As the irrigation season gets going in the Treasure Valley, one thing becomes clear pretty quickly — most sprinkler systems aren’t perfect when they first turn on. Even systems that were working fine last fall can come back with issues after winter.

If you live in Eagle, Star, or North Meridian, there are a handful of sprinkler problems we see over and over again. Some are simple, some can get expensive, and a lot of them are preventable if caught early.

The most common repair we deal with is broken sprinkler heads. These can crack from freezing, get damaged from lawn mowers, or simply wear out over time. Sometimes they’re obvious because water is spraying everywhere, but other times they’re subtle and just cause poor coverage or dry spots in your lawn. These are usually a quick fix, but if ignored, they can waste a lot of water or lead to bigger landscaping issues.

Another frequent issue is leaks in the system, especially around fittings or underground lines. These often show up as soggy areas in the yard, pooling water, or zones that don’t seem to have normal pressure. A small leak might not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly turn into a larger repair if it continues to run unnoticed.

Valves and solenoids are another big one. If a zone won’t turn on, won’t turn off, or seems to be running inconsistently, there’s a good chance the issue is with the valve or solenoid. These components control the flow of water to each zone, and when they fail, the system can’t operate the way it should. Sometimes it’s an electrical issue, sometimes it’s mechanical, and sometimes it’s just wear over time.

We also see a lot of controller-related problems. Timers can lose programming, get set incorrectly, or stop communicating with the valves altogether. This can lead to zones not running, running at the wrong times, or not shutting off properly. It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook but can cause a lot of confusion for homeowners.

One of the biggest patterns we see every year is damage from improper winterization. If a system wasn’t fully blown out in the fall, water can freeze in the lines, valves, or heads and cause cracks. When the system gets turned back on in the spring, those weak points fail. In some cases, it’s just a head or two. In others, it can involve multiple valves, solenoids, and sections of pipe, which can add up quickly.

Repair costs can vary quite a bit depending on the issue. A basic sprinkler head replacement might be around $30, while more involved repairs like valve replacements or multiple breaks can climb into the hundreds or even thousands if there is widespread damage. Catching problems early is one of the best ways to keep costs down.

When we show up to look at a system, we don’t just fix the one obvious issue and leave. We run through all the zones, check for additional problems, and make sure everything is functioning correctly. A lot of times, there are small issues that haven’t been noticed yet, and taking care of them early can prevent bigger headaches later in the season.

One thing that really helps is being prepared. We carry the most common parts on hand, including sprinkler heads, fittings, valves, and solenoids, so we can complete most repairs on the spot. In fact, we’re able to handle about 95 percent of repairs the same day, which saves homeowners from needing multiple visits.

If you’re trying to keep an eye on your own system, there are a few things to watch for. Look for areas of your lawn that stay wet or unusually dry, water spraying in odd directions, zones that don’t turn on or off properly, or changes in water pressure. If something seems off, it’s usually worth checking sooner rather than later.

If you do notice a major issue like water pooling quickly, a zone that won’t shut off, or a significant drop in pressure, it’s a good idea to shut the system down and have it looked at before running it again. That can prevent additional damage and keep the repair more manageable.

Sprinkler systems are one of those things that are easy to ignore when they’re working, but when something goes wrong, it can affect your lawn, your water bill, and your time. Staying on top of small repairs and handling issues early makes a big difference over the course of the season.

If you’re not sure what’s going on with your system or just want a second set of eyes on it, we’re always happy to take a look and get things running the way they should.

Treasure Valley Property Pros
Serving Eagle, Star, and North Meridian
208-921-6787
https://www.tvpropertypros.com