Sprinkler systems keep your lawn alive in Dallas, TX. Simple enough. Most homeowners don’t notice their system needs help until brown patches show up or water bills rise suddenly.
This guide covers nine common sprinkler system problems. We’ll show you what to watch for, how to troubleshoot sprinkler system problems, and when to stop pretending you’re a licensed irrigator and just call Lawn Sense.
1. Broken Sprinkler Heads
If water sprays everywhere like a busted fire hydrant or the sprinkler heads don’t pop up at all, you’ve likely got a broken sprinkler head.
Cause:
Lawn mowers, vehicles, foot traffic. Basically anything heavier than a squirrel.
Fix:
Turn off the water. Inspect the spray head. Buy a matching replacement. Pop the old one out, screw in the new one.
If it still sprays like a maniac, double-check head height and system pressure.
2. A Faulty Sprinkler Controller
The controller tells your sprinkler system when to start, stop, and switch zones. If that brain goes bad, the whole body fails.
Warning signs:
- Sprinkler zones running at weird times
- Skipped cycles
- One sprinkler zone won’t turn on
Electrical issues:
If your system doesn’t respond to manual settings, the wiring or the controller’s board may be toast.
3. Leaks in One or More Zones
Water showing up when it shouldn’t? That’s not the Texas humidity.
Usual causes:
- Faulty valve diaphragms
- Poor installation
- Clogged lines
How to tell:
Wet patches even when the system is off. A water bill that looks like a car payment.
Check the valve box. Listen for running water. If it sounds like your yard is whispering secrets, it’s leaking.
4. Pump Buzzing
Buzzing means your pump’s trying. Failing, but trying.
What it could be:
- Relay switch not engaging
- Dead capacitor
- Dry run due to low water supply
Risks:
No water reaching sprinkler zones. Total system failure. Sprinkler heads pop up but no water? Time to stop guessing.
Call a pro. This isn’t a YouTube fix.
5. Pop-Up Failure
The sprinkler head pops up but no water comes out. Or worse, it doesn’t rise at all.
Causes:
- Mechanical jam
- Broken relay
- Bad controller settings
This one’s tricky. You might be staring at a controller issue, pressure problem, or a busted solenoid.
Test one zone at a time. If the sprinkler head not working is the only one failing, the issue is isolated. If none pop up? System-wide malfunction.
6. Incorrect Sprinkler Head Height
Head height matters. Too high and your mower destroys it. Too low and water doesn’t spray far enough.
Problems:
- Uneven spray patterns
- Misting sprinkler heads
- Dry patches or flooding
Check it:
Each head should be level with the soil. If one looks like it’s hiding or reaching for help, adjust or replace it.
7. Poor Water Pressure
Sprinkler heads pop up but no water—or barely a mist? That’s not coverage. That’s a cry for help.
Likely causes:
- Blocked water line
- Faulty valve
- Bad system design
Easy test:
Run one zone. Do the heads mist? Do they spray with weak coverage? You’ve got a pressure problem.
Pro tip: High water pressure can be just as bad. It leads to misting sprinkler head spray that evaporates before it hits the grass.
8. Skipping Irrigation Zones
Your grass isn’t lazy. It’s thirsty.
When it skips zones:
- Controller module failed
- Solenoid didn’t fire
- Valve stuck shut
- Suction leak on pump-fed systems
How to spot it:
One area of your lawn stays dry. The rest looks soaked. Run each zone manually to confirm which isn’t getting water.
9. Clogged Sprinkler Heads
Spray head problems don’t always mean it’s broken. Sometimes, it’s just full of junk.
What clogs it:
- Dirt
- Sand
- Bugs (yes, really)
Look for:
- Uneven spray patterns
- Water pooling
- Sprinkler head not spraying at all
Fix:
Pull the nozzle, rinse it under water, use a small wire to clear debris. If that doesn’t fix the spray pattern, replace it.
Contact Lawn Sense When You Have Sprinkler System Problems
Here’s the deal: Some sprinkler troubleshooting is DIY-friendly. Others? Not so much.
A licensed irrigation contractor can find the hidden issues like bad wiring, damaged valves, or leaks under your yard.
If you live in Dallas, TX or nearby, call Lawn Sense. We’ll check your system, fix it right, and make sure every spray head works like it should.
Lawn Sense means no nonsense.
FAQs About Sprinkler System Problems
Most sprinkler issues start small and turn expensive fast. Below are some quick answers to questions homeowners ask all the time.
Why is my sprinkler head not working?
It could be clogged, broken, or not getting water due to a valve or wiring issue.
My sprinkler heads pop up but no water sprays—what now?
Check for a blocked pipe or low water pressure. If all heads fail, it’s a system-wide issue.
Can one sprinkler zone stop working on its own?
Yes. The valve, solenoid, or wiring for that zone may have failed.
What causes a misting sprinkler head?
High water pressure. The mist evaporates before it waters your lawn. A pressure regulator can help.
How do I troubleshoot sprinkler system problems fast?
Start with the controller, test each zone, check head height, and inspect for wet patches or buzzes.
Final Thoughts
Sprinkler system problems are common. Ignore them and you’ll waste water, damage your yard, and stress your wallet.
The fix could be as simple as clearing a clogged spray head—or it might need expert eyes. Don’t wait for brown spots or soggy sidewalks. Call a professional.
Or better yet, call Lawn Sense.
