Wasting water isn’t only costly, it’s also not good for the environment. If you have suddenly noticed a significant increase in your water costs, then it may be due to your irrigation system. It could be an issue like a leaking sprinkler head, or something more complex as a broken water line. Regardless of the issue, it’s a good idea to figure out the underlying problem and have it fixed.

Some of the most common causes of a sprinkler system that wastes water can be found here.

Misaligned or Broken Equipment

One of the most common culprits of an irrigation system that is wasting water is if the equipment is misaligned or broken. Some of issues include:

• Sprinkler heads: If someone trips over a sprinkler head, it may start to leak and as they get older, they are much more likely to become misaligned or damaged. Look for wildly spraying water, a broken or cracked head, water that doesn’t spray at all, or heads that don’t pop up.
• Broken water lines: Another issue is the water line. Signs of this include depressions in the ground, water that is bubbling up, or overly wet areas in your yard.
• Valve box: This is what controls your entire irrigation system. If it becomes loose, then the water may seep out continuously, resulting in it being wasted.

Incorrect Spacing of the Sprinklers

If you want a sprinkler system that is efficient and uniform, then you need to make sure that your sprinklers are properly spaced. This helps to make sure that your whole yard is covered and there’s no doubling up due to a misplaced sprinkler head.

To help ensure your sprinkler system is not wasting water, then it is a good idea to ensure your sprinklers are properly spaced.

Improper Scheduling

The improper scheduling of your sprinkler system can result in quite a bit of wasted water. When you are setting your scheduling times, you are figuring out how frequently your yard is being watered, how long it is being watered for, and the total amount of water that is applied.

If a controller is not properly programmed, then it can lead to serious overwatering issues. If you begin to notice runoff, then it may be a good idea to split up your watering times into two smaller increments rather than a single longer one. It’s important to make sure you have a proper moisture or rain sensor installed, too. The sensor will be able to monitor the amount of rain that has fallen and make adjustments to the sprinkler schedule as needed. This can help you save quite a bit of water.

If you are still concerned about your sprinkler system wasting water, then it may be time to call in the pros from The IDL Company and have an inspection done. They can ensure that no water is being wasted, regardless of how big or small your yard is.