7 Warning Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Professional Repair Now
May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025
I still remember the call I got last July from a panicked homeowner in Lehi. When she pulled into her driveway after work, she found water bubbling up through her front lawn, creating a mini geyser that had been running for hours. By the time I arrived for emergency sprinkler repair, her water bill had skyrocketed, and parts of her lawn had become a muddy mess.
The sad truth? This disaster could have been prevented if she'd recognized the early warning signs her system had been showing for weeks – signs I'll share with you today.
After 15 years repairing sprinkler systems across Utah County, I've seen it all – from minor issues caught early to catastrophic failures that cost homeowners thousands in water damage and landscape replacement. The difference often comes down to knowing what to look for and taking action quickly.
Many homeowners put off sprinkler repair because they worry about the cost or think small issues aren't urgent. In reality, ignoring these problems almost always leads to bigger, more expensive repairs down the road.
Last month, I visited a home in American Fork where the owner had been ignoring a leaking valve for an entire season. What would have been a simple $150 repair had turned into a $750 job because the ongoing leak had eroded the valve box foundation and damaged nearby electrical components. Not to mention, his water bill had been unnecessarily high for months.
Water is a precious resource in Utah, and prices continue to rise. Even a small leak in your sprinkler system can waste thousands of gallons per month. I've calculated that the average undetected sprinkler leak costs Utah homeowners between $30-100 extra on monthly water bills – money literally soaking into the ground.
After performing thousands of sprinkler repairs throughout Utah County, I've identified these seven reliable indicators that it's time to call for professional help:
Your water bill is often the first clue something's wrong. If you notice a sudden spike that can't be explained by seasonal usage changes, your sprinkler system likely has a leak.
Last summer, I helped a family in Pleasant Grove who had been ignoring a $50 monthly increase in their water bill, assuming it was just seasonal variation. When we inspected their system, we found a cracked pipe that had been leaking for months. The repair took less than two hours and saved them hundreds in wasted water.
Your lawn will tell you when there's a problem. Look for spots that remain wet long after your system runs or areas that are unusually lush and green compared to the rest of your lawn.
I recently visited a home in Orem where the homeowner noticed one corner of their yard was always soggy. We discovered a broken spray head that was leaking underground even when the system wasn't running. The constant moisture had also created perfect conditions for fungal lawn diseases, which were beginning to spread.
If your sprinkler heads aren't popping up fully or the spray distance has decreased, you're likely experiencing pressure problems that need attention.
A client in Provo called me when she noticed her sprinklers weren't reaching the edges of her lawn anymore. We traced the issue to a partially crushed pipe that had been damaged during a landscaping project. Without repair, the restricted water flow would have eventually caused her pump to fail – a much more expensive fix.
Sprinkler heads that remain raised after your system finishes watering are telling you something's wrong. These stuck heads are easily damaged by lawn mowers and foot traffic, leading to more extensive sprinkler repair needs.
Just last week, I replaced five damaged sprinkler heads for a homeowner in Springville. The original issue had been simple – sand and debris preventing the heads from retracting – but because they remained exposed, they'd been repeatedly hit by the lawn mower, requiring complete replacement rather than a simple cleaning.
When parts of your lawn start turning brown while others remain green, your sprinkler system likely needs adjustment or repair. This uneven coverage wastes water and damages your landscape.
A homeowner in Highland contacted me about brown patches appearing throughout his otherwise healthy lawn. During our inspection, we found that several sprinkler heads had become misaligned after winter, creating both overwatered and underwatered areas. A simple sprinkler repair service corrected the alignment issues, restoring even coverage and saving his lawn.
If your automatic sprinkler system runs at odd times, doesn't turn on at all, or refuses to shut off, your controller likely needs attention.
Last month, I helped an elderly couple in Eagle Mountain who couldn't understand why their sprinklers ran at random times despite their programmed schedule. The diagnosis? Their controller had been damaged by a power surge during a thunderstorm. Replacing the controller (and adding a surge protector) solved the problem immediately.
Cracked valve boxes, broken sprinkler heads, or exposed pipes are obvious signs that your system needs repair. These visible issues almost always indicate other problems below the surface.
I recently performed a sprinkler repair for a new homeowner in Lehi who noticed a cracked valve box in her front yard. During the repair, we discovered the previous owner had attempted DIY fixes using improper parts. The entire valve assembly had been slowly leaking, causing underground erosion that eventually cracked the box. Addressing only the visible damage would have left the more serious problems untouched.
While some homeowners attempt DIY sprinkler repairs, there are compelling reasons to trust professionals with your system:
The visible problem is rarely the complete story. What looks like a simple broken sprinkler head might actually be caused by excessive pressure, pipe damage, or controller issues.
I once visited a home in Cedar Hills where the owner had repeatedly replaced broken sprinkler heads himself. When I inspected the system, I discovered the real problem was a faulty pressure regulator causing the heads to break. Fixing the underlying issue prevented further damage and saved him money on repeated repairs.
Professional sprinkler repair services have access to commercial-grade parts and specialized tools that aren't available to most homeowners.
Last spring, I repaired a system for a DIY enthusiast in Spanish Fork who had attempted to fix a broken valve using parts from a big box store. The universal parts he purchased weren't designed for Utah's water pressure and mineral content, leading to premature failure just weeks later. Our commercial-grade replacement has been working flawlessly for over a year now.
Professionals focus on lasting repairs rather than temporary fixes, addressing both symptoms and causes.
A property manager in American Fork had been dealing with recurring leaks in the same zone for months. His maintenance team kept patching the visible leak points but missed the root cause – tree roots invading the irrigation lines. Our crew properly removed the intruding roots and replaced the damaged section with root-resistant piping, solving the problem permanently.
Utah's unique climate, soil conditions, and water quality create specific challenges for sprinkler systems. Local experts understand these factors and how they affect your system.
I helped a family who had recently moved from California and couldn't understand why their sprinkler system was experiencing so many issues. Their previous contractor had used parts and design principles appropriate for California's milder climate but unsuitable for Utah's freezing winters and high mineral content water. Our repair included upgrading to components specifically chosen for local conditions.
After thousands of service calls throughout Utah County, these are the most common sprinkler repair issues I encounter:
Utah's freezing winters can wreak havoc on sprinkler systems that aren't properly winterized. Cracked pipes, damaged valves, and split backflow preventers are common spring discoveries.
Last April, I helped a homeowner in Highland who had skipped professional winterization. When he turned his system on in spring, water began pouring from multiple broken pipes. The repair involved excavating and replacing several sections of buried pipe that had split during winter freezes – a $1,200 job that could have been prevented with proper winterization.
Sprinkler valves control water flow to each zone of your system. When they fail, they can either stick open (wasting water) or closed (leaving areas dry).
A business owner in Provo called us in a panic when his landscaping began showing signs of stress despite his sprinkler system running daily. Our diagnosis revealed a failed valve that wasn't opening at all, leaving an entire section of his property unwatered. The valve had been slowly failing for weeks, with gradual symptoms the owner hadn't noticed until plants began dying.
The electrical components of your sprinkler system are vulnerable to weather, power surges, and aging.
I recently troubleshooted a mysterious issue for a homeowner in Alpine whose system worked intermittently. Some zones would run fine while others remained dry, with no consistent pattern. After testing the system thoroughly, we located several corroded wire connections that were failing when exposed to moisture. Replacing the damaged wiring and adding waterproof connectors solved the problem completely.
Sprinkler heads take a beating from lawn mowers, foot traffic, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Last week, I performed a routine sprinkler repair service in Pleasant Grove, replacing seven damaged spray heads. The homeowner was amazed at the difference in coverage and efficiency afterward. Modern replacement heads used less water while providing more even coverage – a win-win improvement.
If you're experiencing any of the warning signs I've described, here's what happens when you call for professional help:
A thorough inspection is the first step in any quality sprinkler repair. At Local Sprinkler Pros, we examine:
After diagnosis, we explain exactly what's wrong, show you the issues when possible, and provide a clear quote for repairs.
I always remember a grateful client in Saratoga Springs who told me I was the first service provider who took time to show her exactly what was happening with her system and explain the repair options in terms she could understand. That transparency is a cornerstone of our approach at Local Sprinkler Pros.
Our repairs focus on long-term solutions using quality parts and proven techniques.
After completing repairs, we run your entire system to ensure everything works properly.
We provide guidance on preventing similar issues and maintaining your system going forward.
The best sprinkler repair is the one you never need. Here's my advice for keeping your system running smoothly:
A professional inspection each spring can catch small issues before they become expensive problems.
Take time to watch your sprinkler system run at least once a month. Look for abnormal spray patterns, leaks, or heads that don't pop up or retract properly.
Your watering needs change throughout the season. Updating your controller settings monthly optimizes water usage and reduces system strain.
Avoid hitting sprinkler heads with lawn equipment and be careful when digging near buried lines.
Sometimes sprinkler problems can't wait. Here are situations that warrant an emergency call:
If water is visibly pooling or shooting from your system, turn off the water supply immediately and call for emergency service.
A valve that won't shut off will continuously flow water, potentially causing flooding and water damage.
If you discover sprinkler problems days before hosting an outdoor event or holiday gathering, emergency service can help ensure your landscape looks its best.
Last summer, I received an urgent call from a homeowner in American Fork who discovered major sprinkler issues just three days before hosting a large outdoor wedding reception. Our emergency sprinkler repair service had their system functioning perfectly in time for their special day.
When you need sprinkler repair near me, choosing the right service provider matters. At Local Sprinkler Pros, our approach includes:
Our team has lived and worked in Utah County for decades. We understand local soil conditions, water quality issues, and climate challenges that affect your sprinkler system.
Our repair specialists average over 10 years of experience specifically with sprinkler systems.
We stand behind our sprinkler repair work with solid warranties and responsive follow-up.
We provide clear quotes before beginning work, with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
If you've noticed any of the warning signs I've described – from higher water bills to visible sprinkler problems – taking action promptly can save you money, conserve water, and protect your landscape investment.
At Local Sprinkler Pros, we're committed to providing the most reliable sprinkler repair service in Utah County. Our team brings decades of combined experience to every job, ensuring your irrigation system functions efficiently all season long.
Contact us today for a thorough system inspection and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a properly functioning sprinkler system. Your lawn (and water bill) will thank you.
Most professional sprinkler repairs in Utah range from $85-300 depending on the specific issue. Simple repairs like replacing broken heads or fixing minor leaks fall on the lower end, while valve replacements, controller issues, or pipe repairs typically cost more due to additional labor and materials required.
Reputable sprinkler repair services in Utah County typically offer same-day emergency service for major issues like stuck valves or large leaks. For best results, call early in the morning as emergency slots fill quickly, especially during peak spring and summer seasons.
Generally, if your sprinkler system is less than 15 years old and hasn't had recurring major problems, repairs are usually more cost-effective than replacement. However, systems older than 15-20 years with frequent issues or using outdated technology may benefit from full replacement, which typically provides water savings that help offset the investment.
Most sprinkler repairs in Utah must wait until spring when the ground has thawed and the system can be properly tested. However, certain components like controllers, backflow preventers, or above-ground pipes can sometimes be repaired during winter months if they're accessible and temperatures permit safe work conditions.
Freddy Zahn is the founder of Lawn Thumbs and Local Sprinkler Pros, leading lawn care and irrigation companies based in Utah County. With over 15 years of experience, he’s helped thousands of homeowners create healthy, water-efficient landscapes tailored to Utah’s unique climate. What started as a one-man mowing service in 2010 has grown into a trusted team of experts known for practical solutions, exceptional service, and award-winning results.
