Save Water & Money in Lake Dallas: Fix Sprinkler Issues

A well-maintained sprinkler system from Mr. Sprinkler Repair keeps your lawn lush and beautiful. But when it starts acting up, it can do more than just leave brown spots. Common irrigation problems often lead to wasted water, sky-high utility bills, and even safety risks. For homeowners in Lake Dallas, understanding these issues—and knowing you have a trusted partner like Mr. Sprinkler Repair in Lake Dallas to help solve them—is the first step toward a healthier landscape and a more efficient system.

From soggy patches in your yard to a system that runs in the pouring rain, these are signs that your sprinklers need a professional check-up. We’ll walk you through four common problems that could be costing you money and explain how to get them fixed right.

Overlapping Zones and Over-Watering

Have you noticed puddles forming on your lawn or water running down the sidewalk every time your sprinklers run? This is often a classic sign of overlapping sprinkler zones, a problem where multiple sprinkler heads are spraying the same area. This leads to severe over-watering, which is bad for your plants and your wallet.

The goal of an irrigation system is even coverage—not double coverage. When zones overlap, some parts of your lawn get twice the water they need, while others might not get enough.

Causes of Overlapping Zones:

Improper Head Spacing: Sprinkler heads were installed too close together during the initial setup.
Mixed Nozzle Types: Using different brands or types of nozzles in the same zone can result in mismatched spray patterns and precipitation rates.
Poor Controller Programming: The controller may be programmed to run multiple zones with overlapping coverage simultaneously or for too long.

Symptoms and Impacts:

You’ll know you have an over-watering issue if you see soggy, spongy turf, mushrooms or other fungal growth, or water consistently running off your property. This water waste drives up your bills and can stress your plants, leading to shallow roots and disease.

How We Fix It:

Fixing overlapping zones requires a systematic approach. Our technicians will perform a comprehensive audit of your system. This involves:

Re-mapping your irrigation zones to ensure each area receives precise coverage.
Adjusting spray arcs and throws to prevent overspray onto sidewalks and driveways.
Installing matched precipitation rate (MPR) nozzles to guarantee even water distribution.
Reprogramming your controller for efficient, cycle-and-soak watering schedules.

Faulty Rain and Moisture Sensors

Your irrigation system should be smart enough to know when not to run. That’s the job of your rain or moisture sensor. These small devices are designed to shut the system off automatically during and after rainfall. When they malfunction, your sprinklers will run regardless of the weather, wasting thousands of gallons of water and violating local watering restrictions.

A faulty sensor is one of the easiest ways to spot an inefficient system. Seeing your sprinklers on during a Lake Dallas downpour is a clear sign that something is wrong.

Causes and Symptoms:

Sensors can fail for several reasons. The absorbent cork discs inside a rain sensor can wear out, wiring can become frayed or disconnected, or the unit might be placed in an area that doesn’t get enough rainfall, like under an eave or dense tree.

You can perform a simple check yourself. Most rain sensors have a test button or spindle. Pressing it should interrupt the watering cycle. If it doesn’t, the sensor or its wiring is likely faulty.

Professional Solutions:

While a visual check is a good start, a professional diagnosis is key. Our experts will:

Test the sensor’s connection to the controller and inspect all wiring.
Calibrate the sensor to activate at the right moisture level.
Replace worn-out sensor components or the entire unit if necessary.
Relocate the sensor to a spot with optimal exposure to rain.
Recommend upgrading to a smart controller with built-in weather data for ultimate efficiency.

Contaminated Water Supply from Backflow Issues

This is the most serious issue on our list, as it poses a direct health risk to you and your family. Your irrigation system is connected to the same potable water supply that provides drinking water to your home. A backflow preventer is a critical safety device that ensures irrigation water—which can contain fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants—never flows backward into your clean water supply.

In Texas, functional backflow preventers are required by law for all irrigation systems. These devices must be tested annually by a licensed professional to ensure they are working correctly and keeping your water supply safe.

Risks, Rules, and Repairs:

If a backflow preventer fails, a drop in water pressure (like from a water main break or a firefighter opening a hydrant) can siphon contaminated water from your lawn back into your home’s pipes and the city’s water supply.

Our Certified Backflow Services:

As licensed backflow testers, we are certified to perform state-required annual testing.

We handle all necessary paperwork and submit it to the City of Lake Dallas on your behalf.
If your device fails the test, we can repair or replace it to bring your system back into compliance.
We prioritize these appointments to ensure your family’s water remains safe.

Don’t ignore this critical safety check. It protects your health and keeps you in compliance with local regulations.

Excessive Wear on Moving Parts

An irrigation system has many moving parts—rotors that spin, pop-up heads that rise and fall, and valves that open and close. Over time, these components wear out. Excessive wear and tear can happen faster due to grit in the water lines, high water pressure, or a simple lack of routine maintenance.

When parts fail, the consequences range from minor annoyances to major leaks. A stuck rotor might create a geyser in your front yard, while a leaky valve can cause a slow, hidden water loss that inflates your bills.

Commonly Affected Parts:

Rotors and Spray Heads: Seals wear out, gears strip, and nozzles get clogged.
Valves: Diaphragms and solenoids can fail, causing valves to stick open or closed.
Seals and Gaskets: O-rings and other seals dry out and crack, leading to leaks.

Preventive Maintenance and Upgrades:

The best way to combat premature wear is through a seasonal maintenance plan. Our tune-ups are designed to catch small problems before they become big ones. During a visit, we will:

Clean and check all filters to keep grit out of the system.
Test water pressure and recommend a pressure regulator if it’s too high.
Inspect all moving parts for signs of wear and recommend targeted repairs.
Suggest durable, water-efficient upgrades like pressure-regulating sprinkler heads.

A proactive approach not only extends the life of your system but also ensures it runs efficiently year after year.

Keeping Lake Dallas Lawns Green and Efficient

From the shores of Lewisville Lake to the neighborhoods around City Park, a functional sprinkler system is essential. Whether you live in a new development or an established area near Lake Dallas High School, these common irrigation issues can affect anyone. Taking care of them quickly saves water, protects your landscape investment, and ensures your system is safe and compliant.

Schedule Your Sprinkler Inspection Today

Don’t let sprinkler problems drain your bank account or damage your lawn. The team at Mr. Sprinkler Repair is here to help homeowners across the Lake Dallas area. We offer same-week appointments for comprehensive system inspections, repairs, and certified backflow testing.