4 Common Sprinkler Issues in Melissa and Fixes

A well-maintained sprinkler system is the key to a lush, healthy lawn. It saves you time, conserves water, and ensures every part of your landscape gets the right amount of hydration. But when issues arise, they can lead to wasted water, brown patches, and costly utility bills. Recognizing the signs of a malfunctioning system is the first step toward a solution. At Melissa Sprinkler Repair, our team specializes in identifying and fixing these problems quickly and efficiently, so your system works as it should.

This guide will walk you through four of the most common sprinkler problems we see in the Melissa area. We’ll explain what causes them and what you can do about it. With help from our team, understanding and addressing these issues will keep your lawn looking its best and your water usage in check.

1. Puddling and Pooling Water

Have you noticed mini-lakes forming in your yard or perpetually soggy spots long after the sprinklers have turned off? This is a classic sign of puddling. Water accumulating in one area indicates a problem that needs immediate attention to prevent root rot, fungal growth, and water waste.

What Causes Puddling?

Puddling is typically caused by one of two things: a leaking sprinkler head or a misdirected one.

Leaking Heads: The seal at the base of the sprinkler head can wear out over time, causing water to seep out even when the system is off. This slow but steady leak creates a saturated patch of ground around the head.
Misdirected Heads: Sprinkler heads can get knocked out of alignment by lawnmowers, foot traffic, or shifting soil. When a head is pointed too low or is blocked by overgrown grass, it deposits too much water in one small area instead of distributing it evenly. This often happens in low-lying parts of the yard where water naturally collects.

The Solution

For a leaking head, the internal seal or the entire sprinkler body may need to be replaced. For a misdirected head, the solution can be as simple as gently redirecting it by hand. However, if the head is damaged or won’t stay in place, it will require replacement. Our team at Melissa Sprinkler Repair can quickly diagnose the source of the puddle and perform the necessary repairs to restore proper water distribution.

2. Overspray on Sidewalks and Driveways

Your sprinkler system is meant to water your lawn, not your driveway, sidewalk, or the side of your house. When you see water spraying onto hardscapes, this is called overspray. It’s more than just an annoyance; it’s a significant source of water waste that can increase your utility bills and violate local watering restrictions.

What Causes Overspray?

Overspray is almost always a sign of improper sprinkler head adjustment or incorrect nozzle selection.

Incorrect Adjustment: The spray pattern or arc of a sprinkler head might be set too wide for the area it’s supposed to cover. Over time, these settings can shift, causing the water to land outside the intended zone.
High Water Pressure: If your system’s water pressure is too high, it can cause the water to mist and be carried by the wind, landing far from its target.
Wrong Head Type: Using a sprinkler head designed for a large, open area in a narrow side yard will inevitably lead to overspray.

The Solution

Fixing overspray involves adjusting the spray pattern on each head, which can often be done with a small screwdriver or a special tool. If high pressure is the culprit, installing a pressure regulator can solve the problem. In some cases, swapping out the existing nozzle for one with a different spray pattern is the best fix. We can assess your system’s layout and pressure to make precise adjustments, ensuring water goes only where it’s needed.

3. Sprinkler Heads That Don’t Rotate

Rotor heads are designed to rotate, casting water over a large radius. When one of these heads stops turning, it acts like a stationary spray head, dumping a large volume of water in one spot while leaving the rest of its designated area completely dry. This results in a supersaturated patch of green surrounded by a large arc of brown, thirsty grass.

What Causes a Rotor Head to Stop Rotating?

The internal gears of a rotor head are delicate. A failure to rotate is usually due to one of these issues:

Debris: Small particles of dirt, sand, or grit can get inside the head and jam the gear mechanism, preventing it from turning.
Wear and Tear: Like any mechanical part, the internal gears can simply wear out after years of use.
Low Water Pressure: Rotors require a certain amount of water pressure to power their rotation. If the pressure to the zone is too low, the head may pop up but fail to turn.

The Solution

Sometimes, you can fix a stuck rotor by pulling up the riser and turning it by hand to dislodge debris. You can also try cleaning the filter located at the bottom of the head. However, if the internal gears are stripped or worn out, the entire rotor head must be replaced. Melissa Sprinkler Repair can check your system’s pressure and clean or replace faulty rotors to bring your lawn back to uniform health.

4. Valves That Won’t Shut Off

One of the most concerning sprinkler problems is a zone that won’t turn off. You might see one or more heads continuing to run long after the cycle is complete, or notice water continuously flowing from the lowest head in a zone. This is a clear sign of a valve issue that can waste thousands of gallons of water.

What Causes a Stuck Valve?

The problem lies within the irrigation valve box. An irrigation valve works like a gate, opening and closing to control water flow to a specific zone. When it gets stuck open, it’s usually because of debris.

Debris in the Valve: A tiny pebble, a grain of sand, or a piece of grit can get lodged in the valve’s diaphragm. This prevents the valve from creating a proper seal, allowing water to continuously leak through to the sprinkler heads.
Damaged Diaphragm: The rubber diaphragm inside the valve can become warped or torn over time, preventing it from closing correctly.

The Solution

Fixing a stuck valve requires shutting off the main water supply to the irrigation system, locating the correct valve box, and opening the valve to inspect it. The interior can be flushed to clear debris. If the diaphragm is damaged, it will need to be replaced. This can be a complex and messy job. Our technicians are experts at locating and repairing faulty valves, quickly stopping the leak and preventing further water waste.

Keep Your Sprinkler System in Peak Condition

A properly functioning sprinkler system is an investment in your home’s curb appeal and value. By keeping an eye out for common issues like puddling, overspray, non-rotating heads, and stuck valves, you can address problems before they cause major damage.

If you’re facing any of these challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out. The team at Melissa Sprinkler Repair has the expertise to diagnose and resolve any issue, big or small. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or repair and ensure your lawn stays green and healthy all season long.