Staying on top of irrigation system problems will prevent wasting water and loss or damage to landscapes. The most important action to take to help maintain an irrigation system is to conduct regular inspections while the system is running.
1. Problem: System is watering during rainfall or after sufficient rainfall.
Fix: Install a rain sensor that will automatically turn off the system during rain events to reduce overwatering. (It is a requirement by state law SB494 that all systems have a rain sensor and that they are tested and operating properly).
Fix: Install a rain sensor that will automatically turn off the system during rain events to reduce overwatering. (It is a requirement by state law SB494 that all systems have a rain sensor and that they are tested and operating properly).
2. Problem: Sprinklers on large turf areas do not provide uniform water distribution.
Fix: Adjust sprinkler heads to create head-to-head coverage and add heads where needed.
Fix: Adjust sprinkler heads to create head-to-head coverage and add heads where needed.
3. Problem: Small areas of turf are deteriorating and are difficult to maintain.
Fix: Convert the areas to plant beds and use drought-tolerant plants suitable to the conditions.
4. Problem: System is watering turf and plants on the same zone for the same duration and with the same amount of water.
Fix: If plant materials in beds are established, irrigation should be shut off altogether or the more appropriate low-volume irrigation should replace the current high-volume irrigation system.
Fix: If plant materials in beds are established, irrigation should be shut off altogether or the more appropriate low-volume irrigation should replace the current high-volume irrigation system.
5. Problem: Broken sprinkler heads are noted.
Fix: Check sprinkler heads on a regular basis and replace broken heads as soon as possible.
Fix: Check sprinkler heads on a regular basis and replace broken heads as soon as possible.
6. Problem: Sprinkler heads are spraying onto driveway or sidewalk.
Fix: Change nozzles from 180 degree spray to 90 degree spray or adjust spray pattern.
Fix: Change nozzles from 180 degree spray to 90 degree spray or adjust spray pattern.
7. Problem: Sprinkler head is spraying directly into the ground.
Fix: Straighten the sprinkler head.
Fix: Straighten the sprinkler head.
8. Problem: Sprinkler head distribution is blocked by plant material.
Fix: Remove or trim plant material to reduce blockage.
9. Problem: Sprinkler heads are watering a plant-less mulch area.
Fix: Cap these sprinkler heads.
Problem: Sprinkler head appears to be clogged or is not popping up.Fix: Cap these sprinkler heads.
Fix: Flush out the head and replace the nozzle if necessary.
Information above provided by Sylvia L. Durell, Senior Communications Coordinator,
Southwest Florida Water Management District
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