5 Signs Your Irrigation System Needs Repair
Irrigation problems often start small and grow into dead plants and shocking water bills. Catching the warning signs early saves both. Here are five clear signs your Southern California irrigation system needs repair.
1. Dry or brown patches
Areas that stay brown no matter how much you water usually mean a coverage problem — a clogged, broken, or misaligned head, or a gap between sprinklers. The grass elsewhere looks fine, but those spots never get enough water.
2. A spike in your water bill
An unexplained jump in your water bill is one of the clearest signs of an irrigation leak or a valve that won't shut off. Water is escaping somewhere — often underground where you can't see it.
3. Soggy spots or pooling water
Constantly wet areas, pooling, or even small sinkholes point to a line leak or a stuck valve. So does water bubbling up from the ground when a zone runs.
4. Uneven spray or misting
Heads that mist (too much pressure) or barely spray (too little pressure or a leak) waste water and water unevenly. Mismatched or tilted heads cause the same.
5. Zones that won't turn on or off
A zone that won't activate often means a wiring, solenoid, or controller fault. A zone that won't shut off usually means a valve problem. Both waste water and stress plants.
Don't wait to fix it
Small irrigation issues rarely fix themselves — they get worse and more expensive. If you notice any of these signs, address them promptly. Our irrigation team can diagnose and repair your system.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my sprinkler system is leaking?
Watch for a bill spike, soggy spots, low pressure, or a water meter that moves when all the sprinklers are off.
Why won't one of my sprinkler zones turn on?
Usually a wiring break, a faulty solenoid, or a controller issue for that zone. A pro can test and pinpoint it.
Arbol Roble has cared for Inland Empire landscapes since 1997, serving Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Eastvale, Corona and Riverside. Request a free quote or browse our residential and commercial services.
About the Author
The Arbol Roble team are licensed landscaping and irrigation professionals (CSLB License #1077455) serving Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Eastvale, Corona, Riverside, and the greater Inland Empire.