A healthy, green lawn is a point of pride for any homeowner, but keeping it that way in Santa Fe’s unique climate requires an efficient irrigation system. With the expertise of Santa Fe Sprinkler Repair, you can ensure your system stays in top shape year-round. When your sprinklers work correctly, they are a fantastic tool for maintaining a beautiful landscape. But what happens when things go wrong? A malfunctioning sprinkler system can lead to wasted water, dead patches of grass, and even potential health hazards.
Understanding the signs of common sprinkler problems is the first step toward a solution. For any of these issues, Santa Fe Sprinkler Repair is your trusted local expert, ready to diagnose and resolve problems quickly and professionally. We will explore four frequent issues we see here in Santa Fe: sticking rotary heads, faulty sensors, manual override failures, and dangerous backflow problems. Knowing how to spot these problems and why professional help is crucial will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
One of the most visible sprinkler problems is a rotary head that stops turning. Instead of sweeping water across a large section of your lawn, it gets stuck in one position. This creates a double-whammy of a problem: one area gets flooded while the surrounding grass gets no water at all.
This issue is usually easy to see. When your system runs, watch your rotary sprinkler heads. Do they rotate smoothly, or are they stuck, jittery, or spraying in a fixed direction? You’ll likely notice overly saturated ground in one spot and a dry, wilting area nearby.
Several factors can cause a rotary head to stick:
While you might be tempted to clean it yourself, taking a sprinkler head apart can be tricky. Often, the problem lies deeper within the system. A professional can diagnose whether the issue is a simple blockage, a pressure problem, or a sign of a worn-out part needing replacement.
Modern sprinkler systems often come with smart sensors, like rain or soil moisture sensors, designed to conserve water. A rain sensor should automatically shut off your system when it’s raining, and a moisture sensor prevents watering when the ground is already saturated. When these sensors fail, your system loses its “smarts.”
The most obvious sign is your sprinklers running during a rainstorm. You might also notice your system watering on a fixed schedule, regardless of recent rainfall or how damp the soil is. This defeats the purpose of having a water-saving sensor and can lead to overwatering, which is just as bad for your lawn as underwatering.
Sensor failures can happen for a few reasons:
A malfunctioning sensor wastes a significant amount of water and increases your utility bills. A professional can quickly test the sensor, check the wiring, and determine if it needs cleaning, repair, or replacement to get your system back to peak efficiency.
Your sprinkler system’s manual override function is an important feature. It allows you to turn the system on or off directly from the control panel, bypassing the programmed schedule. This is useful for testing repairs, watering a new patch of sod, or shutting the system down quickly in an emergency.
The issue is straightforward: when you try to use the manual start or stop function on your controller, nothing happens. The system might not turn on when you command it to, or worse, it won’t shut off. A system that won’t turn off can dump hundreds of gallons of water onto your property in a short time, causing flooding and damage.
Problems with the manual override usually point to an issue with the controller or the valves.
Because these issues involve the electrical and mechanical core of your irrigation system, it’s best to call a professional. An expert can safely diagnose whether the problem is with the controller, wiring, or a specific valve, ensuring the right fix is applied without causing further damage.
This is the most serious issue on our list. Backflow occurs when non-potable irrigation water is drawn backward into your home’s main water supply. This can happen if there’s a sudden drop in pressure in the city water main (like from a water main break or firefighter use) while your sprinklers are running. This process can contaminate your drinking, cooking, and bathing water with fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria from your lawn.
Unfortunately, you often can’t “see” backflow happening. The evidence might be discolored or bad-tasting tap water, but by then, contamination has already occurred. The only real way to address backflow is through prevention. All modern sprinkler systems are required to have a backflow prevention device installed.
The problem isn’t the backflow event itself, but the failure of the device meant to stop it.
State and local regulations require functional backflow prevention devices on all irrigation systems. These devices must be tested annually by a certified professional to ensure they are working correctly. This isn’t a DIY job—it’s a matter of public health and safety.
A malfunctioning sprinkler system is more than just an inconvenience. It can damage your landscape, waste water and money, and even pose a health risk to your family. Addressing these common issues promptly is essential for maintaining an efficient, effective, and safe irrigation system.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, or if you simply want to ensure your system is in top condition, our team at Santa Fe Sprinkler Repair is here to help. We have the expertise to diagnose and fix any issue, from a simple sticky head to a complex backflow problem.
Contact Santa Fe Sprinkler Repair today for a professional inspection and expert service. Let us help you keep your lawn beautiful and your water safe.
