Sprinklers are vital for keeping your yard and garden healthy and looking fresh. Unfortunately, low water pressure may prevent the sprinkler water from reaching all the plants in your yard.
Low water pressure in an irrigation system is a common problem that is usually the result of malfunctioning backflow preventer valves or dirt getting caught up in the lines. If you are struggling with low water pressure in your sprinklers, here are the most common causes:
Backflow Preventer Valve Malfunction
The most common cause of low water pressure in sprinklers is the backflow preventer valves not opening fully. There are two main pipes in your backflow preventer – one horizontal and one vertical. Each pipe has a handle that can be turned to run with the line or across to open the valve. The valves are fully open when the handles are turned parallel to the pipe. Even if the handles are partially turned or only one of them is turned, this is enough to restrict the water flow, resulting in a low-pressure sprinkler and dried out plants.
Broken Line
Sometimes, yard work or moving cable lines, gas pipes, or electricity lines can result in low water pressure from your sprinklers. This is due to either you or a service provider digging holes in your yard. If the tool used to dig hits a sprinkler line, it can cause it to crack or become bent, resulting in a weakened flow.
Grass or Dirt Clogs
There are instances where low water pressure is only seen in one of the sprinkler heads. When this is the case, it is highly probable that grass has grown around the head and is creating a clog. Make sure that you cut away tall grass from your sprinkler heads and remove any weeds that may be growing nearby.
If you do not see any tall grass growing near the sprinkler head, then the low water pressure could be an indication that there is a build-up of dirt in the sprinkler lines. Dirt can sneak in through small cracks in the irrigation lines, which may form over time as the sprinkler system ages. It is important to flush the line occasionally to get rid of any dirt that may have gotten lodged into the system.
Municipal Water Supply Issues
If the low water pressure was not a result of the issues above, then the problem may be caused by your district’s municipal water supply. When the weather gets really hot and dry, it usually results in people using more water to keep their lawns healthy. Without proper water usage restrictions, some districts run the risk of there not being enough water to go around. This may cause the water pressure to be low in certain areas. If the problem is becoming a major issue, you will want to contact your local water company and report the issue. They can then set the proper restrictions in place and ensure that the water supply is shared more evenly.
Low water pressure in your sprinklers is certainly a cause for concern. When you are unsure of where the issue is coming from or how to solve it, do not hesitate to contact the dedicated plumbers at HEB Plumbing & Sprinklers. Our technicians will be able to quickly resolve your problem and help you give your plants the water they need to keep your lawn looking magnificent.