Sprinkler System Leak: 5 Causes and Solutions
If your sprinkler is leaky, the cause may be sneaky
Highlights
Two common reasons for sprinkler leaks are faulty sprinkler valves and sprinkler heads.
Clogged or broken pipes can cause pressure imbalances, resulting in system leaks.
Low-head drainage can result in leaks due to sloped terrain.
Most fixes involve replacing broken parts or the entire sprinkler system.
Sprinkler systems are designed to keep your lawn healthy by providing just the right amount of water. However, a sprinkler system leak can cause excess water to harm your lawn’s health while also increasing your water bill. That’s why it’s vital to immediately detect and fix a leaking sprinkler system. Here are five common reasons why your sprinkler system is leaking along with solutions to attempt with the help of a sprinkler repair pro.
1. Faulty Sprinkler Valves
Sprinkler valves are an integral part of your irrigation system because they control the flow of water as it’s distributed to various parts of your lawn. So, malfunctioning valves could very well be the culprit for a leaky sprinkler system.
Thoroughly assess your sprinkler valves to make sure they’re in working order. If your sprinkler valves are wet, inspect further for loose wires, dirty valves, and worn out parts. Any one of these valve issues may be causing the leak.
To fix a faulty sprinkler valve, you’ll need to identify and resolve the specific issue. The solution may be as simple as cleaning your valves, but more serious issues could require replacing damaged parts or replacing the entire system.
2. Faulty Sprinkler Head
When your sprinkler system is on, you expect for water to come out. But if water is still spewing from the sprinkler head once your system is off, there’s an underlying issue at play. Sprinkler heads can malfunction due to old age, heavy foot traffic, run-ins with lawnmowers, or even manufacturing errors.
Whatever the cause, fixing a sprinkler head leak often requires replacing broken parts within the head or replacing the entire unit. With the know-how and right tools, a DIY sprinkler head job can take 4 to 6 hours.
3. Clogged Pipes
The condition of your sprinkler pipes play a vital role in how water distributes throughout your irrigation system. If pipes become clogged with vegetative debris, water flow can become restricted and impact water pressure. An increase of pressure can cause leaking.
For minor clogs, cleaning out your sprinkler pipes may stop the leaking. Severe blockages might require removing the pipes before you can clean them. In other cases, clogged pipes may be unsalvageable and need to be replaced altogether. If you suspect a severe clog in your sprinkler system, don’t hesitate to hire a local sprinkler repair professional to resolve the problem.
4. Cracked or Broken Pipes
Like a clogged pipe, a cracked or broken pipe causes pressure imbalances and negatively affects how water flows through the sprinkler system. Abnormal amounts of pressure can cause leaks. Flooding, unusual plant growth, or darker-colored grass around a sprinkler head are indicators of busted pipes.
To fix cracked or broken pipes, you’ll need to identify which pipes are broken, dig up the broken line, and then replace it. This process is best handled by a sprinkler repair professional because trial and error from an inexperienced homeowner can lead to serious damage. Once replaced, turn your system back on and check for leaks.
5. Low-Head Drainage
Low-head drainage is the result of a sprinkler system being installed on sloped terrain. True to its name, when a sprinkler system is shut off, water leaks out of the lowest sprinkler heads and is replaced with air. To detect a low-head drainage, turn your sprinkler system on and inspect whether a large amount of air comes out. If so, the cause of the leak is low-head drainage, not faulty valves.
Fixing low-head drainage calls for special check valves that stop water from flowing out of the lowest head sprinklers once the irrigation cycle ends. Installing a check valve will fix the leaking if low-head drainage is to blame.
Hire a Pro to Fix Your Sprinkler System Leaks
Our troubleshooting tips may prove helpful for minor issues. However, you can never go wrong hiring a lawn sprinkler repair company to detect and fix a leaking sprinkler. Sprinkler professionals have an in-depth understanding of all the reasons why your sprinkler may be leaking, along with the equipment and skill to resolve the issue.
While quick and inexpensive DIY fixes can be tempting, a pro can save you money in the long run by doing the job right the first time. Not to mention, you’ll save time and have greater peace of mind.