Caring for Landscapes Since 1988!

5 Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Repair (Before It Gets Expensive)

A well-running sprinkler system keeps your lawn green and healthy while helping you avoid sky-high water bills. But small problems often go unnoticed until they turn into bigger (and more expensive) repairs. As licensed irrigation technicians serving Tarrant County and the greater DFW area, we see the same warning signs over and over.

Here are the five most common red flags that mean it’s time to schedule a professional sprinkler inspection or repair.

1. You’re Seeing Dry or Brown Spots in Your Lawn

Uneven coverage is one of the earliest signs of trouble. Dry patches usually mean:

Clogged or broken sprinkler heads
Misaligned spray patterns
Low water pressure in a zone
A valve that’s not fully opening

Left alone, these spots get worse and can lead to permanent lawn damage — especially during the hot North Texas summers.

2. Your Water Bill Suddenly Jumps

A sharp increase in your water usage with no change in your watering schedule is often caused by an underground leak. Common culprits include:

Cracked or broken pipes
Leaking valves
A stuck zone that runs longer than programmed

In many cases, we can locate the leak and help you document it so you may qualify for a water bill credit from your utility company.

3. Sprinkler Heads Are Not Popping Up (or Stay Stuck Up)

Heads that fail to rise properly, stay partially raised, or don’t retract after watering usually point to:

Dirt or debris in the head
Broken internal springs
Low pressure
Damaged risers

These issues reduce coverage and can create trip hazards or damage from lawn mowers.

4. One or More Zones Won’t Turn On (or Won’t Shut Off)

When an entire zone stops working or runs continuously, the problem is often electrical or valve-related:

Faulty solenoid
Wiring issues
Stuck valve diaphragm
Controller programming or communication problems

These are among the most frequent repairs we handle across Arlington, Fort Worth, Keller, Mansfield, and surrounding cities.

5. You Notice Water Pooling, Soggy Areas, or Unusual Spray Patterns

Visible water in places it shouldn’t be is a clear warning sign. Look for:

Puddles near valve boxes
Constantly wet spots in the yard
Misting or fogging from heads (a sign of high pressure)
Water spraying onto sidewalks, driveways, or the house

These problems waste water, create erosion, and can eventually damage your foundation or hardscapes.

What to Do Next

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Most sprinkler issues are much easier and less expensive to fix when caught early.

At Repair Masters, our licensed technicians diagnose the root cause, explain the repair options clearly, and fix it right the first time. We service residential and commercial systems across Tarrant County and carry well-stocked trucks so most repairs can be completed in a single visit.