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Let me share something I've learned from years in the irrigation business: most homeowners don't think about their sprinkler systems until water is shooting straight up into the air or their lawn starts turning brown. By that point, the repair often costs more than necessary and wastes hundreds of gallons of water.
I've repaired countless sprinkler systems across Northern Arizona, and I can tell you that catching problems early makes a huge difference. Today, I want to walk you through the most common signs that your sprinkler system needs repair, some basic troubleshooting steps, and when it's time to call in a professional.
I was helping a customer in Flagstaff last month who couldn't figure out why one section of her lawn kept dying while the rest stayed green. When I inspected her sprinkler system, I found several clogged nozzles preventing proper water distribution.
Uneven water distribution is one of the clearest signs something's wrong with your sprinkler system. If you notice dry patches amid otherwise healthy grass, or some areas that seem constantly soggy, your sprinklers aren't applying water uniformly.
This often happens because:
The fix might be as simple as cleaning out the heads or replacing worn nozzles, but ignoring the problem can lead to wasted water and damaged landscaping.
Water pooling around sprinkler heads is never normal. Even small leaks waste significant amounts of water over time and can cause damage to your lawn and landscaping.
I recently repaired a system in Sedona where a single leaking sprinkler head was wasting nearly 300 gallons of water per month. The homeowner only noticed because that section of the yard was constantly muddy.
Common causes of leaking sprinkler heads include:
Replacing a single sprinkler head is relatively inexpensive, but the water waste and potential landscape damage make this a repair you shouldn't postpone.
Have you noticed your sprinklers barely reaching half their normal distance? Low pressure in your sprinkler system prevents proper coverage and leads to inadequate watering.
Last year, I worked with a customer in Prescott whose entire system suddenly lost pressure. After inspection, we found a main line break underground that was diverting water away from the sprinklers.
Low pressure can result from several issues:
Some pressure issues have simple fixes, but others require professional diagnosis and repair, especially when they involve underground components.
While low pressure means inadequate coverage, excessive pressure causes its own problems. Sprinkler heads and components are designed to operate within specific pressure ranges. Too much pressure leads to misting (which blows away in the wind), damaged components, and inefficient watering.
I once helped a homeowner in Williams who couldn't understand why her water bill had doubled despite no visible leaks. Her system was operating at nearly twice the recommended pressure, causing fine misting that evaporated before reaching the plants and prematurely wearing out all the components.
Signs of high pressure include:
Adding a pressure regulator often solves this problem and protects your entire irrigation system from damage.
Modern sprinkler systems rely on controllers or timers to operate automatically. When these electronic components malfunction, your lawn's watering schedule gets disrupted.
A few months ago, I responded to a call from a panicked customer whose new sod was dying despite having a sprinkler system. The controller had reset during a power outage, and the system hadn't been running at all.
Common controller issues include:
Many modern controllers offer smart features that adjust watering based on weather conditions, which saves water but can add complexity when troubleshooting.
Valves control the flow of water to different zones in your sprinkler system. When a valve gets stuck open, closed, or partially open, it disrupts proper watering and can waste significant water.
I recently helped a customer in Cottonwood whose water bill suddenly increased by $200. We discovered a valve had become stuck in the open position, running water continuously even when the system was supposedly off.
Valve problems typically occur because of:
Valve issues often require professional repair, especially if they're located underground in valve boxes.
Here in Northern Arizona, freezing temperatures pose a serious threat to sprinkler systems. Water left in the pipes can freeze, expand, and crack components throughout your system.
Every spring, I repair dozens of systems damaged by winter freezing. Last year, one customer in Flagstaff skipped winterization and ended up needing over $1,200 in repairs to replace cracked pipes, broken sprinkler heads, and a damaged backflow preventer.
Common freeze damage includes:
Proper winterization through blowout or manual drainage prevents these costly repairs and should be done annually in our climate.
Before calling for professional sprinkler system repair, there are several things you can check yourself:
I always recommend walking your property while the system runs through each zone. Look for:
This simple inspection often reveals obvious issues that might have simple fixes.
Make sure your controller is programmed correctly. Verify that:
Sometimes what appears to be a technical problem is just an incorrect setting.
Locate your valve boxes (usually green rectangular boxes partially buried in the ground) and check for:
While some valve issues require professional repair, identifying the problem area helps streamline the repair process.
If you suspect pressure problems, you can get a rough idea by:
Ideal pressure for most residential sprinkler systems is between 40-65 PSI.
While some issues lend themselves to DIY fixes, others require professional attention. Based on my experience, these situations merit calling a certified irrigation technician:
If water is pooling in your yard or you notice a significant unexplained increase in your water bill, you may have an underground leak. These leaks waste water, damage foundations, and cause erosion. Professional technicians have specialized equipment to locate leaks without excessive digging.
Modern irrigation systems use low-voltage electrical connections between controllers and valves. Problems with these connections can be challenging to diagnose without proper training and equipment. If zones aren't activating correctly or the controller seems to be malfunctioning, professional diagnosis saves time and prevents further damage.
The backflow preventer is a critical safety device that keeps irrigation water from contaminating your drinking water. In many municipalities, only licensed professionals can work on these devices. If you notice leaks or issues with your backflow preventer, call a certified technician immediately.
While isolated pressure problems might have simple causes, system-wide pressure issues often indicate more significant problems that require professional diagnosis. A certified irrigation technician can perform a thorough audit to identify and correct pressure imbalances.
If your entire system stops working, professional diagnosis is usually the most efficient approach. The problem could range from controller failure to main line breaks, and proper diagnostic equipment helps identify the issue quickly.
One question I get frequently is about repair costs. While every situation is different, here's a general guide to what you might expect to pay for common sprinkler system repairs in Northern Arizona:
Many factors affect repair costs, including:
Keep in mind that delaying repairs often leads to higher costs as problems compound. That small leak today could undermine a section of your yard and require extensive excavation later.
The best sprinkler system repair is the one you never need. Through my years working with irrigation systems across Northern Arizona, I've found that regular maintenance dramatically reduces repair frequency and extends system life.
A good maintenance program includes:
At minimum, have your system professionally inspected in spring before heavy use and in fall before winterization. These checks catch small issues before they become expensive problems.
In our climate, professional winterization is essential. This typically involves:
This service typically costs $75-125 but can save thousands in repair costs.
As your landscape matures, your irrigation needs change. Sprinkler heads may need repositioning as plants grow, and watering times should be adjusted seasonally. These adjustments improve efficiency and prevent overwatering or underwatering.
Every few years, consider having a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (like those on our team) perform a complete water audit. This professional assessment:
A thorough audit often identifies ways to improve performance while reducing water usage by 20-30%.
When you do need professional sprinkler system repair, choosing the right service makes all the difference. Here's what to look for:
Always work with technicians who hold irrigation certifications like CIC (Certified Irrigation Contractor) or CIT (Certified Irrigation Technician). These credentials indicate the technician has demonstrated knowledge and skills according to industry standards.
Northern Arizona presents unique irrigation challenges due to our varied elevations, soil types, and water sources. Companies with extensive local experience understand these challenges and design solutions accordingly.
The best repair services don't just fix immediate problems—they identify underlying issues and offer solutions that improve overall system performance. They should provide detailed explanations of what they found and what they did to fix it.
From the initial call through the repair process, the company should communicate clearly about scheduling, costs, and repair options. There should be no surprises on your final bill.
I've seen too many homeowners ignore small sprinkler system problems until they become major headaches. A single broken head can waste thousands of gallons of water annually. A minor leak can eventually undermine hardscaping or foundations. And poorly maintained systems often fail completely just when summer heat makes them most necessary.
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs keep your sprinkler system operating efficiently, save water, and protect your landscape investment. They also help avoid the frustration of discovering problems during peak watering season when service providers are busiest.
At AZ Irrigation & Maintenance, our team of certified irrigation professionals specializes in diagnosing and repairing sprinkler systems throughout Northern Arizona. With over 20 years of experience, we understand the unique challenges of our climate and soils.
Whether you need a simple repair or a complete system evaluation, we provide honest assessments and quality workmanship. Contact us at 928.225.2224 to schedule a sprinkler system inspection or repair service.
Most common sprinkler repairs range from $85-300 depending on the issue. Simple head replacements cost $20-45 per head, while valve repairs typically run $125-250. Underground line repairs generally cost $150-300 depending on accessibility and extent of damage.
Look for unusually wet areas in your yard, water pooling around sprinkler heads, dramatic increases in your water bill, decreased water pressure in certain zones, or sprinkler heads that continue to seep water after the system shuts off.
At minimum, have your sprinkler system professionally inspected and maintained twice yearly—in spring before heavy use and in fall before winterization. Systems over 5 years old may benefit from quarterly checks.
Most systems under 15 years old are worth repairing if the issues are isolated and major components like pipes and wiring are intact. If you're experiencing frequent breakdowns, outdated technology issues, or efficiency problems throughout the system, replacement might be more cost-effective long-term.
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