A hidden leak is the most common source of water waste. Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons over a summer season, potentially leading to unexpectedly high bills and ground erosion.

• How to Check: Look for pooling water or unusually wet areas on your lawn or garden, especially when the system is supposed to be off. While the system is running, check around the valves, manifolds, and the base of sprinkler heads for persistent bubbling or seeping.
• Action: If you detect a continuous leak that persists after the system is shut off,  please make repairs as soon as possible. 

The integrity of your sprinkler heads directly impacts watering efficiency and plant health.

• How to Check: Run each zone of your system and visually inspect every head. Look for heads that are broken, cracked, tilted, or spraying mist (nebulization), which indicates a high-pressure issue and leads to evaporation before the water reaches the root zone. Also, check for clogs, which cause water to dribble or stop altogether.
• Action: Replace any broken heads immediately. If a head is misting, you may need to install a pressure-regulating head or nozzle to ensure the water delivers in larger, heavier drops that soak into the soil.

The goal of irrigation is to deliver water only to your plants and turf, not to the sidewalk, street, or side of your house.

• How to Check: Observe the area of coverage for each zone. Ensure the water stream is not overspraying hard surfaces. Check that sprinkler heads are not pointing at fences or foliage, which blocks the pattern. The optimal pattern ensures that the water from one head reaches the head in the next zone, ensuring uniform coverage.
• Action: Adjust the direction and arc of the sprinkler heads as needed. If adjusting the head is not enough, consider installing shorter nozzles to prevent waste from overspray onto unintended areas.