Easy Fixes for 3 Common Irrigation Problems

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

When you find water damage in your building in Punta Gorda, FL, but there is no leaky pipe and not a cloud in the sky, be sure to check your outdoor irrigation system for the source of your troubles. Most commercial properties rely on a sprinkler system to maintain the landscape, but these systems still require some regular maintenance to prevent problems. Learning how to troubleshoot your irrigation network is simple and will save you some headaches.

Remember to shut off the water supply when replacing or fixing parts. The most common problems you might encounter are:

1. Low water pressure. Inspect the irrigation system to make sure all valves are open and all drains are closed. If you still have low water pressure, you may have a leak. Find the source by checking for flooded ground. Lastly, check each sprinkler head from beginning to end, looking for one that is not working well. Gently dig into the ground to check the line that leads to that sprinkler and repair at the site with a fresh cut and a water-tight coupling.

2. Sprinkler heads are not spraying. When a sprinkler is only partially spraying or not spraying at all, investigate for signs of a break or crack first. If broken, simply replace it with a new head. If no break is detected, the head is probably clogged and can be cleaned and replaced. Remove dirt in the area to keep the lines clean when unscrewing heads for replacement.

3. Spray pattern problems. The irrigation system may have a problem with a spray pattern that is hitting a structure on the property or not covering enough landscape. You can make adjustments with a turn of a screwdriver directly in the slot on top of the head.

The most common irrigation problems are simple to fix but can cause big problems when flooding goes undetected and damages your building. Fortunately for you, experienced water damage specialists can handle all your needs from cleanup to restoration.