Repairs
Sprinkler repair in the DC area
Most sprinkler problems come down to a few causes: damaged heads, leaking pipes, stuck valves, wiring or the controller. An irrigation company can test each zone and find which one.
Common repairs
- Broken, tilted or clogged sprinkler heads
- Leaks and wet spots from cracked pipes
- Zones that won't turn on or won't shut off
- Valve and wiring problems
- Controller and rain sensor issues
What affects the price
The problem, number of zones, parts and whether pipes need digging up. Many companies charge a service call plus parts and labor.
Methods, parts and prices vary by company. Ask each one what's included and whether parts are extra.
Common problems and likely causes
| What you see | Common causes |
|---|---|
| Geyser or broken head | Mower or vehicle damage, freeze damage |
| Soggy spot or puddle | Cracked pipe, leaking fitting, stuck valve |
| Zone won't turn on | Valve solenoid, wiring, controller setting |
| Zone won't shut off | Debris in the valve, failed diaphragm |
| Dry patches | Clogged or misaligned heads, low pressure, poor coverage |
| Controller dead or erratic | Power, transformer, programming |
A technician confirms the cause by testing each zone.
What a repair visit usually includes
- Running each zone and watching coverage
- Checking the controller programming and wiring
- Finding and repairing the problem: heads, pipes, valves or wires
- Adjusting heads so water lands on lawn and beds, not driveways
Related guides
How to describe the problem
The more specific the request, the faster the fix. Note which zone numbers are affected, what you see when they run, whether the problem started after mowing, construction or winter, and where the controller and backflow device are. A short video of the zone running helps companies arrive with the right parts.
Questions
Why won't one zone turn on?
Common causes include a valve, wiring or controller issue. A technician can test it.
Can they fix it the same visit?
Many repairs are done on the first visit if the truck has the parts.
Why is my water bill high but the lawn looks dry?
A hidden leak or a stuck valve can waste water while coverage suffers. A technician can test for it.
Can damaged wiring be traced without digging up the lawn?
Many technicians use wire tracers to find breaks, which limits digging.
Sprinklers acting up?
Send the details once and hear back from local irrigation companies.