If you’re like most homeowners, you rely on your sprinkler system to keep your lawn green and healthy. But what do you do when it starts acting up? This guide offers simple solutions for common sprinkler repair issues so that you don’t have to rely on a professional.
A sprinkler system is responsible for misting your lawn with water every day and keeping it hydrated during the heat of summer, ensuring that grass stays green, vibrant, and healthy-looking.
However, problems can occur, like a sprinkler head that gets stuck opened or closed, causing more water to flow than necessary. This can quickly lead to waterlogging, which will kill the grass and might even damage your plants or flowers.
If you’re having problems with your sprinkler system, don’t panic. There are ways to troubleshoot and repair it without too much hassle. The safest sprinkler repair solution is by reaching out to an expert.
Irrigation systems can be challenging, and you might stumble upon unpleasant surprises, so it’s always best to consult with a professional before starting any repairs.
However, if you feel like taking on this task yourself to save some money, we’re here to give you some advice. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about repairing a sprinkler system, including components and common issues.
Sprinkler System Parts
It’s important to correctly identify the parts of an irrigation system so that you won’t fidget around the instruction manual every time you need to pick up a tool and shift your attention to a certain component.
Here’s what you need to know before attempting any sprinkler repair:
Controller
The sprinkler controller turns the water on and off, usually located in a small box near your yard’s water meter.
Valves
They connect to the pipe from the home’s plumbing system and control the output water flow.
Valve Box
It’s a small box on top or below the ground, which houses the control valves. It protects the valves from harsh weather conditions, lawn pests, and naughty pets, like a dog that likes to dig.
Pipes
They run above or below ground from the valves to the flowerbed, lawn, or someplace else.
Irrigation Heads
These typically attach to the end of these pipes and emit a spray pattern when activated by a valve. Multiple types of irrigation heads are available, including rotors, drip lies, impact sprays, bubblers, and emitters.
Water Pump
It moves water from your home’s plumbing system to the valves. A single-booster pump is enough for a small irrigation system – anything larger requires a multi-irrigation pump.
