As summer winds down in the Indianapolis area, your sprinkler system might not be as happy as your kids heading back to school. After months of keeping your lawn green under the hot sun, your irrigation setup could be feeling a bit worn out.
That’s why end-of-summer checkups matter, especially if it’s been a few seasons since your last major update or irrigation system installation near Indianapolis.
If you’re in Fishers, Noblesville, or right here in the heart of Indy, knowing what problems usually pop up in late summer can help you avoid bigger, pricier issues later on. Let’s list down some common hiccups your sprinkler system might face—and what you can do about them.
Why Should You Check Your Irrigation System at the End of Summer? Is it necessary?
Yes, it’s necessary—and here’s why. After a long, hot summer, your sprinkler system has been working overtime. That can lead to broken parts, leaky pipes, or clogged sprinkler heads. As the season shifts, it’s a good time to ensure everything’s running smoothly, especially if you’re planning a system shut-off or making changes, such as adding outdoor lighting.
And if your water bill is increasing while your lawn still appears dry, that’s a significant red flag that something in your irrigation system may be malfunctioning. An end-of-summer checkup can help you catch problems early and keep your lawn care on track.
What Are the Most Common Sprinkler Problems?
Here are some common warning signs that your irrigation system needs a little attention before fall rolls in:
Low water pressure
If your sprinkler heads aren’t spraying like they used to, there could be a clog or leak.
Dry patches in the lawn
These appear when sprinklers aren’t reaching the correct spots or if a head is damaged.
Puddles or soggy spots:
Too much water in one area may indicate that a valve is stuck or a head is misaligned.
High water bills:
A sudden increase often means a leak underground or a timer that’s running too long.
Noisy or sputtering heads:
If your sprinklers make odd sounds, the line might have air in it, or the pressure isn’t right.
Could You Have a Broken Sprinkler Head?
Yes, a broken sprinkler head is pretty common, especially after a busy summer of mowing and foot traffic. If you see water shooting off in strange directions, heads that won’t pop up, or dry spots in the lawn, there’s a good chance one is cracked or clogged. A quick fix or replacement can get your sprinkler system back on track.
What do broken heads look like?
Wonky spray pattern: If one head is spraying in strange directions or not at all, it might be cracked or clogged.
Heads that won’t pop up: These can get stuck with dirt, lawn clippings, or broken springs.
Heads stuck in the “up” position: Not going down? That’s usually from damage or debris inside the head.
What Happens If There’s a Leak?
Leaks in your irrigation system might be underground, hiding until your lawn starts getting swampy or your bill goes through the roof.
Spongy grass: Step on the area. If it feels like a wet sponge, you might leak.
Muddy zones: Constant muddy patches often point to broken pipes below.
Unusual green streaks: If one part of your lawn is much greener than the rest, that sprinkler might be leaking and watering too much.
I started noticing strange patches in my yard—some spots were constantly muddy, and a section by the side fence was way greener than the rest of my lawn. At first, I thought it was just uneven watering, but then my water bill shot up. That’s when I realized something was seriously wrong.
I called Warweg & Co., Inc., and they came out for an irrigation system inspection. They found a hidden underground leak right where the grass felt spongy when stepped on. Turns out, a cracked pipe was overwatering one area and wasting gallons daily.
Their crew fixed the leak quickly and even checked the rest of the system to prevent future issues. Now, my lawn looks balanced again—and my water bill’s back to normal.
– James, Brookview Drive, Indianapolis, IN
Is Your Irrigation Timer Set Right?
Yes, timers can go bad—and when they do, your irrigation system might end up watering too much or not enough. Older timers can glitch, skip watering cycles, or run at the wrong time of day.
It’s also easy to forget to adjust the schedule as the seasons change—your lawn usually needs less water at the end of summer than it did during the peak heat of July.
And if your timer loses power, it could reset to default settings or stop working altogether, throwing your whole sprinkler system off balance.
Is Your Backflow Preventer Working?
Your backflow preventer plays a big role in keeping your home’s drinking water clean by stopping dirty water from flowing backward into your supply. If you notice water dripping around the device, it could be cracked or not sealed properly.
A failing backflow preventer can also cause low water pressure, which affects how well your entire sprinkler system works. In the Indianapolis area, it’s important to have this device tested once a year by a licensed contractor to make sure it’s doing its job.
Do You Need a Drainage Check Too?
Drainage problems often show up right alongside sprinkler issues, especially after a summer full of watering and storms. If water is sticking around too long or pooling in weird spots, it’s time to take a closer look.
What’s the connection?
Poor drainage: Can cause water to pool, drown grass, or seep into your home’s foundation.
Clogged pipes: Leaves, dirt, and roots often block pipes, especially after storms.
Slow runoff: Watch how fast water moves away during and after watering. If it lingers, your lawn may not be draining properly.
How Can a Lighting Checkup Help?
Does lighting get checked, too?
If you’ve got outdoor lighting installed, now’s a great time to check the wires and connections.
- Broken lights: These may have been damaged by mowing or shifting soil.
- Dim or flickering lights: This often means a loose wire or worn-out bulb.
- Wiring issues: Irrigation and lighting systems sometimes share space, so damage to one can affect the other.
Can You Handle These Issues Yourself?
Some problems, like clogged heads or setting a timer, are doable. But for things like leaks, backflow, or wiring issues, it’s safer to call in a licensed irrigation and lighting contractor.
Big repairs
Like pipe replacements or wiring fixes, these are better left to a trained technician.
System checks
A pro can spot small problems before they become expensive ones.
Peace of mind
You’ll feel better knowing your lawn, lighting, and water setup are all safe and working right.
Conclusion
Think of your irrigation system like your car—it needs regular checkups to stay in good shape. After a busy season keeping your lawn green and your landscaping bright, your sprinkler and lighting systems deserve some attention.
From clogged sprinkler heads to sneaky underground leaks, even small issues can lead to bigger problems if ignored. And with the weather cooling down, now’s the perfect time to fix things before winter sets in.
If you’re in Indianapolis, Fishers, Noblesville, or anywhere in Central Indiana, contact Warweg & Co., Inc. at (317) 885-8983 today for irrigation services, sprinkler system repair, outdoor lighting installation, or a full system checkup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I expect during an irrigation system checkup?
A technician will inspect your sprinkler heads, valves, backflow preventer, timer, and pipes. They’ll look for leaks, clogs, misaligned spray patterns, and drainage problems.
2. How often should I get my sprinkler system checked?
At least once a year, the end of summer is a great time. Regular checks help spot small problems early and keep your lawn healthy.
3. Can I add lighting during an irrigation check?
Yes, especially if you already have outdoor lighting or are planning to install it. Combining irrigation and lighting services saves time and makes sure both systems work well together.