A properly functioning irrigation system keeps your lawn green, healthy, and efficiently watered. But what happens when something goes wrong? A faulty sprinkler system can lead to water waste, high utility bills, and damage to your landscaping.
Many homeowners don’t realize their irrigation system is failing until the damage is already done. Leaks, broken sprinkler heads, and pressure issues can often go unnoticed—but over time, these small problems can add up to major expenses.
In this article, we’ll go over the most common signs of a faulty irrigation system, how to diagnose issues, and what steps to take to restore efficiency and prevent costly repairs.
1. Uneven Watering – Some Areas Too Dry, Others Too Wet
What It Means:
If you notice some areas of your lawn are lush and green while others remain dry and brown, your irrigation system is likely not distributing water evenly.
Possible Causes:
• Clogged or misaligned sprinkler heads
• Broken valves preventing certain zones from receiving water
• Low water pressure affecting coverage
How to Fix It:
✔️ Inspect all sprinkler heads to ensure they are positioned correctly
✔️ Clear any blockages and replace broken heads
✔️ Check for valve or pipe damage affecting water distribution
2. Soggy or Flooded Areas in the Yard
What It Means:
Puddles, soggy patches, or water pooling in certain areas can indicate a leak in the system or improper drainage.
Possible Causes:
• Cracked or leaking underground pipes
• Sprinkler heads spraying too much water in one area
• Overlapping spray patterns leading to excessive watering
How to Fix It:
✔️ Walk through your yard after the system runs and check for unusually wet areas
✔️ Inspect pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads for leaks
✔️ Adjust sprinkler heads to prevent overwatering in one spot
3. Sudden Increase in Your Water Bill
What It Means:
If your water bill has spiked unexpectedly, your irrigation system may be leaking without visible signs above ground.
Possible Causes:
• Underground leaks wasting thousands of gallons of water
• A malfunctioning controller running the system longer than needed
• High water pressure causing excessive spray and waste
How to Fix It:
✔️ Turn off all water inside your home and check your meter—if it’s still running, there’s likely a leak
✔️ Perform a leak detection test by running each irrigation zone separately
✔️ Reduce water pressure with a pressure regulator if needed
4. Low or No Water Pressure in Sprinkler Heads
What It Means:
If your sprinkler heads barely spray water, don’t pop up fully, or produce weak streams, your system isn’t getting enough water pressure.
Possible Causes:
• A leak somewhere in the system is reducing pressure
• Clogged sprinkler heads preventing proper flow
• Faulty valves or pump issues affecting water supply
How to Fix It:
✔️ Check your irrigation pump (if applicable) for proper function
✔️ Clean out clogged sprinkler nozzles or filters
✔️ Inspect the main water line and valves for blockages or leaks
5. Sprinkler Heads Are Stuck or Not Rotating
What It Means:
If your sprinklers are stuck in one position or not rotating, they may not be distributing water properly across the lawn.
Possible Causes:
• Debris blocking the sprinkler gears
• Worn-out or broken sprinkler head motor
• Low water pressure preventing rotation
How to Fix It:
✔️ Clean the sprinkler heads and remove debris
✔️ Replace damaged or worn-out sprinkler motors
✔️ Ensure the system has proper water pressure
6. Your System Is Running at the Wrong Times
What It Means:
If your sprinklers turn on unexpectedly, won’t shut off, or run longer than scheduled, your controller or timer may be malfunctioning.
Possible Causes:
• A failing smart controller or outdated timer
• Power surges or electrical issues affecting the controller
• Faulty rain sensor not shutting off the system during rain
How to Fix It:
✔️ Check your irrigation controller settings to ensure they match your watering schedule
✔️ Reset or replace outdated controllers with a WiFi-enabled smart irrigation system
✔️ Test your rain sensor to ensure it’s working properly
7. Water Is Spraying Onto Sidewalks, Driveways, or the Street
What It Means:
If water is hitting concrete or pavement, your system is wasting water and reducing efficiency.
Possible Causes:
• Sprinkler heads misaligned or placed incorrectly
• High water pressure causing excessive spray
• Old or damaged sprinkler nozzles
How to Fix It:
✔️ Adjust your sprinkler heads so water reaches only grassy areas
✔️ Install low-flow nozzles to reduce overspray
✔️ Use pressure-regulating spray heads to prevent misting and runoff
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs!
A faulty irrigation system can lead to:
❌ High water bills
❌ Wasted water & environmental impact
❌ Damaged lawns & landscaping
❌ Expensive repairs if left unchecked
The good news? Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent major issues before they start. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to schedule an irrigation system inspection before small problems become big, costly ones.
At Flamingo Outdoor Systems, we specialize in irrigation system diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance. Whether you need a leak fixed, a system upgrade, or a smart controller installed, we’re here to help keep your lawn healthy and your water bill low.
