
A healthy lawn in Carrollton depends on a reliable sprinkler system. When everything runs smoothly, your yard gets the perfect balance of water at the right time. But small problems—like leaks, clogged nozzles, or broken valves—can quickly waste water, damage grass, and increase your utility bill.
Texas Water Boys has repaired thousands of sprinkler systems since 1986, and we’ve seen the same warning signs appear again and again. Here are the top 7 signs your sprinkler system needs professional repair before minor issues turn into expensive headaches.
1. Uneven or Dry Patches in the Lawn
Patchy grass is one of the clearest signs something’s wrong. If some areas stay bright green while others turn brown, one or more sprinkler heads may be misaligned, clogged, or stuck.
Why it matters: uneven watering stresses roots and creates weak spots where weeds can take over. Texas Water Boys technicians adjust head placement and water pressure to restore even coverage across your yard.
2. Soggy Spots or Standing Water
Wet, marshy areas signal a leak in an underground line or broken head. Leaks waste water, raise your bill, and can lead to foundation problems especially in Carrollton’s clay soil that holds moisture. If you notice puddles forming after every run cycle, turn off the system and call for service. A simple head replacement or pipe repair can prevent serious landscape damage.
3. High Water Bills Without Explanation
A sudden jump in your monthly water bill often points to a hidden leak or inefficient spray pattern. Even a pin-size hole in a sprinkler line can leak hundreds of gallons a week. Professionals use pressure gauges and zone testing to find where water is being lost. Fixing leaks quickly keeps both your bill and your lawn in good shape.
4. Sprinkler Heads That Don’t Pop Up or Retract
Sprinkler heads rely on internal springs and water pressure to rise and lower. Dirt, grass clippings, or broken seals can jam the mechanism. Heads that stay stuck down leave large dry zones, while ones that won’t retract can be damaged by lawnmowers. Replacing damaged pop-up heads is a quick fix that restores full coverage and prevents future breaks.
5. Water Pressure That’s Too High or Too Low
Healthy irrigation depends on balanced pressure usually between 30 and 50 PSI for most residential systems.
- Too high: misting, overspray, and wasted water.
- Too low: weak streams and uneven coverage.
Pressure issues often come from valve failures, clogged filters, or broken main lines. Our licensed technicians measure and adjust system pressure to restore efficient watering.
6. Sprinkler Controller or Timer Malfunctions
The controller is your system’s brain. When settings reset, zones skip, or sprinklers run at the wrong times, it’s usually a sign of a failing timer, dead battery, or wiring issue.
Texas Water Boys repairs all major controller brands and upgrades outdated units to smart irrigation controllers that automatically adjust schedules based on weather and soil conditions. That means less waste and a greener lawn.
7. Overspray Hitting Driveways, Sidewalks, or Fences
If water consistently hits hard surfaces instead of the grass, your sprinkler heads may be misaligned or the wrong type for the area. Besides wasting water, overspray can stain fences and contribute to slick sidewalks. Our crew re-positions and replaces heads to keep every drop aimed where it belongs—your lawn and plants.
Bonus Sign — Misting Instead of Steady Streams
Fine mist drifting through the air means the pressure is too high. That mist evaporates before reaching the soil, cutting watering efficiency by up to 30 percent. Installing a pressure-regulating head or valve stops misting instantly and saves gallons each cycle.
Why Professional Sprinkler Repair Matters
DIY adjustments can fix small issues, but most sprinkler problems hide underground where you can’t see them. Licensed technicians locate leaks accurately, set correct run times, and verify proper pressure zone by zone.
Since 1986, Texas Water Boys has specialized in sprinkler repair, installation, reroutes, and drainage systems across Carrollton and surrounding cities. Our work protects your landscape investment while conserving North Texas water resources.
How Texas Water Boys Fixes Sprinkler System Issues
- Inspection & Diagnosis – We test every zone, head, and valve.
- Pressure Testing – Confirms leaks or blockages underground.
- Component Replacement – We use Hunter and Rain Bird parts for reliability.
- Smart Controller Setup – Weather-based scheduling reduces waste.
- Customer Walkthrough – We show you how to monitor and maintain your system.
Every repair is backed by our licensed, insured technicians who treat your property like their own.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Test each zone monthly for even spray.
- Clear debris from pop-up heads.
- Adjust spray direction after mowing or edging.
- Check your controller battery twice a year.
- Schedule an annual tune-up before summer heat.
Simple maintenance prevents the majority of costly breakdowns.
Trusted Sprinkler Experts in Carrollton Since 1986
For nearly four decades, Texas Water Boys has been the local name homeowners trust for irrigation, drainage, and sump pump services. As a family-owned business, we believe in doing work right the first time—with honesty, integrity, and fair pricing. Whether it’s a leak, controller upgrade, or complete system overhaul, our team delivers dependable service backed by experience.
FAQs
Common signs include uneven lawn growth, soggy spots, high water bills, or sprinkler heads that don’t pop up correctly.
Dry spots usually indicate clogged, misaligned, or damaged sprinkler heads preventing proper coverage.
A leak in an underground pipe or a broken sprinkler head often leads to standing water.
Leaks and inefficient spray patterns can waste large amounts of water, raising your monthly bill.
Dirt buildup, broken seals, or worn-out internal springs can stop heads from moving properly.
Too much pressure causes misting and waste, while low pressure leads to weak spray and uneven watering.
Incorrect run times or skipped zones often point to wiring issues, battery failure, or a malfunctioning controller.
Overspray typically happens when sprinkler heads are misaligned or not suited to the area they’re irrigating.
Minor adjustments are possible, but leaks and pressure problems are best handled by licensed technicians.
A yearly inspection—especially before summer—helps detect hidden issues and prevents costly repairs.
