Irrigation systems are excellent for maintaining a well-hydrated lawn and landscape in North Carolina, but they can develop leaks over time. Because of this, you'll want to keep an eye out for potential signs of a leak. These signs may include unusually wet areas on your lawn, a sudden increase in your water bill, decreased water pressure, and moisture in the valve box. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly can help prevent water waste and maintain the effectiveness of your irrigation system.

1. There are abnormally wet areas on your lawn.

Lawn with pooling water in Greensboro, NC, from an irrigation leak.

One common indication of a leak in your irrigation system is abnormally wet areas on your lawn. Puddles, bubbling water, or even wet spots on the nearby concrete are all indicators that something may be amiss. Your sprinkler heads continuing to release water after the regular watering cycle is another tell-tale sign of a leak. Fortunately, where the wet areas are can sometimes tell you where the leak is coming from in your irrigation system. For example, if you observe excess water around your sprinkler heads, this could point to malfunctioning valves. Alternatively, if water is pooling between the heads, it might suggest a leak in an underground pipe. Identifying and addressing these leaks promptly can help you avoid water waste and ensure your irrigation system gets back to good condition.

Puddles of water appearing on your lawn without rain may suggest a cracked or burst underground irrigation pipe.

2. Your water bill is higher than usual.

A higher-than-usual water bill is another sign that could indicate a leak in your irrigation system. While it's natural for water usage to fluctuate, a sudden increase in your water bill could indicate an issue with your irrigation system, especially if you haven't used more than you normally do. Leaks in the system can result in a continuous flow of water, leading not only to water wastage but also to a significant spike in your water bill. Repairing these leaks promptly can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

3. There's a decline in water pressure.

Your irrigation system should maintain a consistent water pressure, ensuring the correct flow to reach all crucial areas of your lawn and landscape. However, if you observe a decline in water pressure, it could signal a leak in the system. When water escapes through the leak, it leads to inadequate watering of your vegetation, which can negatively affect its health. To identify low water pressure, watch for sprinkler heads failing to rise, insufficient coverage, or irregular spray patterns from the sprinklers. Addressing these issues can help maintain the effectiveness of your irrigation system and prevent water wastage.

4. The valve boxes are wet rather than dry.

The valve box serves as the hub for essential components that ensure your irrigation system operates smoothly. Ideally, the valve box should remain dry, with no presence of water. If you detect any signs of moisture, such as puddles or flooding inside the valve box, it may indicate a problem with one or more valves, which could be broken or leaking. Regularly checking the valve box for signs of moisture can help you catch and address these issues early, ensuring efficient water distribution and preventing potential water damage to your property.

Call us today to schedule our irrigation repair service!

If you've noticed any signs of a leak or anything else wrong with your irrigation system, our team at Ideal Landscaping & Irrigation is here to find the issue and repair it. Our team of professionals will perform a full-system check to identify the source of the problem and promptly rectify it so that your system provides much-needed water to your vegetation again. We offer our irrigation repair service to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Summerfield, NC, and surrounding communities. Give us a call today at (336) 396-9191 to schedule our irrigation repair service!