If you have a sprinkler system installed at your home, you are bound to have a few minor problems with your sprinkler heads from time to time. This occurs primarily due to the heavy mineral content of our northern Utah water, as well as the extreme weather conditions we are subject to.
Fortunately, most of these issues are minor problems and, usually, easy to troubleshoot and fix. Today’s lawn watering systems are designed so that they can be adjusted and repaired easily. You can try some of these simple repairs on your own but, to prevent damage to the system, it’s usually best to call on your local sprinkler installation and repair professional.
Sprinkler Heads Are Too High
If your sprinkler heads sit too high up above the soil, it can cause a variety of problems. Not only can damage result but it could also damage lawns tools and even cause tripping and falling injuries to people and pets.
This repair requires removing the grass and topsoil from around the sprinkler head and digging around and under the head and pipe until the head sits approximately a half inch above ground level. Once this is accomplished, the dirt is carefully packed back in and the turf replaced.
The risks of trying to do this type of repair yourself involve the potential for cracking or breaking of the line underground and damaging the sprinkler head during the process. If you cause damage underground, the leak could potentially cause damage and waste hundreds of gallons of water before you know there’s a problem.
Clogged Sprinkler Heads Are Clogged
Clogged heads are common, usually the result of dirt and debris, hard water or lawn maintenance activities. You might notice that the water output is weak or nonexistent, or you might see dripping around the sprinkler head.
Sometimes this problem can be fixed with a stiff wire or tool, such as a paper clip or ice pick. More often, however, if the head is thoroughly clogged, it may be easier and less expensive to simply replace the malfunctioning par.
Sprinkler Heads Are Broken
Mower blades, lawn tools, kids toys, chewing pets and vandals are common causes of broken sprinkler heads. The good thing is that replacing sprinkler heads is very easy. Just unscrew the stem or head and remove it, and then screw in a replacement sprinkler head.
However, it’s important that you replace the damaged part with the right type of head. Otherwise you could cause problems with coverage and pressure.
The easiest way to deal with any sprinkler system problem is to trust the experts at Pristine Lawns. We offer full-service lawn care in Sandy, Utah, and throughout Salt Lake County. Our services include basic lawn care, sprinkler installation and repair, and all types of landscape installations.
If you’re having sprinkler head problems, contact us today for a consultation and repair quote.