Common Damage to Sprinklers and How to Repair Them

Sprinklers are necessary for any homeowner, but, like most things, they incur damages over time and need fixing. Don’t put off diagnosing a faulty sprinkler and end up sacrificing the health of your lawn. Here are the common ways your sprinklers become damaged and how to repair them. 

What to Consider Before Repairing Sprinklers 

Make sure your water supply is cut off before attempting any repairs to save you from any additional damage occurring. It’s also important to use the same model when replacing parts of your sprinkler system. Otherwise, you may make additional trips to your local home improvement store. 

Common Damage to Sprinklers and How to Repair Them 

Mowing, weeding, kids playing, and much more are often responsible for damaging sprinklers. These common problems and their causes will help you determine how to prevent future damage and repair anything currently broken. 

Broken Sprinkler Heads 

Broken sprinkler heads often occur during lawn care, such as mowing or weeding, when someone accidentally runs over one. Regular foot traffic can also cause your sprinklers to break down a little faster than usual. Of course, sometimes sprinkler heads break simply from general wear and tear over time. 

Common Causes: 

• Mowing or weeding over them 

• Regular foot traffic 

How to Repair: Repairing may include replacing the entire sprinkler head or just its components. Make sure your water supply is cut off before attempting any repairs. If replacing the whole sprinkler head, ensure your new one is the same model as the old one. And if it’s the components within the head that need replacing, this will require understanding how your sprinkler works and what it needs. Taking photos of the sprinkler head and its setup before removing anything can help you replace the components easily without worrying about forgetting how everything connects. These Redditors explain how simple it is to fix a broken sprinkler head. 

Leaky Sprinkler Valves 

Spotted an unusually muddy area? You may have a leaky sprinkler valve on your hands. This problem can increase if left unaddressed, attracting pests and leading to water wastage and damage to your property. 

Common Causes: 

• Growing tree roots 

• Freezing temperatures  

How to Repair: Fixing can be as easy as replacing the valve with the same model as what’s currently in use. Some pipes may be enclosed with PVC pipe so you may need to remove that and replace it as well. Once repaired, turn your system on and check for leaks.  

If tree roots are a recurring problem, installing a root barrier or using a root inhibitor can help protect your system from further damage. 

Clogged Heads 

Clogged sprinkler heads prevent your system from running efficiently. Water cannot flow at its usual intensity, preventing your yard from getting the hydration it needs. 

Common Causes: 

• Mud, dirt, and other debris buildup over time 

How to Repair: Turn off your water supply, remove the head, and rinse under warm water to remove the buildup. Then, replace the head and enjoy having your sprinkler fully functional again.  

Make Diagnosing and Repairing Sprinklers Easy 

Are you confused about your sprinkler problem? Are you unsure how to make necessary repairs? Bring in the pros, who will have the tools to evaluate your specific system and get it back up and running in no time. You’ll save time and frustration while quickly getting back to enjoying your lawn and garden.