Sprinkler repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What sprinkler repair is

Sprinkler repair finds and fixes broken heads, leaks, stuck valves, clogged nozzles and controller faults, and adjusts spray patterns so every zone waters properly. People call for it when dry patches appear, water pools in the lawn, or the system runs at the wrong times.

Signs you need it

  • One or more zones run but leave dry, brown patches in the lawn that never improve
  • Water pools or bubbles up in a spot where a zone should not be running
  • A zone runs constantly, or a valve will not shut off, even when the controller is off
  • Heads are sprayed on the walk, the driveway or the house instead of the lawn
  • The controller shows errors, resets on its own or skips days you set

What the pro does

  • The technician runs each zone and walks the lawn to find dry spots, leaks, broken heads and stuck valves
  • The water supply to the system is shut off before any valve or head is opened
  • Broken heads and damaged risers are replaced with the matching model, and clogged nozzles are cleaned or swapped
  • Stuck or leaking valves are cleaned, repaired or replaced, and the solenoid wiring is checked at the controller
  • The spray pattern and arc of each head is adjusted, then every zone is run again to confirm even coverage

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of heads, valves and zones that need attention
  • Whether the problem is a simple clog or a broken riser or buried line
  • Age and model of the heads, since older parts are harder to match
  • Whether the controller needs repair, reprogramming or replacement
  • How much turf or beds have to be dug up to reach a buried leak
  • Access to valve boxes, which can be buried, rusted or hard to open
  • Whether the system needs a backflow test or inspection as part of the visit

What a written quote should spell out

  • Each head, valve and zone that will be repaired or replaced
  • The parts used and whether they are matched to the existing models
  • How buried leaks will be located and repaired, and what turf will be restored
  • The controller work, including any reprogramming and wiring checks
  • Whether the spray pattern adjustments and the coverage check are included
  • The warranty on parts and labor, and what is excluded

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is causing the dry spots or the pooling, and how do you know?
  • Will you use matching heads and nozzles, or will the coverage change?
  • How do you find buried leaks without tearing up the whole lawn?
  • Will you check the controller and the wiring to each valve?
  • Do you test every zone after the repair and show me the result?
  • What is included in the warranty on parts and labor?
  • If the system has a backflow device, is it inspected or tested as part of this visit?

Red flags

  • They replace every head without finding the cause of the dry spots or pooling
  • They dig up large areas of lawn without first locating the leak
  • They install mismatched heads or nozzles that spray at the wrong distance
  • They work on the system with the water on and no shutoff plan
  • They say the controller is dead without checking the power, the wiring or the valves

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can replace a single pop-up head or a clogged nozzle with the matching part, after shutting off the water to that zone. Call a licensed irrigation technician for buried leaks, stuck valves, wiring faults, controller problems or any work that involves the main supply or the backflow device. Do not dig near buried lines without locating them first.

Licenses and permits

Sprinkler repair is commonly licensed in many areas, and work on the water supply or the backflow device may fall under separate rules. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local water utility before you hire a repair technician.

Sprinkler repair questions

Why are the grass patches dry if the system is running?

The usual causes are a head that is broken or clogged, a head set at the wrong height or angle, or a zone that does not reach the spot. Ask the technician to run the zone and show you where the coverage fails.

What causes water to pool around a sprinkler head?

A cracked riser, a leaking fitting, or a broken line below the head can send water up to the surface. Ask the technician to check the pressure and locate the leak before they dig.

Can I replace a sprinkler head myself?

Yes, a single pop-up head can usually be swapped on your own with the matching model, once the water is shut off to that zone. Anything underground, any valve and any wiring should go to a licensed technician.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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