Clean sprinkler heads regularly for optimal system performance and water efficiency. Clear debris from nozzles and ensure sprinklers are correctly aligned.

Monitor Water Pressure

Keep an eye on your sprinkler system's water pressure. If pressure drops, it could be due to a leak or obstruction. Water pressure, whether low or excessive, can negatively impact system efficiency. Ensure that the water pressure in your sprinkler system is within the manufacturer's suggested range. Address the issue as soon as possible to avoid worse problems in the future.

DIY Repairs When Possible

Learn to do basic repairs yourself. Many tutorials are available online, and you might be surprised how much you can handle. Basic tools and expertise are needed to perform common sprinkler repairs, such as replacing sprinkler heads, adjusting sprinklers, or repairing minor leaks. DripWorks resources provide detailed repair guides and troubleshooting information.

DripWorks offers a range of components for drip and sprinkler systems, making DIY repairs more accessible.

DIY vs Professional Sprinkler Repair

You can fix some minor issues with a DIY approach, but there are times when professional sprinkler repair is the best choice.

Company Experience and Expertise: Sprinkler system repair professionals have the experience and skills to spot and fix various sprinkler issues. They can quickly discover the underlying source of a problem and provide an effective solution.

Complete Inspection: An experienced company will carefully evaluate your whole system, discovering potential problems that may not be immediately evident. This preventative strategy can help to avoid future issues.

Access to Technical Tools: Certain sprinkler repairs require specialized tools that the homeowner may not have. Irrigation professionals have all the tools needed to conduct repairs efficiently and successfully.

Time and Convenience: DIY sprinkler repair can be time-consuming, especially if you're not familiar with the root cause of the problem and the process of fixing it. Hiring a professional saves time and eliminates the trouble of fixing the system yourself.

The Bottom Line

Maintaining your sprinkler system is essential to keeping your landscape in good shape. While sprinkler repair costs may be scary, not fixing them might result in significant expenses.

Irrigation systems are not so demanding, but they do require regular maintenance to avoid costly problems. Remember that your sprinkler system is outside all year and is exposed to weather fluctuations, erosion, and physical damage from machinery and heavy foot traffic.

Remember, every water drop counts, and every dollar you spend on your sprinkler system is an investment in the health and beauty of your garden. Understanding common sprinkler issues, being proactive, and upgrading the system will help you keep your irrigation system and garden thriving.

Visit DripWorks' online store to get high-quality sprinklers, tools, and sprinkler-to-drip irrigation conversion kits from top brands at guaranteed lowest prices.