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Sprinkler FAQs

We wanted to help out the community by answering some frequently asked questions that we have received from our customers and members. 


My system is stuck on. What is wrong with it, and how to I turn it off?

Try to turn off the system at the controller first. If the system is still running, turn off the water supply located near the meter. If the water supply has to be cut off, there is a mechanical problem with the sprinkler control valve. This can be related to debris or a broken component within the valve itself. For further help or investigation, please contact American Irrigation Repair.

Where do I shut off the water supply to my system?

The backflow preventer is normally the easiest location to shut off the system. This valve is normally located near the water meter in a green rectangular box roughly the same size as a meter box. This box can become overgrown with grass or have soil on top of it. The brass backflow preventer has two shut-off valves on it that can be turned off. Generally these valves should be turned perpendicular to the direction of the pipe to stop the flow. Round Rock, Austin, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville and Hutto all require backflow preventers on new systems.

After turning off the water supply, contact American Irrigation Repair to schedule the necessary repair.

What if I cannot find my shut-off and it is on the weekend or after hours?

Water providers typically have 24 hour help lines to help you in case you are unable to turn off your water. Contact your water provider.

How long do I have to wait for you to service my system?

Call as soon as you know you need us. We may run backlogs in the driest parts of the year due to heavy call volume. We always recommend our customers call us before they need to use their system so we can make sure the sprinklers are functioning when you need them most.

Do I have to wait for you to get parts?

Generally we try to complete most small repair jobs on the first visit. We carry parts from most manufacturers on our trucks. Larger, more complex jobs, or jobs with unique parts may require ordering parts or rescheduling the work.

Do you warranty your work?

Yes, please see our guarantee page for more information.

Why do I have big dry areas in my lawn?

Dry spots is one of the most common complaints we receive. Many different problems can be the cause but the most common are clogged sprinkler heads, inappropriate schedule, or broken control valves. A good idea is for you to check the system monthly and make sure the heads have not become clogged with debris or covered with grass. Contact us today for a complete professional inspection.

I’ve fixed my system and still have dry spots. What’s wrong?

Many times we get called back later in the summer after we have inspected and repaired a system with customers noticing dry spots. It is important to remember that the irrigation schedule will need to be substantially updated depending on the weather. Expect to have to apply significantly more water during periods of extreme heat. In turf, under-watering will generally show itself with splotchy areas of dry grass. The lawn will not dry and become stressed in a uniform pattern. Some areas will have poorer soil, rock, or just not get as much coverage as others. Even the best sprinkler systems are generally only about 65% efficient.

My controller runs a cycle, then turns on again. Is the controller bad?

This is one of our most common calls. It is very easy to accidentally set additional start times or have hidden secondary programs in the irrigation controller. When this happens make sure to remove any unwanted start times or programs. Most controllers have up to four programs and four or more start times. It’s very easy for additional start times to become accidentally hidden within the controller. Additionally you can remove the controller battery and let the controller sit without power for a period of time to help clear the memory and reset. Some controllers have a reset button inside the back panel of the controller. If the problem persists, contact American Irrigation Repair for assistance.

My controller is blank or the display shows incorrectly. Does the controller need to be replaced?

Many times the newer electronic controllers will become locked when a power surge, or lightning strike occurs. Perform a hard reset on the controller to make sure that the controller is not locked up. If the controller has a battery backup, remove power and remove the battery. It is imperative that the battery is removed while the a/c power is also removed in order to allow the unit to completely power down. Allow the controller to sit for a few minutes. If the controller has a reset button, depress the reset button while the power is off. After allowing the unit to sit for a few minutes, reconnect the power, and reinstall the battery. If the unit appears to be functioning correctly, the problem may be solved. If the unit continues to not function properly, contact American Irrigation Repair to service the system.

How long should I water?

Generally run times on spray or mister style heads should be between 5-25 minutes, and run times on single or multi stream rotating heads should be 25-75 minutes depending on the season. For more detailed scheduling information contact us today. We would love to recommend a schedule that best suits your lawn once we have evaluating your system.

Cars keep running over my heads, what can be done about it?

We can install updated swing joints into your system to reduce the likelihood of breakage due to vehicular traffic. Contact American Irrigation Repair today to have them installed on your system.

What do I need to do to my system to prepare for winter?

Generally the central Texas weather does not get cold enough to justify any blow-out winterizing of our sprinkler systems. Wrap any exposed metal components with insulation, and keep the system off during freezing weather. We do not recommend a sprinkler system be turned off for the entire winter in Austin Texas area. There are rubber, water lubricated parts on all the control valves, and heads that will become brittle and crack if they are not exercised occasionally. Run the system at least once per month to prevent these issues from arising. American Irrigation Repair LLC offers winter system inspections to be sure the backflow preventers and other components are insulated. Preventative measures can limit the risk of freeze damage.

City of Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Hutto or Pflugerville has mailed me a letter requesting a test of my backflow preventer. What does that mean?

Water providers generally have required backflow preventer tests when the system is installed. Some providers are now requiring tests on a annual basis. Contact American Irrigation Repair today to have a state certified backflow tester out to test your backflow device.

What is a backflow preventer and why do I need one?

The backflow preventer is designed to prevent the dirty irrigation water sitting in the heads from being backsiphoned or sucked back into your house water. Broken city water mains, fire pumper trucks and other things can cause this to become a reality. Because of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides we put on our lawns this water can be very dirty. This is why backflow preventers are needed, and required. For further information or help, please contact American Irrigation Repair today.

My backflow preventer has been a problem several times before, and I am tired of messing with it. Can it just be removed?

The simple answer to this is NO. Backflow preventers are required to promote safe drinking water to all who share the supply. Municipalities such as Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Hutto require backflow preventers to be connected to their water supply. Removal of these devices will trigger disconnection/ fines or both. Contact American Irrigation Repair so we can discuss what changes could be made to keep continued repetitive problems from occurring with your backflow prevention device.

I have city and well service. Can I connect my sprinkler to both, and just have a valve to switch to whichever one I want to use?

No. Municipal water suppliers require a physical separation between well water and the municipal water supply. If your system is not setup accordingly, contact us immediately to correct the connection.

Can I save money by installing a sprinkler system by myself?

American Irrigation Repair has the training, knowledge, and experience to create the most cost-effective and energy-efficient systems. If you try to install a system yourself it will most likely cost you more money in the long run. When designing and installing a system we pay special attention to sprinkler patterns, backflow prevention, and local plumbing and electrical codes. We will install a sprinkler system faster with less disruption to your yard, and we guarantee our work.

Will I have difficulty operating my sprinkler system?

American Irrigation Repair will help you select the best controller for your needs, and we will program it with your customized watering schedule. We will take the time to explain the sprinkler system’s operation to you.

I have a really high water bill. Does this indicate a sprinkler leak?

A high water bill can be a sign of a leak. It’s important to remember that as usage increases water rates typically ramp up exponentially. After the recent droughts water suppliers have drastically increased enforcement for water violators. Operate the system and look for any broken lines, heads, or nozzles that may be immediately obvious. Turn off those affected zones until the appropriate repairs can be made. Make sure the irrigation controller is scheduled as you have intended. One of the most common mistakes is hidden schedules located under alternate programs or start times causing the system to cycle too frequently. American Irrigation Repair is able to perform an complete inspection of your system to locate any leaks or inefficiencies and make the appropriate recommendations for repair or rescheduling.

How much does a sprinkler system cost?

The price of a system depends upon many factors such as property size, type of landscaping, and other factors. American Irrigation Repair will make sure you have the options that are best for your lawn and budget. Contact us to give you a bid on any irrigation work you need!

How much do you charge to repair sprinkler systems?

Please contact us at (512)-943-6080, so that we can properly explain any pricing and better understand your irrigation needs.

I’ve been delighted with American Irrigation for years and just set up service for my mother in law. Keep up the great work!
Armando, Alejandro, and Jorge were on time, professional, and courteous. Repairing a 25+ zone system after a lightening strike isn’t easy. They really stepped up and I will call again if I need something.
Augustin and Wilfredo did a great job checking my system for summer and installed a better drip line and sprinkler head needed dues to masonry work covering the existing system. We love American Irrigation Repair.
The guys were great and repair was done quickly. Excellent job.
The 2 gentleman did a great job with the repairs and took the time to make sure I understood the status and issues with our system
Let me start off by saying from the time I reached out to the office staff at American irrigation I was met with total professional and they went above and beyond to make sure what I asked for was met with the utmost professionalism and understanding, so thank you Tracy, and Lizette

Now for the irrigation tech Santos and his crew I was met with the same professionalism that the office staff gave me… they were very thorough in making sure what we asked for was met and above that they even took care of things and brought things to our attention that we weren’t aware of but they had our needs in mind! We look forward to having American irrigation as our irrigation business that we will refer to anyone that has irrigation needs!

Thanks again to EVERYONE at America irrigation inc.
Great job. No complaints. Very skilled
Great and efficient job
Exelente lugar y trabajo, recomendado.
These guys do quality work, are respectful, and won’t price gouge you. We highly recommend them, especially Thomas!!
My sprinkler system was in need of a lot of repairs. Filiberto checked everything and provided a quote with three recommendations. I selected one and the team was here two days later to make all the repairs. Filiberto, Abraham, and Adrian did a great job. Despite the amount of work and hot and humid weather conditions, they never slowed down. They made all the repairs, replaced sprinkler heads, dug out roots, installed a new rain sensor, and left the yard looking like new. I'm confident these repairs are going to make a big difference in how my yard looks in the coming weeks. Thank you to the team for their professionalism and commitment to excellence. They clearly know what they're doing.
Timely, professional and very detailed- My yard looks great because of them.
The guys showed up on time and were very thorough in inspecting each sprinkler head and drip line. They showed me the broken heads and issues and explained what repairs were needed. They were careful while digging in my yard and respected my property. Santos is always very polite and detailed in his work. He always explains what caused the issues and what the cost of the repairs will be. The whole team is very polite and professional. They’re the very best and I will only use this company.
Response from the owner:Hi Karen, We're really glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team! It's always our goal to be thorough and professional, so it's great to know we hit the mark. We're here whenever you need us, and we look forward to helping with your irrigation needs in the future. Best, Justin
Great service, timely, reliable, love this company.
Everyone at American Irrigation are experts at trouble shooting my drip system leaks under my grass.
The are top notch professionals
Response from the owner:Thank you Steven, I am grateful for the work! Justin
Good guys good job.
Response from the owner:Thank you Felix!
Great experience! From the first phone call they were super communicative and friendly. Were able to come out within a couple days of calling, arrived in a timely manner with a heads up text, and well within the arrival window. Upon arrival Juan was friendly and knowledgable. He quickly got to work and resolved the issues. I highly recommend American Irrigation.
Diego and Roger did a fantastic job. They were friendly, professional and answered all my questions. I would like Santos and Juan to return for my next Irrigation checkup. Justin and Ashly, you have a great crew.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and feedback Dale!
Changed out a sprinkler head and broken connection below it with a flexible system to preclude errant drivers fro running over and fracturing it again since it is out near heavily traveled road. Quick and excellent work as always.
Response from the owner:Bill, Thank you for the kind words, and the work! Justin
The new Dynamic Duo have no capes but can fix irrigation problems faster than you can say “It’s done already?” Things happen to your sprinkler heads by landscapers and other vendors so you don’t know you have a problem until the grass is burnt. Highly recommend joining the club for regular checkups. Thanks Wade and Ty.
They have always been great in responding and taking care of any issues. I am on a yearly support with them and has been a great program. Super easy to contact and get a response. Juan came out and did a great job on updating my sprinklers.
Response from the owner:Ed, We are grateful to have kept up with your system as long as we have. Holler if you ever need anything. Gratefully, Justin
Joel was very helpful knowledgeable and went above and beyond. Joel & Kevin worked in tandem doing an excellent job!
Those guys that came out were great. They worked hard and got everything fixed up my sprinkler system works great now.
All of your employees Wade, Joel, Jaime, and I think Todd that was here. Yesterday were very professional very courteous super helpful and I just wanna thank you for having wonderful people working at your company that are willing to help and make things right.
Response from the owner:Hi Diane, We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with the team! It's great to know they were able to help out and make things right for you. We always aim to provide professional and courteous service, so your feedback means a lot to us. If you ever need anything else or have more projects in mind, don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for sharing your experience! Best, Justin, Ashly, and Wade Wilson :)
Augustin, Wilfredo and Hannah at American Irrigation and Repair were great. The entire team were friendly, detail oriented and able to answer all of my questions. The repairs/installation were completed accurately and timely. Would highly recommend for any irrigation needs and will use again.
I joined the club plan several years ago and have only good things to say about this company. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Hi Georgia, Thank you for trusting us with your work for many years. :) Gratefully Justin
The young men that worked on my system did their job very well. If I have another problem I will call you again. THANKS
Joaquin and Pepe very nice, easy to talk to and very knowledgeable and fast. Price was really good. Highly recommend American Irrigation and two workers.
Very helpful & professional
Friendly and knowledgeable
Great crew
Response from the owner:Thank you for the work Philip!
Brandon Palomo handled the irrigation check. He’s very professional & explains why he suggests improvements/changes. He reviews charges before repair work is done so there isn’t a surprise bill after he finishes. I like the company; they know what they’re doing. I have used others & American Irrigation does excellent work
We had a 5 star experience with American Irrigation. We had a pool installed and needed our irrigation system repaired, replaced and zones added. From the start with the quoting process (fair pricing) with Santos to the installation, a few days later, with the outstanding crew of:
Jose P., Santos V., Tracy M., Lizzett S., Olegario H., Antoni U., Uriel V., Arnulfo C., and Honorato R.

They were professional in all aspects and will be my irrigation company hence forth.
Thank you American Irrigation!
Both technicians did a good job quickly diagnosing the issue and fix it
e issue.
Response from the owner:Mahidhar I am grateful for the work! Justin
On time, professional, friendly
Very professional and knowledgeable. Did the job right and on time.
Response from the owner:Jeff Thank you for the sprinkler work!
Armando and his crew did an outstanding job re-routing my sprinklers around a new patio extension. They were efficient, thorough, and took great care to repair the lawn and ensure the coverage was perfect for the affected areas. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of sprinkler repair or installation.
What a great experience!! Carlos and Daniel did an amazing job tracking down where the wire to the sprinkler system had been cut due to the recent installation of a gate. They dug in a way that was the least damaging to our landscaping, repaired the wire and left things looking even better than when they started. They deserve more than five stars for doing such a fantastic job. I am over the moon pleased!!
Excellent service and great PR!!
Had my annual check of my irrigation system on June 26 2025. Wade W and Ty T showed up exactly on time, were very thorough and courteous, and repaired a couple of sprinkler heads not operating properly. The service was fast, performed excellently, and at a very, reasonable price. I was 100% satisfied with the service and the bill.
Response from the owner:Mr. Washington, Thank you for your continued support and referrals. Holler at me if you need anything sir. Justin
I’ve used American Irrigation Repair for years. They consistently have provided great communication and service.
Great service as always
Response from the owner:Hi William, Thank you for the kind words and for being a loyal customer! We’re thrilled to hear that you continue to receive great service from our team. Providing quality, professional work at a fair value is always our goal, and it means a lot to know it’s appreciated. Warm regards Justin & Ashly
The team showed up timely, assessed what our system needed, and were prepared to make the needed upgrades. They were friendly and efficient.
Response from the owner:Hi April, Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad to hear that our team arrived on time, quickly assessed the situation, and got everything upgraded efficiently. Friendly and professional service is what we aim for, and it’s great to know that came through during your visit. We appreciate your trust and support—thanks again Justin Wilson
We have had American Irrigation Repair of Georgetown maintain our irrigation system for over 6 years now. They are the best! Period!

6 years ago, we hired American Irrigation to install new zones and fix broken pipes due to pool construction. They gave us the best quote and did a splendid job installing the zones. They came on time and coordinated around the pool construction.

Ever since, we have them tune up our system every year and they have never failed to delight me. Just today, Sean came over to examine some leaky heads and zone, within 3 days of us reporting it. Cause was recent landscaping debris in the new zone added by landscaper (not these guys). Sean flushed the system clean, replaced the valve and got everything working promptly.

Highly recommend American Irrigation.
Response from the owner:Hi Venkatesh, Wow, thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review! It means the world to us that you've trusted our team for over six years. From that first big job around your pool construction to annual tune-ups, we’re honored to be your go-to for irrigation care. We’re especially glad Sean could take care of the recent issue quickly and professionally. He takes a lot of pride in his work, and your kind words will mean a lot to him. Thank you again for the continued support and recommendation. It’s customers like you who make what we do so rewarding. The Wilson Family & Everyone on the Team
On time, professional and friendly. Would use them again. Juan was very helpful
Response from the owner:Hi Ron, Thank you for the great review! We’re glad to hear everything went smoothly and that Juan made a positive impression. Being on time, professional, and friendly is exactly what we aim for, and we’re happy to know you'd use us again. Thanks again for choosing us The Wilsons
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