Stephen's Blog

Low water pressure in your sprinkler system is a frustrating problem, but it's often solvable with some methodical troubleshooting. Let's explore the common causes and how to address them.

First, check the main water supply to your house. Is the pressure low throughout the house, or just in your sprinkler system? If it's house-wide, the problem likely lies with your municipal water supply or your home's water meter. Contact your water utility company for assistance in that case.

If the low pressure is isolated to your sprinkler system, the culprit may be within your system itself. Here are some areas to investigate:

• Clogged Sprinkler Heads: Check each sprinkler head for obstructions like debris or mineral deposits. A simple cleaning often resolves this issue. For particularly stubborn clogs, you might consider replacing the sprinkler heads. Sometimes, even replacing a single head makes all the difference.

• Leaking Pipes: Inspect your sprinkler lines for any leaks, particularly those near joints and connections. Even tiny pinhole leaks can cause significant pressure loss. Repairing any leaks is absolutely vital to ensuring even water distribution, also remember to consider pressure regulating valves to mitigate stress to individual lines. Leaking underground pipes may require professional help to diagnose and repair, and are commonly related to underlying problems such as shifting ground.

• Restricted Valves: Check the valves that control water flow to different sections of your sprinkler system. Make sure they're fully open and not stuck in a partially closed position. Sometimes they can seize up due to rust and scale.

• Pump Issues (if applicable): If you have a booster pump for your sprinkler system, check that it's running correctly and providing adequate pressure. A malfunctioning pump or low-voltage problems should be carefully addressed. For troubleshooting pump systems you could consult an expert, here.

Remember, safety is crucial when working with water lines and potentially pressurized systems. Always turn off the water supply before working on any component. If the problem is complex, persists despite your attempts at fixing it, or if you lack the proper experience working on sprinkler systems you should consult with professional sprinkler system service.