Common Sprinkler System Problems and How to Prevent Them

When your sprinkler system is working correctly, it won’t be top-of-mind. The lawn looks great, the garden’s happy, and you’re not dragging hoses around like it’s 1981. But when something goes wrong? That’s when frustration can kick in. Whether it’s a zone that won’t turn on or a geyser showering your neighbor’s dog, minor problems can quickly turn into big headaches. At CS Sprinklers, we’ve fixed just about every issue under the sun, and the good news is most of them are avoidable with a little regular upkeep and smart habits.

One of the most common problems we see in Denver is clogged or broken sprinkler heads. Over time, dirt, grass clippings, and debris get inside the nozzle and block the spray. That causes uneven watering or, worse, dry patches that make your lawn look neglected. If the sprinkler head is cracked or misaligned, it may shoot water in the wrong direction—onto sidewalks, fences, or even your neighbor’s car. The fix is usually simple: unscrew the nozzle and rinse it, or replace the head entirely if it’s damaged. To prevent this, make a habit of walking your yard once a month and checking for crooked or dirty heads.

Another issue that pops up a lot is low water pressure in one or more zones. This usually means there’s a leak or blockage somewhere in the system. Sometimes it’s a cracked pipe underground from a freeze or a valve that’s not opening all the way. Other times, tree roots grow into the line and restrict water flow. Low pressure leads to poor coverage, and poor coverage leads to a thirsty lawn. Prevention here starts with a seasonal inspection, especially in the spring. Look for soggy spots, listen for hissing or bubbling when the system is running, and don’t ignore zones that seem weaker than the rest.

Then you’ve got electrical issues. These can be a little trickier to diagnose without the right tools. If a zone isn’t turning on at all, the problem might be a bad solenoid in the valve or a cut wire somewhere between the controller and the valve box. Rodents, digging, or even lawn aerators can damage wires, causing sporadic failures. We use wire locators to trace faults, but if you’re doing DIY repairs, start by checking your controller settings and looking for visible wire damage near the valves. Prevention comes down to keeping wire connections protected, labeled, and away from areas that get heavy foot traffic or yard work.

A problem that gets overlooked all the time is overwatering. People assume more water equals greener grass, but that’s not always true. Too much watering can lead to fungus, shallow roots, and skyrocketing water bills. In Denver’s dry climate, it’s tempting to crank up the system during hot weeks, but your grass is better off with deep, less frequent watering. If your system isn’t calibrated correctly or your controller doesn’t adjust for the weather, you might be overdoing it without realizing it. Using a smart controller that reacts to local weather or even installing a rain sensor helps prevent this—and your plants will thank you.

Let’s talk about valve boxes. These are the hidden workhorses of your system, and they’re often ignored until something stops working. Inside each valve box are the solenoids and wires that control water flow to different zones. If your valve box is filled with dirt, water, or roots, you’ve got a recipe for failure. Moisture and corrosion can short out connections, and dirt can jam the valves. Preventative maintenance here is easy—pop the lid once or twice a season and check for standing water or debris. If it looks more like a compost bin than an electrical box, it’s time to clean it out.

Another issue we run into is spray misalignment. If your heads are tilted or sunken below ground level, they won’t distribute water evenly. Lawnmowers and foot traffic are usually to blame. Misaligned heads waste water and leave patches behind. During your monthly checkup, make sure every head is sitting upright and spraying where it should. If a head has settled too deep, it may need to be raised using a riser or replaced entirely. This kind of small correction can dramatically improve your coverage and save gallons over the course of the season.

Backflow preventers are another point of concern, especially in Denver, where freeze damage is common. These devices keep contaminated water from flowing back into your drinking supply, and they’re often mounted above ground near your foundation. If they freeze and crack, you’ll have leaks—or worse, no pressure to the system at all. Before winter sets in, it’s critical to have your system properly blown out and drained. We’ve replaced too many backflow preventers that didn’t survive the first cold snap because someone forgot this step. A fall shut-down and winterization service is one of the best ways to avoid costly spring surprises.

Lastly, we see a lot of customers struggle with poor system design. Maybe a DIY install didn’t account for water pressure, or zones overlap in weird ways. That leads to overwatering in some areas and dry spots in others. Sometimes the system was great when installed, but landscaping changes made it obsolete. A shrub turns into a tree, or a patio goes in where grass used to be. If your lawn has changed but your sprinkler layout hasn’t, it might be time for a redesign. A quick consultation with our team can help you re-balance your system to match your yard’s current needs.

Sprinkler problems are a pain, but they’re not inevitable. Most of them come down to wear and tear, freeze damage, or small oversights that grow over time. With regular checkups, seasonal adjustments, and a few smart upgrades, your system can last for years without major repairs. And if something does go wrong, we’re just a phone call away. CS Sprinklers is local, experienced, and always ready to help you get your lawn—and your sprinklers—back on track.

Need a hand keeping your system in shape? We offer seasonal inspections, controller programming, valve checks, and everything in between. Whether it’s a minor fix or a full redesign, we’ll walk you through it without overcomplicating things. Because at CS Sprinklers, we don’t just fix problems—we help you avoid them in the first place.