Your sprinkler systems play a vital role in keeping your Bedford, Texas, lawn looking vibrant and lush. However, if your sprinkler system has a problem, you may be dealing with neglected areas of your yard and higher water bills. Here, HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler will look at signs of trouble with your lawn sprinkler system and how we can help you.

Comprehensive Sprinkler System Repair in Bedford, TX

HEB Plumbing offers comprehensive sprinkler system repairs for your Bedford, Texas, sprinkler systems. We can diagnose your sprinkler system’s issue to determine the problem. Whether a quick fix or extensive repairs are needed, we can get your sprinkler system working correctly. 

Contact us to restore functionality to your sprinkler system.

Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Repair

A lawn sprinkler waters a a lawn.

The following are a few signs your sprinkler system may need to be repaired. Please note that this list is not conclusive.

Increased Water Bill

While an increased water bill can have many reasons behind it, it could be caused by sprinkler-related issues, such as problems with sprinkler heads, low water pressure, or leaks.

Potential indications of water bill increases due to sprinklers:

  • Higher water bills despite water use not changing
  • Your water provider notifies you of water usage increases
  • The water meter runs even when the sprinkler system is off

Keeping track of your water bill can help you spot water wasting and save yourself money. Please note that the water bill increase could be caused by issues other than a sprinkler system. By promptly taking care of the issues that cause increased water bills, you may help prevent the issues from escalating and save money on your water bill. In situations like this, it is important to get a plumber involved.

Sprinkler Water Pressure Issues 

Sprinkler system water pressure that is too high or too low can be detrimental.

Signs of water pressure problems include:

  • Significant variation in sprinkler pattern
  • The sprinkler heads don’t extend or retract all the way
  • Different sprinkler heads have noticeable water output changes

Problems with Sprinkler Control Panel

Your sprinkler’s control panel is vital to the operation of the system. Problems here can have ramifications throughout your sprinkler system. Sprinkler control panel problems could be due to programming errors or electrical issues.

Common sprinkler control panel issues may include:

  • Scheduling or timing not working
  • The control panel displays an error message or has blinking lights
  • Buttons or displays aren’t responding

Electrical Problems

If a sprinkler system encounters electrical problems, it may quit working altogether or work intermittently. Given the dangers of electricity, a professional should handle these problems.

Some signs of electrical problems include:

  • Circuit breakers get tripped
  • Visible wire damage or a burning smell
  • The sprinkler system isn’t turning off or on

Because of the dangers of electrical problems, it is crucial that components stay in good working condition. Due to the risks of electricity, you’ll want to rely on a professional. By being able to identify and handle electrical problems professionally and quickly, you might prevent problems from escalating and help prevent lawn watering interruptions. 

Unusual Noises When the Sprinkler System is Running

Sprinkler systems in good condition are quiet, so hearing strange noises can indicate several problems.

The following are several noises you should listen for.

  • The control makes a humming or buzzing sound
  • Repeated banging or clicking sounds
  • Loud whistling or hissing noises

Please note that a gas leak may also make a whistling or hissing sound.

These sprinkler system noises can have several causes, such as damaged parts, high water pressure, or air stuck in the system.

The System Frequently Shuts Down

A sprinkler system that frequently shuts down signifies a problems that require immediate action. The frequent shutdowns may be due to programming errors, components breaking, electrical problems, or something else.

Frequent system shutdowns may come in the following forms.

  • The system randomly turns off while operating
  • Warning messages or errors appear on the control panel
  • The watering schedule is inconsistent despite proper programming

When your sprinkler system shuts down like this, it can affect the condition of your lawn. 

Rain Sensor Malfunction

If your sprinkler system is equipped with a rain sensor, it is important that it works properly. Malfunctioning rain sensors can lead to wasted water and overwatered lawns.

The following are some potential signs your rain sensor is malfunctioning.

  • The sprinkler system runs during or right after rain
  • The system shuts off inconsistently
  • Moisture level detection is inaccurate or unresponsive

Sprinkler Zones are Active Simultaneously

If different sprinkler zones are active at the same time, it may cause reduced water pressure. This could damage the system and cause insufficient watering. 

Signs to look for include:

  • All zones suffer from a reduction in water pressure
  • Several zones are active at the same time
  • Water distribution is uneven 

Different sprinkler zones active simultaneously may be due to electrical faults or problems with the controller. Given the dangers of electricity, this is something that a professional should handle.

Damaged Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads can be damaged by foot traffic, lawnmowers, the weather, and more. If sprinkler heads are damaged, it can affect their ability to water lawns correctly. Because of this, sections of your lawn may be over or under-watered. 

Some indications of damaged sprinkler heads include:

  • Water flow is uneven or misting
  • The sprinkler head is cracked or chipped
  • Sprinkler heads are stuck in the ground or aren’t popping up

Sprinkler Heads Aren’t Rotating Correctly

If you have a rotating sprinkler head, it must rotate correctly in order to do its job.

Some examples of sprinkler head rotation problems include:

  • Grinding or squeaking sounds when heads rotate
  • Rotations are erratic or incomplete.
  • Sprinkler heads aren’t rotating when they should be

Sprinkler Cycles Shorten

If your sprinkler system’s cycle lasts shorter than it is programmed, it is an indication of a problem. Shorter sprinkler cycles can cause lawns to not be effectively watered.

Signs of shortened cycles include:

  • Cycle times are incorrect on the control panel
  • The system shuts off before a programmed cycle can be completed
  • Random watering intervals don’t align with the programmed schedule

The reason behind these issues could be electrical problems, timer issues, or programming errors. 

Please note: Electrical problems should be handled by professionals.

Zones Won’t Activate

Sprinkler systems often have separate zones to effectively target specific areas. If a zone isn’t working, it can harm the grass there.

Indications a zone won’t turn on include:

  • Parts of your yard are dry
  • Certain areas of your yard are repeatedly underwatered
  • The control panel reads errors or cannot switch to another zone

A zone not activating could be due to a control valve not working, electrical problems, or faulty wiring. Please note that wiring and electrical issues should be handled by professionals due to the risks involved.

Water Pools By Sprinkler Heads

A sprinkler head with water pooling around it is a sign of a problem. It may be due to incorrect installation, waterline issues, or leaks.

The following issues could be symptoms of water pooling by a sprinkler head.

  • Consistent soggy areas or puddles by the sprinkler heads
  • Your water bill increases without an increase in water use
  • Noticeable moisture or wet soil despite the sprinkler system being off

As pooling water can hurt lawns and attract pests, the sprinkler head should be repaired asap.

Underground Sprinkler System Pipe Leaks

Underground sprinkler system pipe leaks can reduce water pressure available to sprinklers, waste water, and increase water bills. However, underground sprinkler system leaks can be difficult to detect.

The following are a few signs you may have an underground sprinkler system leak.

  • System water pressure is reduced or inconsistent.
  • Your lawn is damp, soggy, or has pooling water. Please note that this could be due to other issues, such as non-sprinkler system pipe leaks or sewer line leaks.

Water Coverage is Uneven

Even water coverage is crucial to a uniform lawn. If a part of your sprinkler system is unbalanced, a nozzle is clogged, or a sprinkler head is not adjusted right, some parts of your lawn may be getting too little or too much water.

Some uneven water coverage signs include, but are not limited to, the following.

  • Lawn growth is inconsistent
  • Muddy spots appear in places that are watered
  • Areas that are supposed to be watered are dry

Clearing the sprinkler head blockage or adjusting the necessary sprinkler head may resolve the problem.

Why Choose HEB Plumbing for Sprinkler Services?

A sprinkler watering a lawn

When you need services for your sprinkler system, you want professionals who have the knowledge and experience to do the job correctly. HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler has served the North Texas area since 1980. We are licensed and have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We’ve received many five-star reviews from satisfied clients and have won numerous awards.  

Common Sprinkler System Issues We Solve

We can solve many common issues you may have with your sprinkler system, including the previously mentioned ones. The following are a few examples of what we can help you with.

  • Locating and repairing leaks
  • Low water pressure
  • Broken sprinkler heads
  • Adjust coverage
  • Repairing or replacing parts 

The Importance of Timely Repairs for Your Sprinkler System

By taking care of sprinkler systems promptly, you can help minimize the adverse effects of sprinkler system problems, such as increased water bills and incorrectly watered lawns.

Contact HEB Plumbing for Professional Sprinkler Repair in Bedford, TX

Kathlyn Smith waits by her van on her way to a 6 Stones sponsored charity home renovation

When you need quality sprinkler repairs, rely on the experts at Bewley Plumbing. We’ve repaired sprinklers for over 40 years. Whether it’s a simple adjustment or a complex repair, we can help. We’re located in Bedford, Texas, and serve Northeast Tarrant County and Arlington, Texas. Contact us to request service.

FAQs

What are some common problems with sprinkler systems?

Sprinkler systems are incredibly helpful; However, they can encounter problems. The following are a few common problems sprinkler owners may encounter.

-Problems with the sprinkler controller
-Sprinkler relay system issue (often indicated by a buzzing sound from the pump)
-Water leaks
-Heads won’t pop up
-The sprinkler head height isn’t correct
-Low water pressure
-Sprinkler heads are clogged

How do I know if my sprinkler system needs repair?

There are several common problems that can affect sprinkler systems. The following are a few examples.

-Increased water bills
-Water pressure is too high or low
-Issues with the control panel
-Electrical problems
-Water coverage is uneven
-Underground sprinkler system leaks – Please note that water leaks in yards can also be caused by sewer leaks or other water leaks.
-Unusual noises when the sprinkler system is running, such as a humming or buzzing, repeated banging or clicking, or a whistling or hissing sound – Please note that whistling or hissing sounds could also be the result of a gas leak and should be treated as such until it is determined not to be the cause.
-Water pools by sprinkler heads
-Zones are not active
-Sprinkler cycle shortens
-Sprinkler heads won’t rotate correctly
-Sprinkler heads get damaged
-Separate sprinkler zones activate simultaneously
-The rain sensor malfunctions
-The system frequently shuts down

Can sprinkler system leaks increase my water bill?

Yes, sprinkler system leaks require more water to be used.

How often should a sprinkler system be serviced?

A sprinkler system should be serviced at least twice a year.