How to Repair a Sprinkler System: 7 Ways

Locate the wires that connect the main controller to the solenoid. The bundled wires will the connected with a plastic wire nut.

Expert Sprinkler Repair Services

Residential and Commercial Sprinkler Repair Services

You just found out you have a broken sprinkler head and water is gushing out onto your lawn – now what?

First, shut off your sprinkler system to prevent flooding, and then call the experts at Andy’s Sprinkler.

We are knowledgeable about sprinklers and sprinkler system repair. With experience since 1987 in the sprinkler repair industry, our sprinkler company is proud to be one of the leading sprinkler repair contractors in the region, helping homeowners and commercial property owners solve their sprinkler problems in many areas of Texas. We are fully licensed sprinkler and irrigation professionals, ready to provide solutions to all your lawn irrigation needs.

In addition to our sprinkler repair services, we also specialize in sprinkler system checks, rain/freeze climate sensor additions, and much more! Some additional sprinkler services include:

• Sprinkler system maintenance
• Sprinkler control box replacement and repair
• Sprinkler system reroutes
• Fixing or replacing leaking or broken sprinkler heads
• Repairing broken sprinkler valves
• Cleaning and repairing clogged nozzles
• Replacing and repairing spliced or damaged wires
• Repairing or replacing broken pipes
• Capping off sprinkler heads
• Adjusting poor spray patterns and wasted water
• Stopping running water that won’t stop running
• Wire/valve location

If you have a sprinkler system issue, our experienced irrigation specialists can either fix it or replace it. We only use tested products for our sprinkler system repairs, ensuring quality throughout the whole process.

Best Residential Sprinkler Repair

Since 1987, Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage and Lighting has offered exceptional residential sprinkler repair services.

Any homeowner who invests in their home’s yard understands the need for a working sprinkler system. Whether it is due to age or misuse, a sprinkler system occasionally requires repairs. These units are like any other water-based appliance in your home.

Over time, leaks may form, or the sprinkler head may become damaged. It’s far too easy to run over a sprinkler head with the lawn mower, after all!

We have a full crew ready and waiting to handle sprinkler repair at your home. Our repair technicians are some of the best in the business and are equipped with the latest tools and training required. Don’t let a simple repair prevent your yard from getting the nutrients it needs. Give us a call today!

Commercial Sprinkler Repair

As a business owner, you have likely noticed that first impressions mean a lot. If you own commercial property with any amount of lawn space, then it is likely that customers or potential tenants notice the grass first. If your lawn is not adequately cared for, then some people may choose to take their business elsewhere.

It certainly pays to invest a little time, energy, and money into making your space look healthy and welcoming!

At Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage and Lighting, your business is our business. We will ensure your property’s sprinkler system is functioning correctly. If we notice a broken sprinkler head, our technicians will replace the unit promptly. If we discover a leak, we’ll patch up the broken section to ensure you no longer waste money or energy.

Your lawn deserves to be healthy, and we will ensure that happens!

Premium Service

This year, invest in your property with unbeatable service. Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage and Lighting has built its business on providing premium sprinkler repair throughout the area for homeowners and commercial property owners.

Our repair services have earned us a reputation for being proactive, high-quality, and affordable. Everyone deserves a gorgeous lawn and blooming garden without having to break the bank. And now, it is easier than ever to schedule professional sprinkler repair services!

For an upfront price without any hidden fees, you will receive full repairs on your irrigation system. We only hire exceptional technicians who are skilled and committed to tracking down the smallest of leaks and solving the problem. We are adept at locating broken sprinkler heads or faulty control boxes.

We also offer service agreements, offering complete diagnostics and tune-ups 2, 3 or 4 times per year.

How We Work

The first step is always a consultation. We will come to your property and take a look at the sprinkler system. Once we have diagnosed the problem, we provide you with a complete estimate that includes the price of repairs and any additional services that may be required.

From there, our team of highly trained technicians will get to work! We understand that your time is important. We will work as quickly and efficiently as possible to detect the issue, make repairs, and test the system to ensure it is working correctly.

We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop for all of your lawn irrigation needs. In addition to repairs, we also offer sprinkler system installation and maintenance services. We can even help you winterize your system to prevent damage during the colder months!

Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage and Lighting is your partner in keeping your property looking its best. Schedule a consultation today to see how we can help you!

Common Irrigation Problems

There are a number of common irrigation problems that can arise during the season.

Clogged nozzles

If your sprinkler heads seem to be spraying less water than usual, it’s likely because the nozzles are clogged. This can happen if dirt or debris gets into the system, or if the heads aren’t cleaned on a regular basis. Clogged nozzles can also cause the heads to pop up out of the ground, which can damage the system and make it less effective.

Sprinkler spray heads or rotor heads are set too low

The heads of your sprinkler system should be set at a height that’s appropriate for the type of head, as well as the type of vegetation you’re trying to water. If the heads are too low, the water will simply run off the ground instead of being absorbed by the roots.

Zones aren’t properly calibrated

If your sprinkler system has multiple zones, it’s important to make sure they’re properly calibrated. Otherwise, one zone may be getting too much water while another isn’t getting enough. This can lead to drought-like conditions in one area and saturated soil in another.

Pressure problems

If your sprinkler system isn’t working as efficiently as it should, it could be due to pressure problems. This is typically caused by a leak in the system, which can be anything from a small drip to a major break. Pressure problems can also be caused by clogged filters or worn-out pump seals.

Zone valves are leaking or not closing properly

If you notice water seeping out of the ground even when your sprinkler system isn’t running, it’s likely due to a problem with the zone valves. These valves are responsible for controlling the flow of water to each zone, and if they’re leaking, it can cause problems in the entire system.

Zone valves that are old and don’t turn on or don’t shut off

Sometimes sprinkler system zone valves will get old and become sticking or hard to turn. If you have an older home, it’s not uncommon for the sprinkler system to be original to the house. In this case, it’s a good idea to replace all of the valves at once because they are all likely to fail eventually.

The controller box or timer does not work properly

The controller is the heart of the system. It tells the zone valves when to open and close and for how long. Sometimes it’s not working because of poor wiring, a bad battery, or a faulty zone valve. If you have ruled out all of these other possibilities, then it’s probably time to replace the controller.

PVC pipes cracking or bursting underground

This is a common problem, especially in older sprinkler systems. The PVC pipes that supply water to the sprinkler heads can crack or burst due to age, root intrusion, or simply because they weren’t installed properly. If you notice water seeping out of the ground or broken sprinkler heads, it’s likely due to a problem with the PVC pipes.

When you suspect there may be a leak or some other issue, call us to inspect your irrigation system, locate the source of the problem, and fix it quickly.

Contact Us for all your Sprinkler Repair Needs!

We are experts in sprinkler system repair and can help you with any problem you may be having. Call our sprinkler repair specialists today and we can solve your sprinkler system problems. Don’t delay, call us today and we’ll show you why so many Texas families and businesses trust Andy’s with their sprinkler repair and irrigation needs.

How to Repair a Sprinkler System: 7 Ways

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York’s largest union plumbing construction companies.

• Total Time: 20 – 50 mins

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Estimated Cost: $5 to $40

Sprinkler system repair solves common sprinkler problems like damaged risers or heads, leaking or damaged pipes, and basic electrical issues. Repairs are relatively easy since most parts are either above-ground or in shallow trenches. Most sprinkler system repairs cost $5 to $40 and can be finished in less than an hour.

When to Repair a Sprinkler System

Immediately repair a sprinkler system that has leaking or damaged lines, sprinkler heads, or risers. A broken sprinkler head can waste up to 4,200 gallons of water per month and a small hole in a sprinkler line can waste 6,300 gallons per month.

Safety Considerations

Before digging to repair a sprinkler, call or place an online request with your local 811 Before You Dig service. A technician will mark the location of underground utilities with water-soluble paint a few days before you intend to dig.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

Clean Sprinkler Heads

• 1 spring clamp or locking pliers
• 1 needle-nose pliers
• 1 bucket
• 1 old toothbrush

Replace Sprinkler Heads

Replace Damaged Sprinkler Risers

Replace Leaking or Damaged Sprinkler Pipes

• 1 tape measure
• 1 shovel
• 1 PVC pipe cutter
• 1 indelible marker

Diagnose Voltage or Transformer Issues

Materials

Clean Sprinkler Heads

Replace Sprinkler Heads

Replace Damaged Sprinkler Risers

Replace Leaking or Damaged Sprinkler Pipes

• 1 telescopic repair coupling
• 1 PVC standard union coupling
• 1 PVC solvent glue

Diagnose Voltage or Transformer Issues

Replace Faulty Sprinkler Solenoids

Instructions

How to Clean Sprinkler Heads

The signs of a clogged sprinkler head are patches of brown grass around the sprinkler head or a sprinkler head that will not rise or only partially rise. Dirt and fine sand will clog the filter in the pop-up section of the sprinkler head.

Sprinkler filters are small, mesh plastic devices that drop into the top of the pop-up. Filters cost about $1 or less.

Cleaning or replacing the filter in the sprinkler head will restore the uniform spray pattern and allow the sprinkler heads to rise. You will need a spring clamp or locking pliers, needle-nose pliers, a bucket, mild soap, and an old toothbrush.

Lift Sprinkler Pop-Up

Lift the sprinkler pop-up section by hand to its highest position.

Access the Filter

Unscrew the top threaded section of the pop-up to access the filter.

Remove the Filter

Remove the filter. Use needle-nose pliers if necessary.

Clean the Filter

Clean or replace the filter. To clean the filter, use a toothbrush, soapy water, and clean water to rinse.

Flush Out the Sprinkler

Turn on the sprinkler system before replacing the filter to flush out the system.

Replace the Filter

Replace the filter and screw the threaded section back into place.

Unclamp the Riser

Unclamp the riser to let the sprinkler head fall back into place.

How to Replace Sprinkler Heads

Signs that it is time to replace a sprinkler head are when grass around the sprinkler is discolored or patchy, the sprinkler head does not rise or only partially rises, or when the sprinkler head has become damaged.

A sprinkler head has a large plastic cylindrical base that connects to the water line and a top telescoping cylinder that rises to spray water. The pieces are unified. So, even if just the top part is damaged, the whole sprinkler head unit must be replaced.

Sprinkler heads cost from $5 to $35 each. Purchase a sprinkler head that is specific to your system. Most sprinklers have a pop-up gear-driver rotary head or a pop-up fixed head. Sprinklers have either 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch inlets. Half-inch is common with pop-up fixed sprinkler heads.

Cut Around the Sprinkler Head

Use a garden spade to cut out a wide circle around the sprinkler head. Cut the turf carefully to avoid slicing buried sprinkler lines.

Unscrew the Sprinkler Head

Unscrew the sprinkler head by hand until it releases.

Remove the Sprinkler Head

Insert New Sprinkler Head

Place the new sprinkler head into the hole and onto the male thread at the base.

Tighten the Sprinkler Head

Hand-tighten the sprinkler header until it is firmly in place. Do not over-tighten.

How to Replace Damaged Sprinkler Risers

Signs of a damaged sprinkler riser are overly wet patches of grass or mud or excess grass growth directly around the sprinkler head.

A sprinkler riser is a 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch diameter PVC pipe that extends from the top of the sprinkler pipe to the bottom of the sprinkler head.

Tip

Risers are necessary when the top of the sprinkler head is not flush with the grass.

Sprinkler risers come in lengths from 1/2 inch to 24 inches. Cut-off risers are a good option when you’re not sure of the riser’s exact length. Cut-off risers have six to eight segments that can be easily snapped off to adjust the length of the riser. A 1/2-inch by 12-inch cut-off riser is a versatile length and costs $1 to $2 each.

Remove the Body

Grasp the Riser

Reach into the hole vacated by the sprinkler head and grasp the riser.

Turn the Riser

Cut to Size

Measure the new sprinkler riser against the old riser and cut it to size with a PVC pipe-cutting tool.

Tighten the Riser

Place the end of the riser in the hole and tighten it by hand.

How to Repair Low Water Pressure

Signs of low water pressure in a sprinkler system are brown circles around sprinkler heads, non-uniform spray patterns, and sprinkler heads that fail to rise.

Clean the Sprinkler Head

Clean the sprinkler head and filter or replace the filter if the low water pressure is localized at just one or two sprinklers. Or replace the entire sprinkler head if cleaning the old sprinkler’s filter doesn’t improve the water pressure.

Run Sprinklers

Run the sprinklers during non-peak water use hours. Peak hours are generally from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, though every area is different.

Open the Isolation Valve

Open the isolation valve all the way. The isolation valve is in the covered valve box. A knife valve handle should be parallel to the pipe and a round handle valve should be turned completely leftward.

Open the Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Open the house’s main water shut-off valve all the way. Water for sprinklers comes from the curb-side water meter, goes into the house through the water shut-off valve, and is once again sent outside to the sprinklers. Make sure that the water shut-off valve is opened to full.

How to Replace Leaking or Damaged Sprinkler Pipes

The signs of leaking or damaged sprinkler pipes are muddy, soggy patches located anywhere in the lawn or patches of lawn that are higher or greener than other areas.

A telescopic repair coupling lets you cut into the broken line, shorten the coupling in order to place it on the line, then length it again permanently.

Dig a Trench

Turn off the Water

Add Cut Marks

Add the cut marks to the PVC sprinkler line. One mark should be on the inside edge of the slip coupling and the other mark should be at the end of the telescope base.

Cut the Line

Cut the sprinkler line on the marks with the PVC cutter.

Clean the Pipe

Collapse the Coupling

Collapse the repair coupling to its shortest length.

Apply PVC Solvent

Add PVC solvent to the ends of the cut pipe and to the inside ends of the coupling.

Extend the Coupling

Working quickly, place the coupling between the cut pipe and extend the coupling.

Tip

Be sure to hold the coupling extended for about a minute for the solvent to fully cure.

How to Diagnose Voltage or Transformer Issues

Signs that the sprinkler system is experiencing voltage or transformer problems are when individual sprinkler zones will not turn on or when the entire system does not turn on.

The issue may be with the sprinkler controller or with the field wiring. You will need a multimeter, flashlight, and 0.75 amp replacement fuses.

Check the Controller

Make sure that the controller is programmed correctly.

Check the Power

If none of the sprinkler zones will run, check the power source that feeds that sprinkler system’s transformer.

Check the Wires

Examine the wires on the transformer to ensure that all are properly attached to the terminals.

Test for Voltage

If some zone are working and others are not, use the multimeter to test for the correct voltage to the non-working stations. Most residential sprinkler systems are 24V systems which should output a signal in the 24V to 28V range.

Check for Wiring Problems

If the controller is sending the proper current to the non-working stations, check the continuity of the circuit to identify any wiring problems.

Replace the Fuse

If the controller has a fuse, the fuse may be blown. Remove the fuse and replace it with a fresh fuse.

How to Replace Faulty Sprinkler Solenoids

One sign of a faulty sprinkler solenoid is when an individual sprinkler valve will not turn on even if the rest of the electrical system is working properly. You’ll know if an individual sprinkler solenoid is faulty if three conditions are present: it has worked before, other valves are working, and the main controller is working.

A sprinkler solenoid is an electric device that tells a sprinkler valve to open or close based on commands from the system’s main controller. A sprinkler solenoid costs from $15 to $35.

Tip

Some sprinkler systems may accept universal solenoids, but it’s always safest to purchase a solenoid for your sprinkler brand and model.

Turn Off the Water

Locate the Solenoid

Locate the Wires

Locate the wires that connect the main controller to the solenoid. The bundled wires will the connected with a plastic wire nut.

Untwist the Wires

Screw the wire nut off of the bundle and untwist the wires.

Remove the Solenoid

Remove the old solenoid by turning it counterclockwise.

Replace the Solenoid

Install the new solenoid by turning it clockwise by hand.

Connect the Solenoid

Connect the solenoid’s white wire to the system’s white wire with a wire nut.
Connect the other solenoid wire to the system’s power wire, which may be red or black.

Test the Sprinkler

Sprinkler systems should be serviced twice a year. Service the sprinkler system before turning on the system for the season, usually in spring. Service the system again to winterize it, typically in early fall.

The life expectancy of a sprinkler system is 10 to 15 years, with some sprinkler systems lasting as long as 20 years before a full replacement is needed. Individual parts may last just a year or two, especially high-impact parts like sprinkler heads and sprinkler risers.

How do I know if my underground sprinkler system is leaking?

You will know if an underground sprinkler system is leaking with visible signs at ground level: spongey or wet patches of grass, excess grass growth, muddy ground; or wet concrete. Water from the leaking sprinkler system may be actively bubbling or spraying, as well.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Sprinkler Spruce-Up. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense
2. Managing Pressure in the Home Irrigation System. Oklahoma State University Extension
3. Sprinkler System Installation Guide. Rain Bird
4. Do I Need a Sprinkler System Repair or Replacement? Environmental Designs Irrigation.