Irrigation Tips & Insights
Expert advice and practical guides to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn all year round.
The Complete 12-Point Irrigation Repair Guide: Every Problem Solved
From emergency water shutoffs to fixing brown spots, this comprehensive guide covers the 12 most common irrigation problems homeowners face. Learn what causes each issue and how professional repair techniques can save you time and money.
Read Full Guide Below12-Point Irrigation Repair Guide
Common irrigation problems and how I solve them. Each issue explained with the professional repair approach.
Emergency Services
“Why won’t my water stop?”
When you have an irrigation emergency, I am always available. Most of the time, I can walk you through shutting off the irrigation system over the phone – not the water to your whole house. If I can stop the leak remotely, I save you an expensive weekend or after-hours service call.
Learn MoreWet Spots
“Why do I have a wet spot in my yard?”
The most common cause is a leaking irrigation valve. On an anti-siphon valve, I can look inside to see if water is passing through when it shouldn’t. I never replace the valve first – the cheaper fix is swapping the solenoid. Many valves are rebuildable.
Learn MoreValve Wiring
“Why won’t my valves turn on from the controller?”
This usually means broken or poorly spliced wires. Some installers simply twist the wires together. They work… until they don’t. I repair them using dry-splice connectors: waterproof, silicone-filled, and reliable enough to stay connected underground for years.
Learn MoreGeysers
“Why is water shooting into the air?”
A geyser usually means a broken or missing nozzle. Many contractors use only one adjustable nozzle everywhere, and gardeners break them easily with string trimmers. I replace the nozzle with the exact one needed for the radius and arc – durable, precise, and resistant to trimming damage.
Learn MoreBroken Riser
“Why did my sprinkler break off at the bottom?”
Gardeners sometimes kick over a sprinkler head, leaving a threaded stub stuck deep in the PVC pipe. Riser-removal tools rarely work – I’ve tried them all. I use clippers to bite inside the broken riser and twist it out. Then I build a swing joint with flexible Marlex street ells so it won’t break again.
Learn MoreBrown Spots
“Why are there dead or dry patches on my lawn?”
Brown spots almost always come from uneven coverage caused by mismatched or clogged nozzles. I carry over 50 different nozzles in Rain Bird, Hunter, and Toro to get perfect coverage for your exact lawn shape. Matched precipitation = healthy green lawn.
Learn MoreStream Sprays
“How can I save water and still get a greener lawn?”
Stream spray nozzles put down water slowly and evenly, even in windy conditions. They cost more but pay for themselves in water savings. They have more streams farther out to balance coverage and prevent runoff. They need longer run times – but they soak the soil better and waste less water.
Learn MorePremium Manifolds
“Why are my pipes leaking under the valves?”
Most manifolds are cheaply glued together and fail under stress. I build all-threaded premium manifolds that twist and flex instead of breaking. Features include brass ball-valve shutoff, Schedule 80 unions under every valve, and UV-resistant Schedule 80 risers. Built to last for decades.
Learn MoreBrittle Old PVC Pipe
“Why did my old PVC pipe shatter?”
Contractors often used Class 200 thin-wall pipe to save money. It works when new, but becomes brittle with age, turning repairs into a challenge. I use Schedule 40 for all new installations. For old Class 200 repairs, I use compression fittings, which tighten gently around the pipe without cracking it.
Learn MoreBreaking Pop-Ups
“Why do my sprinkler heads keep snapping off?”
Pop-ups near driveways often get driven over. They need flexibility – not rigid glued risers. I install swing joint assemblies with multiple turning street ells and a nipple so the head can move without breaking. These survive car tires, lawnmowers, and gardeners.
Learn MoreDrip Systems
“Why do my drip lines leak or blow apart?”
Drip tubing is not designed for the same pressure as PVC pipes. Above 40 PSI, emitters eject themselves. I install the correct hose-thread pressure regulator – usually 25 PSI, but adjusted to each system’s needs. I never use the cheap, narrow regulators because they fail and let full pressure through the line.
Learn MoreBad PVC Glue Joints
“Why do I always have a wet spot in the same place?”
Failed glue joints come from not enough glue, no glue at all, pipe not fully inserted, or pressurizing before the glue cured. Small leaks attract tree roots, which wrap around the pipe, lift it, and eventually break it completely. I locate and rebuild the joint correctly so it lasts.
Learn MoreStay Updated
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest irrigation tips, seasonal advice, and exclusive offers.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.