Most modern irrigation sprinkler systems can last decades. However, it all depends on how you maintain it. A home sprinkler system is used to water your lawn or garden. It is a method of irrigation that mimics rainfall. Through a network of pipes, water is pumped under pressure, to the sprinkler heads. From here, it sprays out into the air like rain and falls to the ground.
Components of a Sprinkler System
- Controller: There are automatic and manual They are usually installed above ground and connected to a group of water valves. The irrigation controller’s job is to open and close the valves and regulate the amount of water to be released.
- Sprinkler Heads: There are many shapes and sizes of sprinkler heads. Swing joints are used to connect them to the pipes because they are adjustable, and sprinkler heads don’t have to stick out above ground.
- Irrigation Pipes: These pipes carry water from the source and are usually buried 6 –12 inches underground. However, this depends on factors like the severity of cold weather, expected lawn mower damage, and other aspects.
- Irrigation Zones: Usually, for the sake of efficient water usage, lawns are divided into different parts or zones and are covered by sets of sprinklers. They’re programmed so that the controller can start irrigation at different times.
- Rain Sensor: This nifty sensor tells the controller the ground is already wet due to rain, and the controller prevents the system from turning on.
What Causes Irrigation Sprinkler Systems to Go Bad?
- Normal Wear and Tear: Time and use will degrade the different components of your sprinkler system. Corrosion, cracks, and leaks are all expected. That is why you must keep up with maintaining your system.
- Water Quality: Places with hard water always suffer from early damage to their water pipes. There’s not much you can do about this, other than proper upkeep.
- Corrosion: Oxidation or rust is expected because the pipes are continually exposed to water and other corrosive environmental factors. Eventually, this will cause leaks and valves to get stuck.
- Broken Sprinkler Heads: If sprinkler heads are broken or missing it will lead to uneven water distribution and leaks.
- Clogged Nozzles: Blocked sprinkler head nozzles will prevent even water coverage.
- Fractured Pipes: Compromised pipes will also result in uneven water distribution and leaks.
- Blocked Lines: Over time the pipes that distribute water within the system can get blocked due to silt or debris.
- Sediment Build-Up: Deposits in the valves create blockages, which lead to pump problems and short cycling.
- Low Water Pressure: If there is a leak in the system, you may have low water pressure.
- Fluctuating Irrigation Pressure: Sporadic pressure will cause the sprinklers to send out a mist instead of spraying out water with full force.
- Leaky Valve: Damaged o-rings, seals, or too much water pressure can lead to a leaky valve.
Maintenance Tips for Your Lawn Sprinkler System
Here are some maintenance best practices for your sprinkler system. We can certainly help you with this:
- Clean Sprinkler Heads: Regularly wash out dirt, soil, and debris from the sprinkler heads.
- Adjust Sprinkler Heads: Sprinkler heads are constantly being knocked out by mowing or people simply walking around. Make sure to reposition and point the heads in the correct direction so that it covers the entire zone.
- Check for Leaks: It’s critical that you inspect the pipes and lines often for leaks so that you can catch the problem early and address the issue.
- Irrigation Zone Test: Make sure each irrigation zone is functioning as intended to prevent wasting water.
- Test Water Pressure: Use a pressure gauge to check the water pressure. Do this on a regular basis to keep it within the recommended range.
- System Audit: You can place containers at certain measured distances and turn on your sprinkler system. By looking at how full the containers are, you can determine how uniformly water is being delivered.
- Watering Early in the Morning or After Sunset: This way, less water is evaporated, and more water is soaked into the ground. It puts less stress on your system as it doesn’t need to run as long.
How We Can Help
At Landscape Express, we 
are expert lawn care professionals. Please call us to learn more about our services. We are happy to help our clients in and around Lewisville, Texas, serving Corinth, Double Oak, Roanoke, Argyle, Bartonville, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lantana, Copper Canyon in Denton County. Contact us today!
