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3 Common Problems with Irrigation Systems

By July 12, 2016August 21st, 2020No Comments

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Irrigation systems are a lifesaver for anyone responsible for the care of a large property. Used correctly, they can also help to comply with water conservation efforts as they can be set to only water at times that fall within the guidelines for local watering restrictions in Kelowna.

From time to time, you will need irrigation system repairs, but here are three common causes of problems to investigate first.

Damaged Sprinkler Heads

Lawnmowers and other wheeled vehicles are the enemies of sprinkler heads everywhere! The good news is that this problem is relatively easy to spot, you may even know there’s a problem right away if you were the one operating the lawnmower.

The bad news is that you can’t fix a broken sprinkler head, it will have to be replaced. You may be able to conduct this repair yourself, especially if the exact sprinkler head is still available. If yours is an older system, a call to a plumber may be in order.

Low Water Pressure

If your sprinkler heads are shooting water at a dribble, and you’ve already determined that the sprinkler head itself isn’t the problem, low water pressure may be to blame. Be sure to check the valves of the backflow device first.

If your system was properly installed, it should be at least 30cm above the highest sprinkler head. If it hasn’t been properly installed, you may regret attempting this repair on your own. Save your sanity by calling a qualified irrigation system repair specialist.

Leaky Pipes

When you have ruled out damaged sprinkler heads and faulty backflow valves as the source of your problem, the culprit could be the leaks in the water line. A telltale clue is sprinkler heads in a particular area that aren’t functioning properly. Other tells include water bubbles, very wet areas, and dip in the ground.

Replacing a broken pipe is a more involved repair that is best left in the hands of a professional trained in repairing irrigation systems.

The primary reason for installing an irrigation system is to ensure that you have more time for the activities you enjoy. If you’ve tried to find the cause of a problem with your irrigation but need help, give us a call at (250) 681-0089. We provide irrigation system repairs in Kelowna and in the surrounding area.