Do you notice pooling water or uneven watering in your lawn? Those are alarming signs that something may be wrong with your watering system, and you need to have them checked immediately. Remember, automatic watering systems for gardens are more than just sprinkler heads and pipes held together. They are one of your lawn’s lifelines. Fortunately, we’re here to give you some tips and advice for situations like these. And if you want to learn more about troubleshooting other common irrigation issues, read on.
Sprinkler Controller Issues
Your sprinkler controller is in charge of the following functions:
- Activating and deactivating the system at set times
- Activating all necessary mechanisms for consistent operations
- Controlling how evenly and effectively the watering system covers your space
- Allocating the correct amount of water
If you’ve noticed that your sprinklers aren’t turning on at all, it could be a problem with the controller. Sprinkler controllers are the brains of automatic sprinklers. Whether you have a digital controller or an automatic irrigation timer, they control the water flow and ensure that your sprinklers turn on and off when they’re supposed to.
Ensure that your timer is still set correctly, check for any loose wires, and ensure that the sensors or switches are working correctly. If there are still no issues, the problem could be further down the line. Don’t take apart the controller if you’re unsure what to do and how to put it back. Instead, ask a professional for advice and choose Perth’s reticulation experts from Green Oasis for effective irrigation solutions.
Sprinkler Heads Not Pop-up or Retracting Properly
If you’ve noticed that some sprinkler heads are not pop-up or retracting correctly, there must be something wrong with the sprinkler head itself. First, ensure that it is not blocked by dirt or debris and clean off any clogs you find. Then check to see if there are any visible cracks in the head or body. If so, then it may need to be replaced.
Incorrect Sprinkler Head Height
You may not think this is much of an issue, but ineffective head height can cause inconsistent watering issues to your lawn. Generally, if you notice inconsistent lawn health, head height is one of the things you should check first.
If the sprinkler head is too high, water may end up missing some areas entirely and increase the risk of damage from lawn maintenance activities like mowing. You may also end up with brown patches on your lawn. On the other hand, a sprinkler head that’s too low can cause the nearest areas to receive too much water.
Clogged Nozzles
Nozzles are tiny holes where water comes out of a sprinkler head. If these get clogged, it can lead to uneven watering or poor coverage. The best way to clean clogged nozzles is to use compressed air from a canister, but you should be extremely careful not to damage the nozzle during this process. You can also use a gentle brush or cloth to remove any debris.
Low Water Pressure
Several factors, including clogged pipes, broken valves, and faulty pumps, can cause low water pressure. If you suspect there may be a water supply problem, consult a professional for advice. Additionally, check that your sprinkler heads are not blocked by dirt or debris, as this may also be causing the issue.
Strange Noises Coming from Sprinklers
Do you hear strange sounds coming from your sprinklers? If so, there could be a crack or small leak causing high-pitched screeching noises from your sprinklers. As the water pressure builds up while water passes through your system, these imperfections can lead to unexpected noises. You can either replace the problematic sprinkler head or try applying epoxy putty to the hole.
One or Multiple Zones are Leaking Water at the Same Time
Leaks are detrimental to any piece of hardware that manages water, and this is especially true for sprinklers. That’s because leaving sprinkler system leaks unchecked can cost you a lot of money in water bills.
If one or multiple zones leak water simultaneously, it could indicate something is wrong with your sprinkler valves. Check your valves for clogs or ask for professional advice if you think the valve is defective or if something is wrong with the installation and the irrigation work was not done correctly.
DIY vs. Professional Sprinkler Repair
If you’re having trouble with your automatic watering system and require sprinkler repairs, it’s essential to know the difference between DIY sprinkler repair and hiring a professional. DIY sprinkler repair can seem appealing for quick fixes that don’t cost much, but some of these solutions may not have the same long-term benefits as calling a professional would. Professionals know how to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair automatic irrigation systems correctly and safely. The best way to ensure sprinkler repairs are done efficiently is to call a professional.
The Benefits of Professional Sprinkler Repair
Hiring a professional to repair your automatic irrigation system can save you time and money in the long run. A professional can assess the issue quickly and advise what needs to be done. Additionally, having a professional inspect your automatic irrigation system can help you identify other potential problems and suggest ways to avoid them in the future. Professionals are also equipped with the right tools, products, and expertise that may not be available to homeowners who try to do DIY sprinkler repairs.
Troubleshooting automatic irrigation systems can be tricky, but with a little bit of know-how and patience, it is possible. With the tips mentioned above, you should now be able to fix common automatic sprinkler problems. Remember to regularly inspect your system for any signs of damage and contact a professional if needed.
Leave Your Repair Needs to the Irrigation Experts at Green Oasis
Your irrigation system is crucial to a healthy and thriving lawn. So at the first sign of trouble, don’t delay and troubleshoot right away. Then again, there’s only so much you can do without the proper technical knowledge. Avoid risky DIY repairs and choose expert services instead. For Perth’s best reticulation services, choose us at Green Oasis Lawn and Reticulation. We are trusted professionals who provide budget-friendly and water-wise lawn irrigation solutions to help you achieve a stunning, vibrant lawn. Get in touch with us today.