Problem Solving

Above you see a couple of pictures of common problems you may face with your irrigation system.

Some of the issues are rather simple, adjustments may be needed to correct spray patterns, and others will require professional assistance to repair the issue.

Below are some of the most common issues you will have with your irrigation system:

11. The "Ghost" Leak (High Water Bills)

* The Issue: Your water bill spikes, but you don't see a geyser in the yard.

* The DIY Tip: Check your water meter when the system is off. If the little dial is spinning, you have a leak. Walk the yard looking for "mushy" spots or grass that is greener than the rest.

* The "Call Auburn Irrigation" Reality: Finding an underground leak often requires pressure testing or digging in that tough Alabama clay. If you can’t find it, we have the tools to pinpoint the break without digging up the whole yard.

2. Clogged or "Lazy" Sprinkler Heads

* The Issue: A head doesn't pop up all the way, or it just dribbles water.

* The DIY Tip: With the system off, pull the head up manually and clear away any grass or dirt around the rim. You can unscrew the top nozzle and rinse the filter underneath.

* The "Call Auburn Irrigation" Reality: If cleaning doesn't work, there’s likely a pressure issue or a failing internal seal. We carry every major brand on our trucks to swap them out in minutes.

3. "The Sidewalk Soaker" (Misaligned Heads)

* The Issue: You’re watering the driveway, the street, or your front door more than the grass.

* The DIY Tip: Most heads can be twisted by hand (carefully!) or adjusted with a small flathead screwdriver on the top to narrow the spray arc.

* The "Call Auburn Irrigation" Reality: If the head is tilted or buried too deep, it needs to be dug up and reset on a "swing pipe" to keep it level. We can perform a full system audit to ensure 100% coverage with zero waste.

4. Zone Won't Turn Off (The Never-Ending Rain)

* The Issue: You turn the controller to "OFF," but one zone keeps running.

* The DIY Tip: Find your main shut-off valve (usually near the meter) and turn it off immediately to save your water bill.

* The "Call Auburn Irrigation" Reality: This is usually a "stuck valve" caused by a tiny piece of debris or a torn diaphragm. Opening those valve boxes can be a muddy, buggy mess—we’re happy to handle the "dirty work" of rebuilding the valve for you.

5. Controller "Brain Freeze"

* The Issue: The screen is blank, or the system isn't coming on when it's supposed to.

* The DIY Tip: Check your GFI outlets (usually in the garage or near the porch). If a nearby lightning strike tripped the outlet, the controller won't have power.

* The "Call Auburn Irrigation" Reality: If the power is on but the zones won't fire, you likely have a wiring fault or a blown solenoid. Electrical troubleshooting is where we save you hours of frustration.