4 Common Lewisville Sprinkler Problems & Fixes

A lush, green lawn is a source of pride for any homeowner, but keeping it healthy requires a properly functioning sprinkler system. An inefficient system not only wastes water but can also lead to brown patches, weak roots, and costly water bills. That’s why many residents trust Lewisville Sprinkler Repair to help maintain their irrigation systems and catch problems early. Many common sprinkler issues can fly under the radar until significant damage is done.

Understanding the signs of trouble is the first step toward maintaining a vibrant landscape. Lewisville Sprinkler Repair is the trusted expert for resolving sprinkler problems in the Lewisville area. This guide will walk you through four frequent issues we encounter and fix for homeowners—from simple blockages to equipment failure—so you’ll know what to look for and when to call the professionals at Lewisville Sprinkler Repair.

1. Overgrown Grass Blocking Sprinkler Spray

One of the most common and easily overlooked issues is tall grass interfering with your sprinkler heads. When grass grows too high around the sprinklers, it acts as a physical barrier, blocking the water spray. This prevents water from reaching its intended areas, resulting in uneven watering. You might notice dry, brown spots in some parts of your lawn while other areas are perfectly green.

This inconsistent coverage forces your system to work harder to hydrate the dry patches, often leading to overwatering in the areas that are already getting enough. The result is a stressed lawn and wasted water.

The Solution

The fix for this problem is straightforward: regular landscape maintenance. Make it a habit to trim the grass and weeds around each sprinkler head after you mow. This simple task ensures an unobstructed path for the water spray, promoting even distribution across your entire lawn. If your sprinkler heads are still too low, we can install taller pop-up risers to ensure they clear the height of your grass.

2. Mowing Damage to Heads and Pipes

Your lawn mower is essential for lawn care, but it can also be a major threat to your irrigation system. Accidentally running over a sprinkler head can crack the casing, break the nozzle, or damage the internal components. The impact can also travel down to the pipes below ground, causing leaks that are much harder to detect.

Damage from mowers is a frequent cause of sprinkler system failure. A single broken head can waste thousands of gallons of water over a season and create a soggy, muddy mess in your yard. Hidden underground pipe leaks are even more problematic, as they can silently saturate the soil, drown your grass roots, and inflate your water bill without any obvious signs on the surface.

The Solution

Awareness is key to preventing mower damage. Before you mow, take a moment to mark the location of each sprinkler head with small flags. This makes them highly visible and easier to avoid. For a more permanent solution, consider upgrading to high-quality pop-up sprinklers that retract fully into the ground when not in use, keeping them safe from mower blades. If you do accidentally hit a sprinkler, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired quickly to prevent further water loss and lawn damage.

3. Debris Blocking Spray Patterns

Your sprinkler system is constantly exposed to the elements. It’s no surprise that dirt, leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris can find their way into the small openings of your sprinkler nozzles. When this happens, the flow of water is restricted or completely blocked.

A clogged nozzle can cause a variety of spray pattern issues. The sprinkler might spray in a weak, irregular stream, or it might not spray at all. This leads to dry zones and puts extra strain on your pump and other system components. You may notice one area of your lawn is suddenly turning brown, which could be a telltale sign of a clogged head.

The Solution

Regularly inspecting your sprinkler heads is the best way to catch debris before it becomes a major problem. Turn on your system zone by zone and watch how each head operates. If you see a weak or erratic spray, the nozzle is likely clogged.

Cleaning a nozzle is often a simple DIY task. You can usually unscrew the nozzle and rinse it out with water. A small tool like a paperclip can help dislodge stubborn debris. However, if the blockage is deep within the sprinkler body or if cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, it may require professional attention to avoid damaging the unit.

4. A Non-Functional Rain Sensor

A rain sensor is a small but mighty device that saves you water and money. Its job is to detect rainfall and automatically signal your irrigation controller to skip its scheduled watering cycle. When this sensor fails, your sprinklers will run even during a downpour, which is wasteful and can be harmful to your lawn.

Overwatering is just as bad for your grass as underwatering. It can lead to shallow root growth, fungal diseases, and nutrient runoff. A broken rain sensor defeats the purpose of having a “smart” irrigation system and contributes to higher water bills and unnecessary environmental strain.

The Solution

You should test your rain sensor at the beginning of each watering season and periodically thereafter. Most sensors have a test button that you can press to simulate rain and ensure the system shuts off. Also, check that the sensor is free from leaves, dirt, or other debris that might prevent it from detecting moisture accurately.

If your sensor is not working correctly, it may need to be repaired or replaced. A professional can diagnose the issue, whether it’s a wiring problem, a dead battery, or a faulty component, and ensure your system is working efficiently. Investing in a functional rain sensor is one of the smartest moves you can make for your lawn and your wallet.

Keep Your System Running Smoothly

Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your sprinkler system operates efficiently, conserves water, and keeps your lawn looking its best. While some minor issues can be handled on your own, many problems require the expertise and tools of a professional.

Don’t let small sprinkler issues turn into costly headaches. If you’re in the Lewisville area and are dealing with brown spots, high water bills, or broken components, we can help. Our team has the experience to diagnose and fix any sprinkler problem, big or small.

Ready for a healthy, beautiful lawn? Contact us today to schedule your professional sprinkler system inspection and repair!