Stop Wasting Water: Fixing Valve and Head Leaks

Leaks are the silent water-wasters of any irrigation system. Fixing valve and head leaks is one of the most effective ways to cut your water bill and keep your Southern California landscape healthy. Here's how to find and stop the waste.

The two big culprits

Most leak-related waste comes from two places:

• Leaking valves: that don't fully seal, leaking continuously around the clock.
• Broken or worn heads: cracked heads, broken risers, and worn seals that gush or seep.

Either one quietly drives up your bill and can damage your yard.

Find the leaks

Run each zone and watch closely for water spraying where it shouldn't, heads that won't shut off, soggy spots, and low pressure. Check the valve boxes for pooling. To catch hidden leaks, read your water meter with everything off — movement means water is escaping somewhere.

Fix them promptly

Most leak repairs are quick and inexpensive: replace a cracked head, clean or rebuild a valve, swap a worn diaphragm, or tighten a fitting. The water (and money) you save starts immediately. Catching leaks early also prevents the erosion and plant damage that prolonged leaks cause.

Build leak-catching habits

Inspect your system monthly, watch your bill for unexplained jumps, and consider a smart controller with flow monitoring that can alert you to leaks automatically. Small, regular checks prevent big waste.

Get help when needed

For hidden or stubborn leaks, our water management team can find and fix them fast, and tune your system for efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

What's the most common sprinkler leak?

Broken heads and leaking valves are the two biggest sources of irrigation water waste — both quick to repair.

How do I know if I have a sprinkler leak?

Watch for soggy spots, low pressure, a bill spike, or a water meter that moves when all the sprinklers are off.

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.