Quick answer
Most sprinkler problems come down to a few causes: clogged or broken heads, misaligned spray, a stuck valve, a controller setting, or low pressure. Many can be spotted with a quick zone-by-zone check.
Symptoms and Likely Causes
- Dry spots: head blocked by grass, tilted, or clogged nozzle
- Geyser or pooling: broken head or cracked line
- Zone won't turn on: controller setting, wiring, or valve issue
- Zone won't shut off: stuck or debris-filled valve
- Weak spray: low pressure or too many heads on a zone
Do a Monthly Check
Run each zone for a couple of minutes and walk it. Look for heads that don't pop up, spray the street, or leak.