Sprinkler systems are common in homes that have a lawn. After all, they are designed to make lawn care easier. A good sprinkler system ensures that your yard gets the water it needs for plants to thrive. Plus, it saves you from the hassle of dragging hoses around. But what if it doesn’t function properly? This is when it becomes a massive headache because you have to deal with high water bills and dry patches. Why does this happen? Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons a sprinkler system may not be working properly.
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Clogged or dirty sprinkler heads
It is a given that the sprinkler heads will get closed with debris, grass clippings, and dirt over time. When that happens, they will either not spray at all, or do it unevenly. It may not seem like a big problem, but even if one head is blocked, it can mess with the coverage of the whole area. You can use a small brush, or even water pressure for cleaning the sprinkler head. As long as you keep an eye on the sprinkler heads, you can avoid bigger issues in the future.
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Incorrect water pressure
One factor that has a direct impact on sprinkler performance is the water pressure. Low pressure can result in inconsistent and weak spray, while high pressure can lead to overspray, misting, and wasted water. The best way to ensure a balance is to get a valve adjustment or a pressure regulator. You can also use a pressure gauge to determine where things stand before you decide to make any changes.
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Lack of sprinkler backflow testing
Sprinkler backflow testing is one factor that is often overlooked, even though it is extremely important for keeping the water supply uncontaminated and safe. If the backflow preventer is malfunctioning, it can result in unsafe water conditions, and even issues with the water pressure. In addition, annual sprinkler backflow testing is required in some areas. Not only does it help you stay compliant, but is also helpful in balancing the water pressure and ensures that water flows in the right direction.
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Poor system design
There are times when there may not be anything wrong with the sprinkler system itself, but the design itself may be poor, which results in malfunction. If the sprinkler system is not installed correctly, it is understood that it is not going to work properly. The sprinkler heads may be spaced too far apart, the layout may not include proper coverage, or the zones might be uneven. If a sprinkler system is poorly designed, it can result in underwatered or overwatered areas, not matter how much you try and maintain it. Therefore, it is a good idea to hire a professional for assessing the layout and making some changes.
If your sprinkler system is not working properly, you should call in a professional for checking the issues outlined above. As long as your sprinkler system runs properly, you can have the green and healthy lawn you have always wanted.