Your sprinkler system does a great job keeping your lawn and surrounding plants healthy. However, every outdoor system is exposed to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, frost, snow, ice, varying water pressure, tree roots, and animals.
Additionally, the sensitive electronics in any underground automatic sprinkler system can fail over time. Valves and hoses, often made from lightweight plastic, may crack, break, or become damaged.
The good news is that repairing your sprinkler system is relatively easy and inexpensive. Individual replacement hoses, elbows, and valves may only cost a few pounds. Hoses buried 15–20 cm underground can be easily dug up. Sections or components can be repaired or replaced individually without excavating the entire system. Follow these tips for repairing sprinkler heads and your system will run smoothly.
1. Clean the Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads can quickly become clogged with dirt and debris. Clogged heads affect water distribution, leading to dry or brown patches. Keeping your heads clean ensures the system runs efficiently.
Set an annual reminder for cleaning. The process involves turning off the system, removing, and soaking the nozzles. Always consult the manual to ensure correct reinstallation without damage.
2. Replace the Valve
If heads do not pop up, fail to activate, or show low water pressure, the issue may be with the valves. Valves control water flow to specific areas of the lawn. A faulty valve negatively impacts the entire system.
Valve replacement can be complex and may require cutting plastic pipes. Some systems lack separate valves, with water flowing directly from a single automatic timer box.
3. Repair a Faulty Valve by Replacing the Solenoid
If the water supply is fine, the problem may be with the solenoid. The solenoid acts like a tiny “door” inside the valve, opening and closing within milliseconds.
Replacement is simple – affordable solenoids are available at hardware stores and online. Turn off the water, disconnect the two wires, rotate the faulty solenoid counterclockwise, remove it, and install the new one clockwise. Reconnect the wires.
4. Winterise Your System
Sprinklers are not used year-round, so it’s best to prepare the system for cold months. Check all components and ensure any above-ground parts are protected.
Remove the timer, drain the water, and store it in a dry, warm place. Drain the entire system to prevent freezing.
5. Locate a Leak in the System
One of the most frustrating issues is a leak underground. Instead of excavating the whole system, pinpoint the leak.
Look for signs such as standing water or damp grass. Run sprinklers for around an hour overnight and check the area the next day. Taller or greener grass may indicate a leak.
6. Repair Damaged Wires
Damaged wires prevent communication between the valve and controller. Causes include wear or external factors.
Wires are primarily underground, so damage may not be obvious. Once identified, repair or replace the wires. Complex repairs may require electrical work. For extensive damage, contact a qualified electrician.
7. Don’t Ignore Disconnected Wires
Disconnected wires also disrupt communication between the controller and valves. Identify the cause and reconnect them. Check connectors, valves, and the controller to prevent recurrence.
8. Repair a Leaking Underground Pipe
If an underground pipe is leaking, dig carefully to avoid damaging other parts.
Cut out the damaged section and replace it with a new pipe. Many systems use flexible piping – take the cut piece to the store and purchase the correct repair materials and fittings. Review pricing for professional services or materials if needed.
Photo credit: Süleyman Şahan
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