Sprinkler Repair in Fort Worth, TX

Many of us take our sprinklers for granted—that is, until we realize there is a problem. With a system that is “out of sight, out of mind”, how does a homeowner know something is wrong?

It’s time to contact an irrigation expert to conduct an inspection if you notice any of the following:

• Sudden increases in your water bill (especially if you have ruled out other sources of water leaks)
• Areas of your yard being consistently too wet
• Areas of your yard being consistently too dry
• Plants or grass looking less healthy than usual
• Sprinkler heads that are stuck in the downward position or aren’t spraying as they should
• Low water pressure

While ABC does not install complete sprinkler systems, or technicians are happy to put in new sections or pieces as needed. Your existing system may need an upgrade if your watering needs have changed or if one area is damaged beyond repair. Our irrigation team can also collaborate with ABC’s landscaping pros to extend an existing system to keep new plants and grass thriving in our hot and dry climate.

Many homeowners prefer drip irrigation as an alternative to traditional sprinkler systems. A few of the benefits of drip irrigation systems are that they:

• Use less water, which translates into lower utility bills and less water waste over time
• Minimize the risk of overspray and evaporation that can occur with above-ground sprinkler heads
• Connect directly to your existing outdoor faucet, so that you don’t need to cut into your home’s water line
• Provide flexibility, so that you can expand and adjust your system more easily as your plants grow
• Offer precision, so that water goes exactly where you want it and not where it might promote weed growth
• Prevent excessive moisture that can lead to yard fungus
• Allow for more gentle watering, which can protect you from erosion

A drip irrigation system’s ability to conserve water has led to many local governments offering incentives for homeowners to switch to these types of systems. Since drip irrigation uses less water, these watering systems are also usually exempt from watering restrictions. ABC can advise you on whether it makes sense for you to you convert from a sprinkler system to a drip irrigation system. We can also make repairs or adjustments to a drip system already installed on your property.

In many cases, sprinkler systems are the main culprit for water waste on our property.

The best way to reduce water waste and avoid the potential headache an expensive water bill is to keep your sprinklers well-maintained. This means regularly checking and adjusting your sprinkler heads to repair any leaks to ensure water is effectively distributed across your yard.

ABC is happy to provide routine sprinkler maintenance for you so you don’t have to do this yourself, or even remember to schedule these periodic appointments. If you are concerned about your water usage, ABC’s sprinkler system specialists can make recommendations so that you can be more water-wise.

The best time to operate your sprinkler system is in the morning because this is when plants can best absorb water. Watering your plants at night leads to more moisture accumulation. Because water is less likely to evaporate overnight, watering outside of the daylight hours can put your plants at risk of developing yard fungus. On the flip side, watering in the afternoon has the opposite effect, as this is when the most water is lost to evaporation.

Dry spots on a lawn could mean that your sprinkler heads are clogged, your watering schedule needs to be adjusted or your valves are malfunctioning. In some cases, grass or plants that looked stressed can be suffering from a fungus or another type of lawn condition, or they may be wilted because of poor soil. ABC’s lawn pros work hand in hand with our sprinkler team to diagnose your problem and make adjustments to make sure your landscape is getting the water and nutrients it needs.

In some parts of the country, homeowners winterize their irrigation systems each year to prepare for extreme temperatures. Because Fort Worth weather is so unpredictable, you never know if or when temperatures will dip below freezing. Sudden cold snaps are the time to keep a close eye on your sprinkler system to make sure your parts don’t sustain damage.

To winterize your sprinkler system, you’ll need to turn off your system and wrap any exposed metal components with insulation. Run your system once a month during when it’s consistently cold out to prevent your valves and heads from becoming cracked and brittle. In the late fall, ABC can perform a pre-winter system inspection to make any adjustments needed to avoid potential freeze damage and inspect your system when temperatures warm up and you plan to start watering again regularly.