A healthy, green lawn is the pride of many Angleton homeowners. Your sprinkler system is your best ally in achieving that lush landscape, especially during our hot and sometimes unpredictable weather. When problems arise, Angleton Sprinkler Repair is here to help—ensuring your system works efficiently so your lawn stays beautiful. A malfunctioning sprinkler can quickly turn your vibrant oasis into a patchy, unhealthy yard, but with a trusted local company on your side, these issues are easier to handle.
Understanding common sprinkler problems can help you spot issues early and take action before serious damage occurs. Whether you’re facing non-rotating heads, slow drainage, frozen pipes, or waterlogging, Angleton Sprinkler Repair is your trusted partner for quick diagnosis and effective solutions. Our team will help you identify these problems and restore your irrigation system to peak performance—so your lawn stays healthy, green, and worry-free.
One of the most common signs of a sprinkler problem is a rotor head that has stopped turning. When a sprinkler head doesn’t rotate, it sprays water in a single direction. This leads to some parts of your lawn getting too much water while others get none at all. The result is uneven watering, which can cause brown, dry patches in some areas and waterlogged, swampy spots in others.
Several factors can cause a rotor head to stop spinning. The filter at the base of the head might be clogged with dirt, sand, or other debris. Low water pressure can also prevent the internal gears from having enough force to turn the head. In some cases, the internal gear mechanism is simply worn out or broken from age and use.
For a quick fix, you can try cleaning the filter. Unscrew the sprinkler head from its riser and check the small filter screen at the bottom. Rinse it under water to remove any debris. If that doesn’t work, the issue may be more complex, such as a pressure problem or a broken gear. At that point, it’s best to call a professional for a proper diagnosis and repair.
After your sprinkler system shuts off, the water should soak into the ground relatively quickly. If you notice standing water or puddles forming around your sprinkler heads long after the cycle is complete, you likely have a drainage issue. This excess moisture can suffocate your grass roots and create a breeding ground for fungus and pests.
Poor drainage is often caused by a low head leak, also known as a weeping valve. This happens when the zone valve doesn’t seal completely after the system turns off, allowing water to slowly leak out of the lowest sprinkler head in that zone. Compacted soil in the area can also prevent water from absorbing properly.
Installing a check valve on the problematic sprinkler head can often solve this issue. A check valve acts as a one-way gate, preventing water from flowing out of the head when the system is off. If the problem is compacted soil, aerating your lawn can improve drainage and allow water to penetrate the ground more effectively.
While Angleton isn’t known for harsh winters, we do experience occasional freezes that can wreak havoc on an unprepared sprinkler system. When water left in the pipes freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the PVC pipes and fittings. This can cause them to crack or burst, leading to significant leaks and costly repairs once things thaw out.
The sole cause is water left in the irrigation lines during freezing temperatures. The best way to deal with frozen pipes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Proper winterization is key. Before the first freeze, you should shut off the main water supply to your sprinkler system and drain all the water from the pipes. This can be done manually or with an air compressor to blow the lines out completely.
If you suspect you have a cracked pipe, it’s important to shut off the water to the system immediately to prevent water waste and further damage. Locating and repairing an underground pipe crack requires expertise and the right tools, making it a job best left to professional sprinkler technicians.
Waterlogging occurs when your lawn receives more water than the soil can absorb or your plants can use. This saturates the soil, deprives roots of oxygen, and can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. It not only damages your lawn and landscape but also wastes a significant amount of water.
The most common causes of waterlogging are improper sprinkler scheduling and poor system design. Watering too frequently or for too long is a primary culprit. Leaky valves or heads that spray onto non-landscaped areas like sidewalks and driveways also contribute to water waste and oversaturation.
To fix this, review your watering schedule. Most lawns in Angleton do best with deep, infrequent watering. Adjust your controller to water for longer periods but fewer days per week. Check for and repair any leaks. You should also adjust spray heads to ensure they are only watering your lawn and garden beds, not hardscaped surfaces. A professional irrigation audit can help you create the most efficient watering schedule and system setup for your specific yard.
Your sprinkler system is a vital component of your lawn care routine. Ignoring small problems like a non-rotating head or a minor leak can lead to bigger, more expensive issues down the road. By regularly inspecting your system and addressing problems as they arise, you can save water, lower your utility bills, and ensure your lawn stays beautiful and healthy all year long.
If you’re facing any of these common issues or suspect your system isn’t performing at its best, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A quick repair today can save you from a major headache tomorrow.
