Sprinkler Repair in San Antonio, TX

How would I know I have a problem with my sprinkler system?

The best part about having a sprinkler system is that, when it’s working, you shouldn’t have to do anything to keep your lawn healthy. If you are wondering whether you have a problem, here are a few warning signs to look for:

• An unusual spike in your monthly water bill (particularly if you know you don’t have leaks elsewhere)
• Parts of your yard that always seem to be yellow, dry or dead
• Consistently wet or muddy spots
• An unexpected number of plants which show signs of stress in a short period of time (wilted, yellow leaves or little or no growth, for example)
• Sprinkler heads which remain stuck in the downward position or are producing an uneven or irregular spray
• Low water pressure

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a time for an irrigation professional to come to your property to take a look at what might be going on.

Does ABC install new sprinkler systems?

While ABC’s sprinkler repair technicians can install new sections and pieces of an irrigation system if they stop working, we do not install entire irrigation systems. Our landscape designers have the ability to incorporate a new watering system into any plans they create for you, if desired.

What are the benefits of a drip irrigation system?

Some homeowners elect to water their lawn with a drip irrigation system instead of a traditional sprinkler system. Some of the advantages of using drip irrigation is that these systems:

• Require less water, which means lower utility bills and water waste
• Lower your risk of overspraying and evaporation which can occur with above-ground sprinkler heads
• Directly connect to the outdoor faucet you already have, eliminating the need to cut into your home’s water line
• Allow you to more easily expand your system as your plants mature
• Target specific areas in your yard that need more water than others
• Avoid weed growth and the potential for fungal growth from overwatering in other parts of your lawn
• Provide more gentle watering, which can help prevent erosion

You may be eligible for a rebate from your water provider if you invest in a more water-efficient irrigation system. Some drip systems are exempt from watering restrictions since they typically use less water than traditional sprinkler systems. ABC’s irrigation experts can switch your existing system to drip irrigation or make any needed repairs to your existing drip system.

Can I Use Drip Irrigation in Planting Beds?

Yes. If you have an a oddly shaped bed, arranging sprinklers to water only the bed and not nearby sidewalks and other parts of the landscape can be problematic.  Drip irrigation and soaker tubes/hoses are usually easy to fit in and shape to fit any size bed. Additionally, drip irrigation wastes much less water since the drip zone is immediately adjacent to plants and not being sprayed or blown by wind. Plus, drip irrigation tubes & hoses can be placed under mulch so they are not laying on top of the mulch or easily visible. However, tubes & hoses are easily punctured or cut, and care should be taken when working around planting beds with drip irrigation beneath the mulch.

Considerations When Planning to Use Drip Irrigation

• If nozzles or drip heads are spaced too far apart or not placed close enough to plants, not enough water may be disbursed.
• Drip irrigation lines are easily cut with gardening tools & equipment.
• The emitters can clog with dirt or mineral deposits from hard water.
• Rodents may chew into the tubing/hose searching for water.
• Installation is probably best done by professional irrigators. Additionally, be aware of any municipal rules regarding irrigation devices being attached to the home’s plumbing system. Some municipalities require the use of backflow devices to protect public water systems.

When should I set my sprinkler system to run?

Your plants are most efficient at absorbing water in the early morning hours, so this is the best time to run your sprinkler system. If you water at night, more moisture accumulates, which increases your risk of developing yard fungus. In addition, watering restrictions in some areas dictate that you should run your sprinklers before the heat of the day, since more water can be lost to evaporation. Always check the watering rules within your water municipality. Penalties for improper watering schedules can involve significant fines.

Can you help me save water?

One of the reasons our sprinkler systems are so often the reason we are wasting water is that we often set our systems to run during the hours of the day when we aren’t outside to spot a problem. By performing routine maintenance, you can help prevent issues that can lead to costly repairs. ABC’s sprinkler repair experts can adjust and check your sprinkler heads, fix any leaks and ensure that your sprinklers are properly distributing water where you need it in your yard.

If water usage is a particular concern for you, ABC can make recommendations to adjust the frequency and amount of water going into your lawn.

Why does my lawn have dry spots?

Your yard can have dry spots, even with a working sprinkler system. One reason is that you will need to significantly adjust the amount of water your grass receives during the hot, dry months of the year. Without making these adjustments, your grass will show signs of stress, which may appear as wilted or yellow leaves or stunted plant growth.

Dry patches can also signal a malfunctioning sprinkler system. If you have a clogged sprinkler head or a malfunctioning valve, parts of your yard might not be getting the moisture they need. ABC’s lawn care experts can diagnose your issue and make the necessary changes to provide these problem spots with the nourishment they need.

Do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?

In some areas, homeowners go through an annual process to get sprinkler systems ready for winter. In San Antonio, winterizing your irrigation system is largely unnecessary since we rarely, if ever, experience prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. When we do have a cold spell, it’s a good idea to turn off your system and wrap any exposed metal components with insulation.

You can avoid having brittle or cracked heads and valves by running your system once a month during the winter. In the late fall, ABC offers our customers winter sprinkler system inspections to make slight adjustments that will ensure that your sprinkler system makes it through the colder months of the year without any damage.