Irrigation problems rarely announce themselves. A leak underground or a head that's spraying the fence can go on for weeks before anyone notices — and all that time you're paying for water the yard isn't getting. Here's what to watch for.
1. Puddles or soggy spots. Water pooling in the same place after every cycle usually means a cracked pipe, a broken fitting or a head that's leaking at the base. It can also mean one zone is simply running too long.
2. Brown or dry patches. If one area stays dry while the rest is green, a head nearby may be clogged, stuck down, knocked out of alignment or broken off completely.
3. Water spraying the sidewalk, driveway or house. Misaligned heads waste water and can damage siding, fences and paint over time. Most of the time a simple adjustment or nozzle change fixes it.
4. A zone that won't turn on — or won't turn off. This usually points to the valve: a worn diaphragm, debris inside it, or a wiring problem between the valve and the timer.
5. Low pressure or weak spray. Heads that barely pop up or only dribble can be caused by a leak elsewhere on the line, a partly closed valve or clogged filters and nozzles.
6. A water bill that jumped for no reason. If you haven't changed your schedule and the bill went up, an underground leak is one of the first things to check.
Drip systems have their own problems: emitters clog with minerals, lines get chewed or cut, and fittings pop off. Look for plants that are wilting while others nearby are fine, or wet spots where there shouldn't be any.
Most of these repairs are quick once the problem is found. JR Landscape repairs sprinkler heads, pipes, valves, drip lines and timers from Salinas to San Jose. Call or text (831) 205-9966 for a free estimate.