A green, thriving lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it requires the right balance of water, nutrients, and expert care. One of the most important yet often overlooked components of a healthy lawn is a properly functioning irrigation system. Even the best lawns can suffer when the sprinkler system isn’t operating at its best.
At PHS Lawn, our lawn care experts know that irrigation is foundational to residential lawn care success. If you want to protect your lawn investment and promote better soil health improvement, here are five signs that your irrigation system may need maintenance and what you can do about it.
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Dry or Patchy Spots in the Lawn
Have you noticed uneven growth, yellowing, or dry patches in your grass? This is often the first red flag that something isn’t right with your irrigation system.
What it means:
- Sprinkler heads may be misaligned or clogged, preventing proper water coverage.
- Water pressure may be inconsistent between zones.
- Some areas may be receiving too much water, while others are parched.
Solution:
Routine irrigation system inspections and head adjustments are essential to ensure full, even coverage. Our team can assess each zone and make targeted fixes as part of your custom lawn care program.
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Pooling Water or Runoff
While underwatering creates dry spots, overwatering leads to puddles, runoff, and soggy soil. If you notice standing water after your sprinklers run—or worse, water spilling onto sidewalks and driveways—it’s time to take a closer look.
What it means:
- Sprinkler heads might be leaking or broken.
- Soil may be compacted, causing water to sit on the surface instead of being absorbed.
- Overwatering can drown roots and promote fungal growth.
Solution:
Our lawn care experts will check for leaky heads, adjust water timing, and may recommend aeration to improve drainage and absorption. These efforts support better soil health improvement while reducing waste.
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Sudden Spike in Water Bills
If your utility bill seems unusually high, your irrigation system could be the culprit. A hidden leak or a malfunctioning controller can waste thousands of gallons of water each month.
What it means:
- Underground pipe leaks are often invisible but costly.
- Broken valves or faulty timers may be running water when it’s not needed.
Solution:
We can conduct a full diagnostic of your irrigation system to identify leaks and repair damaged components. Smart irrigation upgrades can also help reduce your water usage and save money long-term.
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Sprinkler Heads Not Functioning Properly
Watch your sprinklers while they run. Do they spray in odd directions? Do some fail to pop up, or stay stuck in the up position? These are all signs of wear and tear that need attention.
What it means:
- Dirt, debris, or grass clippings may be blocking sprinkler heads.
- Heads may be damaged due to foot traffic, lawn mowers, or age.
Solution:
Sprinkler heads should be regularly cleaned, adjusted, or replaced to maintain consistent performance. As part of our residential lawn care services, we include these checks in our routine visits to keep everything running smoothly.
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System Timing Issues or Inconsistent Watering
If parts of your lawn are greener than others—or worse, you’re watering in the middle of the afternoon—your irrigation controller might need an update or reprogramming.
What it means:
- Your system may be watering too often or not enough.
- Incorrect programming wastes water and doesn’t align with seasonal changes.
- Older controllers may not sync with newer water-efficient technologies.
Solution:
Our team can help reset your system to match seasonal needs and grass type. We also recommend upgrading to smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering based on weather patterns and soil moisture. This level of custom lawn care ensures efficient watering and optimal results.
Why Irrigation Maintenance Matters
Keeping your irrigation system in top shape isn’t just about saving water—it’s about protecting your lawn’s health and appearance. Poor watering leads to shallow roots, unhealthy soil, and increased vulnerability to pests and disease. With regular maintenance, you can ensure:
- Healthier, deeper root systems
- Improved soil structure and moisture retention
- Consistent, even turf coverage
- Better results from fertilization and lawn treatments
- A stronger, more beautiful lawn overall
Let PHS Lawn Handle It
At PHS Lawn, we’re not just lawn guys—we’re lawn care experts who understand the science of soil, grass growth, and irrigation. Our team is trained to spot issues early and provide the right solutions to protect your property. Whether you’re in St. Petersburg, Tampa, or anywhere in our service area, we’ll help keep your irrigation system efficient and your lawn looking its best.
Explore our full range of services at PHS Lawn Care, or contact us today to schedule an irrigation system inspection.
Ready to fix your watering problems for good? Let PHS Lawn bring custom care and precision to your landscape.
