Sprinkler systems are often set and forgotten until something stops working. Then, suddenly, it becomes clear how essential they are. Whether it’s patches of brown grass, low water pressure, or a zone that won’t turn on, sprinkler issues need attention quickly. But what exactly happens during a sprinkler system repair service? What do technicians actually check, fix, or replace?
Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to expect when a professional shows up to handle your sprinkler problems.
It Starts With a Full System Inspection
No matter what issue prompted the call, sprinkler repair services always begin with a full inspection. The technician needs to understand the full layout of your system and look for both obvious and hidden problems. Here’s what that typically involves:
● Zone testing – Each irrigation zone is run individually to check for leaks, low pressure, or sprinkler heads that aren’t functioning.
● Controller review – The controller or timer is tested for proper programming and responsiveness.
● Valve checks – Valves are inspected to ensure they open and close correctly without electrical or mechanical failure.
● Water pressure check – The technician measures water pressure to determine if it’s within optimal range.
● Visual inspection – They’ll look for signs of broken heads, water pooling, dry spots, or areas where spray coverage is off.
This stage is about more than finding the one problem you noticed. It helps catch other issues early, which could save money later.
Sprinkler Head Repairs and Replacements
Sprinkler heads take a lot of wear and tear. They’re exposed to lawn equipment, shifting soil, weather changes, and regular water pressure. Over time, they get clogged, cracked, or misaligned.
During a repair service, the technician will walk through each zone and examine every head. If a head is broken beyond repair, it gets replaced on the spot. If it’s just clogged with debris or spraying in the wrong direction, they’ll clean or adjust it.
They also check for mismatched heads. For example, a zone designed for fixed spray shouldn’t have a rotating head mixed in. These mismatches can cause uneven watering, higher bills, and dry spots. In those cases, the technician will suggest replacing heads to match the type and coverage needed for the area.
One small misaligned head can throw off an entire zone. That’s why this step matters more than it seems.
Valve Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs
Valves are the gatekeepers of your sprinkler system. They control which zones get water and when. If even one valve isn’t working properly, it can knock the whole schedule off balance.
Many valve issues come from electrical failures. Wires might be corroded, disconnected, or simply worn down from years underground. If a zone isn’t responding, a technician will test the valve’s solenoid, check wiring from the controller, and identify where the signal is breaking down.
Sometimes, the problem is mechanical. The valve body could be cracked or stuck open. In those cases, it needs to be replaced. This part of the job is technical, but it’s essential for making sure every zone functions properly and runs at the right time.
Pipe Leaks and Underground Repairs
Not all sprinkler system issues are visible above ground. Leaks in underground pipes can waste a huge amount of water without you realizing it. You might notice soggy patches of lawn, unusually high water bills, or a zone that barely works.
When a leak is suspected, the technician will isolate it by running zones one by one and monitoring pressure. If needed, they’ll dig down to find the damaged section of pipe, cut it out, and replace it.
This kind of repair takes more time and precision. It’s not just about fixing the pipe, but also refilling and compacting the soil properly so it doesn’t sink or create future problems.
Controller Programming and Seasonal Adjustments
Once all physical repairs are complete, the technician will focus on the controller. Many sprinkler problems come from simple programming mistakes. Zones may run too long, not long enough, or overlap with others in ways that waste water.
Here’s what they usually adjust:
● Run times and schedules – Making sure each zone waters for the right amount of time, usually based on sun exposure, soil type, and slope.
● Start times – Preventing multiple zones from running at the same time or watering in the heat of the day.
● Seasonal tweaks – Adjusting settings for current weather and expected temperatures.
Sometimes, issues come from old wiring or dead controller batteries. A technician will check that, too, and replace anything that’s worn out or causing glitches. The result is a system that runs more efficiently and suits the actual needs of the landscape.
Final System Test and Clean-Up
Before leaving, a technician will test every zone one more time. This final run-through ensures that all heads pop up correctly, the coverage is even, and there are no obvious signs of leaks or malfunction.
They’ll also check that the system shuts off properly and resets to the correct program. If soil was dug up during repairs, it will be filled back in and leveled. While the technician won’t handle full landscape restoration, they’ll leave things tidy and safe.
This final step is the difference between a patch job and a professional repair. It’s how you get lasting results instead of temporary fixes.
Give Your Lawn the Support It Deserves
Sprinkler systems aren’t something you should have to think about every day. When they work right, they quietly keep your lawn healthy without wasting water or time. When something goes wrong, a proper repair service doesn’t just fix the issue you noticed. It brings the whole system back into balance.
From misaligned heads to underground leaks, from faulty wiring to controller problems, the work that goes into a repair visit is far more thorough than it seems. The payoff is a system that runs better, lasts longer, and keeps your yard looking the way it should.
