1. Incorrect controller programming

2. Dead batteries in timer (if battery-operated)

3. Clogged or damaged sprinkler heads

4. Faulty valves or solenoids

5. Low water pressure

Sprinkler systems can fail to operate for various reasons, but the most frequent culprit is incorrect programming of the controller. It may seem simple, but it can render an entire system inoperative. People often overlook checking the basics: whether the start time, run time, and scheduled days are correctly set.

For battery-operated timers, dead batteries are another common and easily overlooked cause. A blank display is a good indicator of this problem.

Physical issues with the system components are the next most likely cause. Clogged or damaged sprinkler heads can prevent proper water distribution. Normal lawn maintenance, like mowing, can inadvertently damage exposed heads.

Faulty valves or solenoids can also cause system-wide or zone-specific failures. Valves and solenoids control water flow to different areas of the lawn and can malfunction due to wear or electrical issues.

Low water pressure can occur due to city water supply problems or issues with the system's backflow device or corrosion in the line, and prevent sprinklers from operating correctly.

These are the most common issues, but other problems like broken pipes or electrical faults also cause system failures. If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, give Salt Lake City Sprinkler Pros a call.  We can diagnose the problem and quickly get your irrigation system back to its optimized function.

Here are the things to look for:

1. Uneven water distribution

2. Leaking or broken sprinkler heads

3. Unexplained increase in water bills

4. Low water pressure

5. Zones not activating properly

6. Pooling water or soggy areas

7. Strange noises during operation

Uneven water distribution, resulting in dry patches or oversaturated areas, is a common issue. This can be caused by clogged or misaligned sprinkler heads.

Leaking or broken sprinkler heads are another obvious sign. You may notice water pooling around the heads or spraying in unintended directions. These problems waste water and can damage your landscape.

An unexplained increase in your water bill could indicate underground leaks or malfunctioning valves. Similarly, low water pressure throughout the system might suggest pipe damage or blockages.

If certain zones fail to activate or water inconsistently, there could be electrical issues with the control panel or individual valves. Pooling water or persistently soggy areas in your yard, especially when the system isn't running, often point to underground leaks.

Strange noises during operation, such as hissing or hammering sounds, can indicate various issues from air in the lines to excessive water pressure.

Regular inspection and maintenance can help catch these problems early. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to get them taken care of quickly to prevent water waste, landscape damage, and prevent more expensive repairs down the line. Many repairs can be complicated, and for these complex issues, give Salt Lake City Sprinkler Pros a call.  

H3: Can you repair any type of sprinkler system?

Yes - we work with any and all types of sprinkler systems.  We’ve seen the full gamut of sprinkler systems, from ancient systems with obsolete parts, to terribly installed systems. We’re problem solvers and we actually enjoy the challenge of a complicated sprinkle repair.  

If you’ve got an irrigation problem you can’t solve, give us a call.

Yes - we work with any and all types of sprinkler systems.  We’ve seen the full gamut of sprinkler systems, from ancient systems with obsolete parts, to terribly installed systems. We’re problem solvers and we actually enjoy the challenge of a complicated sprinkle repair.  

If you’ve got an irrigation problem you can’t solve, give us a call.

To diagnose a sprinkler problem:

Check for visible damage or clogs in heads and valves

Observe spray patterns and water pressure

Test electrical components if zones won't activate

Look for leaks in pipes or around valves

Diagnosing a sprinkler system issue requires a systematic approach. We start by visually inspecting the system while it's running. We look for damaged or clogged sprinkler heads that may spray erratically or not at all. We check for low water pressure, indicated by weak spray or heads that don't pop up fully.

If one zone fails to activate entirely, the problem could be electrical. We test the controller, transformer, and valve solenoids using a multimeter. We ensure wires are properly connected and undamaged.

Leaks are another common issue. We check for wet spots in the lawn or around valves when the system is off. This could indicate a broken pipe or faulty valve. For valves, we inspect the diaphragm and look for cracks in the valve body.

If water pools near the sprinkler furthest from the valve, it might be due to a valve not closing completely or installed backward. We check the flow direction and rebuild or replace the valve if necessary.

Salt Lake City Sprinkler Pros technicians can assist in diagnosing the problem.  Sprinkler systems can be complex and some problems require advanced expertise and know-how to solve.  Give us a call and let us diagnose the problem and get your sprinkler system working optimally.

Yes, for minor issues like cleaning or replacing sprinkler heads or swapping in a new solenoid or even some minor pipe breaks. No, for complex problems involving a stop and waste or backflow preventer, or complicated electrical work. Help from an irrigation professional is usually the best route for major repairs to avoid further damage and ensure proper function.

While it's definitely possible to handle some basic sprinkler maintenance yourself, many sprinkler system repairs require professional expertise. Simple tasks like clearing debris from sprinkler heads or replacing a damaged head are often within a homeowner's capabilities. If you're ok to do some digging, a more DIY oriented homeowner can repair an underground sprinkler pipe with a hacksaw, a slip coupling and some glue, with limited risk. However, more complex issues, especially related to the major system valves or wiring can be challenging and risky to address without proper knowledge and tools.

Major repairs involving the major irrigation system valves, hard-to-locate underground pipes leaks, mystery electrical issues, or system-wide problems are best left to an experienced irrigation technician. Chancing these repairs without expertise can damage your irrigation system, water waste, and can even risk injury.  At Salt Lake City Sprinkler Pros, we have specialized equipment and extensive know-how in irrigation plumbing that enables us to diagnose and fix issues much quicker than you can on your own.

Before attempting a repair, make sure you know what you're getting into. If you're not sure about the nature or extent of the irrigation problem, it's just a much safer bet to call an irrigation specialist. Salt Lake City Sprinkler Pros accurately diagnose the issue and provide a safe, long-lasting and cost effective solution.  We frequently are called in to fix DIY sprinkler repairs that didn’t go well - you wind up paying twice, with your time and money.

Sprinkler repairs cost between $130 and $1,750, but cost really depends on the type of repair work you need done, the complexity of your sprinkler system and a range of other factors.  

Minor repairs, like replacing a single sprinkler head, can be relatively inexpensive, often costing less than $20 for parts if you do it yourself and costing the minimum trip charge if we do it for you. But, more complex issues like stop and waste valve replacements, backflow preventer replacements, valve manifold replacements, underground pipe leaks or electrical problems can be significantly more expensive.

In addition to the type of repair work you need done, the factors that influence cost are:

1. Type of sprinkler system (in-ground, above-ground, or drip irrigation)

2. Extent of the damage

3. Ease of access to the problem area 

4. Quality of replacement parts

5. Expertise/workmanship of the irrigation repair technician.

Expertise, workmanship and quality parts can vary significantly by who you call.  Landscapers without specific irrigation expertise and handymen can get the job done for less, but the repairs are usually short-lived.  

Quality parts really matter in sprinkler repairs.  Some irrigation companies use low quality parts from Home Depot and Lowes that invariably fail much sooner than professional grade parts. Salt Lake City Sprinkler Pros only uses the highest quality parts, to ensure the maximum life on our repairs.