Author: Justin Wilson

Property owners in Leander, TX, and around Austin depend on their irrigation systems to keep their lawns green and healthy. Over time, even the best systems run into problems that can waste water and cause landscaping and property damage.

American Irrigation Repair discusses below the five leading sprinkler issues that affect irrigation systems in Austin, TX, and how to deal with them.

1. Clogged Nozzles

Dirt, sand, and debris often accumulate in sprinkler nozzles, obstructing water flow and causing uneven watering — leading to dry patches on your lawn and wasted water.

The easiest way to clean the nozzles is with either a small screwdriver or a small metal pick.  Basically, you want to knock out any debris in the nozzles to get the full pattern back.  

You may need to flush the nozzle to remove debris.  To do that, turn off the sprinkler system and unscrew the nozzle from the sprinkler head. Rinse the nozzle under running water and use a small brush or pick to remove debris. If this doesn’t get the heads to work or improve performance, you can call in an irrigation expert to inspect the system for other underlying problems.  

2. Leaking Pipes

Because they directly affect water pressure, leaks lead to low water pressure, inadequate watering, and high water bills. Of course, leaks also cause localized flooding in your yard. Leaks can develop from ordinary wear and tear, damage from tree roots, or from freezing and bursting in winter.   Sprinkler heads do have a life and after many up and down cycles seals and plastic can wear and develop marring that will cause leaks.  

An irrigation expert will identify the leak using appropriate technology and tools. After pinpointing the leak, a technician will expose the damaged area with targeted excavation, and then patch the leak or replace piping, depending on the extent of the damage.  

3. Sprinkler Head Damage

Lawnmowers, utility vehicles, foot traffic, pets, or extreme weather can all break or damage sprinkler heads. A broken or misaligned sprinkler head-in leads to uneven irrigation, water waste, and landscaping damage. With Austin, TX water rates being so high, and water restrictions being severe it’s best to fix leaks right away.  

An irrigation technician carefully removes the damaged sprinkler head from the riser and then replaces it with a new head that matches your system’s specifications. After repairs, the technician tests the entire system for proper function and adequate water pressure. 

4. Valve Malfunction

Faulty valves typically cause various zones in your irrigation system to stop working properly, leak, or have low pressure leading to uneven watering. Valves can fail because of damage from dirt, gravel, age, or debris in addition to ordinary wear and tear. Malfunctioning solenoids can also cause valves to stick open, or to fail to close.  

A valve failing to close can become an emergency in short order if the homeowner is out of town or unavailable to turn off the water.  Control valves are one of those components that you count on to work all day every day especially when the brutal Austin heat waves hit.  

American Irrigation Repair in Leander, TX, and surrounding areas irrigation can inspect all the system’s valves for issues with functionality or performance.  Rebuilding, replacing, reconnecting, or adjusting the damaged valves will often resolve the trouble. In some cases, electrical repairs, wire locating, or diagnostics are also necessary.

5. Water Pressure Problems

The low water pressure causes inadequate sprinkler coverage, while high water pressure causes misting, which also wastes water, leads to high water bills and fails to provide proper irrigation coverage.  

Technicians address pressure issues by adjusting irrigation regulators, changing nozzle flow rates, adjusting control valves, or installing pressure regulators. If these adjustments don’t solve the problem, the technician will look for blockages or leaks in the irrigation lines. 

Call American Irrigation Repair To Handle Sprinkler Issues

American Irrigation Repair handles repair services for all irrigation systems in use in Leander and around Austin. Don’t let sprinkler issues grow into serious problems — count on our expert team to provide cost-effective and efficient repairs.

Call American Irrigation Repair at (512) 943-6080 to schedule service and bring your sprinkler system in Austin, TX back to top form.

Will a malfunctioning sprinkler head adversely affect your irrigation system efficiency? Absolutely. When your system fails to distribute water evenly, it leads to overwatering in some areas and heat stress in others, so you’ll want to move quickly if a sprinkler head has suddenly stopped rotating as it did before.

If you’d like some tips on how to get your sprinkler system back to peak performance, read on for some information from American Irrigation Repair sprinkler head troubleshooting.

Common Causes of a Non-Rotating Sprinkler Head

Understanding the possible causes of a malfunctioning sprinkler head is the first step in addressing it effectively. Here are the most common reasons a sprinkler might stop rotating.

Debris Buildup

Over time, dirt, sand, and general yard debris can clog and disrupt a sprinkler head’s internal mechanisms and stop it from rotating smoothly. 

One solution is regularly cleaning each of the sprinkler heads. Filters are also a preventative measure against buildup that can lead to irrigation system failure.

Water Pressure Problems 

Your sprinkler system relies on consistent and sufficient water pressure to operate correctly. When water pressure drops, sprinkler heads often do not have sufficient force to rotate. Excessive pressure also causes parts to wear out prematurely or break unexpectedly.

The main concern is thermal expansion and high water temperatures during summer. Both of these things affect the pressure inside the sprinkler system. Malfunctioning sprinkler heads can also sometimes indicate underlying water pressure issues, so don’t wait too long to schedule a professional inspection.

Obstructions Around the Sprinkler Head 

Intuitively, physical obstructions like gravel, plants, or broken ground can also impede the movement of your system’s sprinkler heads. Have small, hard objects worked their way into the moving parts? 

Excessive sprinkler head stress like this will stop the rotation and cause lasting damage. If a sprinkler head won’t move, take it as an opportunity. Being proactive about scheduling repairs early restores the sprinklers’ function before things get expensive.

Misalignment or Damaged Parts 

Normal wear and tear catches up with all mechanical devices. Has your yard’s sprinkler heads become misaligned or damaged? 

The sprinkler head components that commonly wear out include: 

• Gears.
• Trip collars.
• Trip pins.

How To Repair a Sprinkler Head That Won’t Rotate

Here are some basic troubleshooting steps to address a sprinkler head malfunction.

Clean Out the Sprinkler Head 

A sprinkler professional will begin by unscrewing the sprinkler head and rinsing it thoroughly under clean water. A small brush or pin removes debris from the nozzle and filter. After the thorough cleaning and reassembly, it’s also important to test that the sprinkler now rotates.

Adjust the Water Pressure 

The second check will be using a pressure gauge to measure the water pressure in your irrigation system – the ideal result is slightly higher than inside your home, at between 50 and 60 PSI. Low pressure could indicate leaks or problems with cut-off valves or backflow valves, whereas pressure that is too high might need a water pressure regulator repair.

Remove All Obstructions 

Is the area around the sprinkler head free of obstacles like pebbles, rocks, plants, or debris? Any of these items could block the sprinkler head’s movement. 

The sprinkler head should also be a level surface or platform to provide proper alignment.

Inspect for Damage or Misalignment 

Experts will then carefully inspect the sprinkler head for any signs of wear, misalignment, or breakage, paying particularly close attention to the gears, trip collars, and trip pins. If they detect any damaged or misaligned parts, sprinkler repair teams generally adjust or replace these as necessary. The sprinkler head must also correctly align to promote proper rotation. 

A non-rotating sprinkler head might come right with a few tweaks, but getting professional help on this ensures you don’t miss anything important. You might save a lot of money and aggravation on catching complex issues early.

Videos on Adjusting Rotors

Call American Irrigation Repair for Expert Sprinkler Services

These troubleshooting tips for a malfunctioning sprinkler head should prove helpful but don’t hesitate to get some help if problems persist. Dealing with a sprinkler head that will not rotate is just one of the many services that irrigation and sprinkler systems may need. 

At American Irrigation Repair, we have provided reliable and prompt sprinkler repair services to property owners across Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and Texas Hill Country since 1997. Whether a sprinkler head needs simple repairs or the property’s irrigation needs a complete overhaul, you’ll find our prompt solutions and excellent customer service reliable.

Call American Irrigation Repair at (512) 943-6080 to schedule service!

If you’ve noticed that your sprinklers have low water pressure, you may have shrugged it off as an anomaly. Many homeowners in Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and the surrounding areas are surprised to learn that this is a common experience. They’re even more surprised to learn that the solutions to this frustrating problem are often simple.

Persistently low water pressure in your property’s sprinkler system leads to insufficient coverage, leaving some areas completely dry and others waterlogged. A common cause of low pressure in irrigation is a system leak, which can also lead to substantial property damage if not addressed quickly. You won’t want to wait long to sort out your sprinklers.

Read on tips and tricks from the Georgetown sprinkler repair experts at American Irrigation Repair.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure in Sprinklers

Several reasons could explain why your property’s sprinklers are struggling with low water pressure. Here are the most common issues our sprinkler repair crew encounters in the field.

Backflow Preventer Valve or Pressure Regulator Issues

Do your sprinklers have low water pressure, yet the pressure inside your home appears normal? There could be an issue with the valves in your system’s backflow preventer device. 

Backflow Valves

The backflow preventer stops water from flowing backward and out of your sprinkler into the water supply. It usually has two pipes: one horizontal and one vertical, each with a valve. These valves must be completely open to allow sufficient water flow into your sprinkler system.

The experts will check if the valves are fully open – the handles should be parallel to the pipes. This simple fix can often restore the proper water flow to your sprinkler system. 

Pressure Regulator

The irrigation system’s pressure regulator controls the water pressure flowing from each of the sprinkler heads to ensure consistency. When this component malfunctions, you will see fluctuating pressure – some sprinklers spray further than others. You might also hear some unusual sounds, like the squealing or sputtering associated with varying pressure levels.

You’ll want to contact a professional to adjust the valves or check the pressure regulator to ensure the sprinkler repair goes off without a hitch.

Main Water Valve or Shut-Off Valve Not Fully Open

Has anyone had a reason to close the main water supply to your property recently? When sprinklers have low water pressure, you may have an issue with partially closed main water valves and shut-off valves. While the resulting restriction in flow may not adversely affect household fixtures, like water-dependent appliances or the shower, it usually impairs sprinkler performance. 

Your sprinkler system requires a consistent water flow to operate, especially when compared to household appliances that only use water every now and then. Experts will troubleshoot a pressure problem by locating the shut-off valve that serves your sprinkler system. It must be fully open.

Leaks or Breaks in the Water Line

Are you noticing your sprinklers have low water pressure? You might want a professional to inspect your entire sprinkler system for problems beyond closed valves. One more serious scenario could be leaking water lines or burst pipes, which cause a substantial drop in water pressure downstream of the fault. 

It doesn’t take heavy equipment to damage a water line, although that is certainly a common cause of sprinkler system damage. Sometimes, something seemingly insignificant, such as installing a garden stake or a trellis, can puncture or rip a sprinkler line. To detect a leak, look around your yard for:

• Unusual depressions.
• Wet areas of soil or vegetation.
• Lush growth that shouldn’t be there.
• Water bubbling up from the ground when the sprinkler system is operating. 

If some sprinkler heads work properly while others do not, there could likely be a leak in the pipes between the heads. Wherever the problem lies, you’ll want to leave this repair work to experienced professionals to avoid doing more damage.

Obstruction of Water Lines

Sometimes, sprinklers have low water pressure due to an obstruction in the water line rather than an outright leak. For example, tree roots wrap around or pierce underground lines to restrict the normal water flow. Heavy objects depressing the soil over water lines, such as parking vehicles above them, also affect the pressure in the pipes and connections.

Obstructions can restrict water flow, which will significantly reduce the pressure in your sprinkler system. A professional repair service might replace the pipe, remove obstructions, or even reroute the damaged line and flush it to restore proper water flow.  

Clogged Nozzles or Dirty Sprinkler Heads

Clogged or dirty sprinkler heads and nozzles are another common reason for low water pressure. If the issue only affects one or two sprinkler heads, dirt or debris may block them. Of course, this stops the free flow of water, which will certainly produce a noticeable pressure drop in your irrigation system.

A professional like American Irrigation Repair will inspect and clean each of the system’s sprinkler heads and nozzles. If you spot excess grass or weeds around the base of sprinkler heads, you’ll want to clear them – obstacles like this stop sprinkler heads from popping up.

Increased Demand on Municipal Water Supply

Sometimes, sprinklers have low water pressure due to municipal water supply issues. Are your neighbors also experiencing low water pressure? 

If you notice the pressure drops during peak watering times, check the local water supply or contact your water supplier to be sure.

Choose American Irrigation Repair for Assistance With Sprinkler System Water Pressure Issues

If you’d like to avoid water damage and keep your lawn healthy, you need a correctly functioning sprinkler system. Adjusting valves or cleaning sprinkler heads isn’t as complicated as pipe leaks or obstructions, but getting professional assistance for all of it ensures a job done right the first time. American Irrigation Repairs has specialized in diagnosing and fixing sprinkler system issues since 1997, which is why so many Texans now rely on the team to handle all their irrigation projects and repairs.  

Do your sprinklers have low water pressure? Call American Irrigation Repair at (512) 943-6080 for service in Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, or anywhere around Texas Hill Country.

Last Modified: 12/20/24

An automated sprinkler system makes lawn care simple, but things can get complicated when the system malfunctions. Whether it’s from an accidental trip, a lawn mower mishap, or some extra curiosity from a child, sprinkler valve solenoids can get damaged without you realizing it. If you’re wondering how to tell if a sprinkler valve solenoid is bad, we’re here to help.

At American Irrigation Repair, we’ve been serving Georgetown, TX, and nearby areas for nearly 30 years. In this guide, we’ll show you the signs of a faulty sprinkler valve solenoid and how to identify the problem. Need help? Give us a call, and we’ll handle the repair for you.

What Is a Sprinkler Valve Solenoid?

Sprinkler valve solenoids control water pressure. They are plastic pieces with electrical wires controlling how much water flows out based on how much electricity they receive.

The valve solenoid contains several moving parts, including a plunger that controls how much water comes out of the valve. One broken part can make the entire system stop working, so it’s helpful to identify where problems may occur.

Signs the Sprinkler Valve Solenoid Is Bad

There are a few ways to identify problems. You can call a sprinkler repair company in Georgetown, TX to find the problem for you, but testing is pretty easy if you know how to tell if a sprinkler valve solenoid is bad.

Leaking Water

One of the first signs of poor valve operation is water leaking from the sprinkler valve solenoid. Water may leak from various parts, though it usually happens from the main valve.

Water may leak while the system runs or before and after you turn it on. Small leaks may not be noticeable, but you’ll see large leaks because of puddling in the yard around the sprinkler or on the sidewalk or patio next to it. Leaks are often caused by electrical issues or broken parts not allowing the valve to shut all the way.

Reduced or Uneven Pressure

You should have steady water pressure while your sprinkler system runs. If you notice the water won’t spray out as far as it used to or it changes during the cycle, something is going on inside causing this to happen. Reduced pressure is likely due to dirt or debris trapped in the system, while uneven pressure could be electrical.

Constant Flow of Water

Water running after it’s supposed to shut off is due to a faulty plunger, whether it’s mechanical or electrical trouble. Running water will make your utility bill more expensive, so it’s important to shut off the water immediately.

You can do this at the local source of water the sprinkler system is plugged into, or you can turn off the main water source, but this will affect your entire home until the problem is solved.

How To Troubleshoot the Sprinkler Valve Solenoid

Learn how to tell if a sprinkler valve solenoid is bad so you can address problems sooner rather than later. You can troubleshoot problems yourself if you enjoy tinkering in the yard, but your sprinkler repair company will be able to do this if you don’t like the hands-on approach.

Mechanical Inspection

Before troubleshooting the mechanical parts, turn off the water and electrical supply to your sprinkler system to avoid getting hurt. Remove the valve from the solenoid. If you can’t, the plunger needs to be replaced.

If you can easily remove the valve, flush it out with water to remove any debris that may be stuck inside. Replace the valve, turn on the power and water, and see if that solves your problems.

Any mechanical issues beyond these should be repaired by a professional.

Electrical Inspection

Many sprinkler valve solenoid issues relate to electrical continuity problems. Oftentimes, the solenoid doesn’t receive enough electricity to function properly, resulting in leaks or reduced pressure.

Never troubleshoot electricity yourself. The best thing you can do at home without a professional is flip the circuit breaker switch to see if it makes a difference. If that doesn’t do anything, the rest of the electrical troubleshooting should be handled by a professional.

Repair Options

When you hire a sprinkler repair company, they should be able to replace the broken part or portion of the system. Some situations may require the entire system to be replaced, but this likely won’t happen unless there is major damage or the system is so old it can’t work correctly anymore.

Call American Irrigation Repair Today

When you need your sprinkler system repaired, call American Irrigation Repair in Georgetown, Texas. We can help you learn how to tell if a sprinkler valve solenoid is bad and replace the solenoid efficiently. Call us today at (512) 943-6080 to schedule service.