Most homeowners don’t give their sprinklers their due while they play the crucial role of keeping the law in great condition all year long. This often results in the sprinkler systems not getting timely and proper maintenance, resulting in them developing different types of problems. 

If and whenever you face any sprinkler problems, it is important that you identify them and take the right steps to address them. At DN Sprinklers, we would like to discuss the most common sprinkler issues and their solutions.

Here are the most commonly occurring sprinkler problems and their solutions.

1. Overspraying

Overspraying is among the most commonly occurring sprinkler system issues and causes a significant amount of water loss. You don’t want your sprinkler to spray water over the side strips, driveway, and fence. Some of the common underlying causes include:

• Use of improper head types/nozzles
• Tilted heads
• Incorrect spray patterns
• High pressure

Since there are different causes, it is recommended to seek professional help to address the respective problem.

2. Pump Buzzing

Pump buzzing indicates that there is an issue with the relay system. The relay system is a magnetic switch designed for activating the system. A problem with a relay can cause a sprinkler head to become non-operational. If you hear the buzzing noise, it is recommended to call in your sprinkler experts.

3. Broken Heads

Broken heads can be easily spotted. If the problem is not fixed quickly, one or more broken heads can cause a lot of water wastage. Besides, it can prevent water from reaching the grass it is intended for. The only solution to this problem is replacing the damaged head with a new one.

4. Pop Up Failure

This problem can occur in different ways, but all of them have the same effect. The sprinkler heads are going to work at less than their full potential or not at all. The most common underlying causes include:

• Damage to the relay
• The controller not working at its optimal levels
• Mechanical problems within the affected head’s pop-up system

Again, this issue should be addressed by a licensed sprinkler professional.

5. Blocked Heads

As the name suggests, a blocked head has an obstruction and it prevents the water from reaching its intended area. Some of the common materials causing the obstruction include:

• Rocks
• Tall grass
• Overgrown trees/brushes

This problem can increase the risk of brown spot development in your lawn. You can consider removing the obstruction or moving the sprinkler head itself if the obstruction cannot be removed.

6. Clogged Nozzles

This problem occurs when debris gets stuck in the filter of the head or nozzle. The head cannot cover the entire intended area, resulting in the formation of brown spots in the yard. 

• Turn off the sprinkler system
• Lift off the stem out of the affected head by the nozzle
• Screw off the nozzle of the spray head 
• Remove the filter from the stem and clean it to remove any debris

Reassemble the entire head and this should help fix the issue.

Some of the other common sprinkler problems include mixed heads, misting, broken pipes, broken valve, improper pressure, and poor head spacing. Most of these issues require professional intervention. For more information and guidance, it is recommended to contact DN Sprinklers at (210) 765-8667 or write to us.