Texas summers are among the most demanding in the country for residential irrigation systems. When temperatures push past 100 degrees for weeks at a time, a sprinkler system that was running acceptably in spring can fall behind quickly. Zones that had adequate coverage in April may leave dry patches by July. Heads that drifted slightly over winter can miss targets entirely under full summer pressure. And a small underground leak that was easy to overlook in cool weather becomes an expensive waste when the system is running daily.

The good news is that getting your system ready before the heat arrives takes less time than recovering from damage after. Here is a practical checklist for Wylie, TX and local homeowners.

Run each zone and watch it carefully

The most effective thing you can do is stand outside and manually run each zone while watching what happens. You are looking for heads that are not popping up fully, rotors that are not completing their arc, spray patterns that are hitting fences or driveways instead of grass, and any heads that are bubbling or spraying incorrectly at ground level.

Most homeowners set their system and forget it, so problems that develop gradually over winter and spring go unnoticed until the lawn starts showing damage in the heat. A visual inspection of every zone takes about 20 minutes and will tell you more than any controller diagnostic.

Check and adjust your controller schedule

Spring and summer require very different watering schedules in the area. A schedule set in March may significantly underwater your lawn by June. As a general starting point, most established lawns in the the area need two to three deep watering cycles per week in summer rather than the lighter, more frequent schedule that works in cooler months.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends watering deeply and infrequently to encourage root depth, and scheduling start times in the early morning hours to reduce evaporation. If your controller has a seasonal adjustment feature, now is the time to increase it for summer conditions.

Also check that your rain sensor is functioning properly. A rain sensor that is stuck or disconnected will allow the system to run right after rainfall, wasting water and potentially contributing to overwatering.

Inspect sprinkler heads for damage and alignment

Winter weather, lawn mowing, and foot traffic all take a toll on sprinkler heads over the course of a year. Before summer arrives, walk each zone and look for heads that are cracked, leaning, sunk below grade, or tilted off-axis. A head that is even slightly off-angle can miss its target by several feet at full pressure.

Rotors in particular should be checked to make sure they are rotating through their full arc. Debris, age, and soil settling can cause a rotor to stop partway through, leaving part of the zone without coverage.

Look for signs of underground leaks

Soft spots in the lawn, areas that stay wet between watering cycles, or unexplained rises in your water bill are all signs of an underground leak. Summer is the worst time to discover an underground leak because the system is running more frequently, meaning leaks are doing more damage and wasting more water with every cycle.

If you notice soggy areas, check the valve boxes first. A valve that is not fully closing will leak continuously, and the evidence often shows up as wet soil near the valve box rather than in the middle of the lawn.

Test the backflow device

Your backflow prevention device protects your home’s drinking water supply from irrigation water. In Texas, functioning backflow prevention is required by code. Before the heavy watering season begins, check that the device shows no visible leaks, rust, or corrosion. If the backflow device is dripping or has not been inspected in several years, now is the right time to have it checked or replaced.

Consider a professional system check

A full professional inspection covers everything a visual walkthrough can miss. Pressure testing each zone reveals losses that indicate underground leaks or failing valves. A technician can check wiring continuity, solenoid function, controller programming, and head performance in ways that are difficult to evaluate from the surface.

New Life Irrigation includes a free full system check with every repair visit. If you have not had your system professionally evaluated in a year or more, scheduling a check before peak summer is the most cost-effective way to avoid mid-summer failures when the lawn cannot afford to go without water for even a few days.

Summer watering tips for Wylie and surrounding areas

• Water two to three times per week during peak summer rather than every day. Deep watering builds root depth and drought resistance.
• Run the system in the early morning, between 4am and 8am, to reduce evaporation and disease risk.
• Avoid watering in the afternoon when heat and wind cause most water to evaporate before it reaches the roots.
• Check local watering restrictions. Many cities have seasonal watering day restrictions in summer. Wylie and surrounding cities publish watering schedules on their city websites.
• If your controller does not have a rain sensor, consider adding one. It pays for itself quickly in a Texas summer where afternoon thunderstorms can drop significant rain with little warning.

When to call a professional

If your system has zones that are not functioning, heads that need replacement, a controller that is not responding correctly, or any signs of underground leaks, the best time to address those issues is before the heat arrives, not after. A system that is underperforming going into summer will fall further behind as temperatures rise and watering demands increase.

New Life Irrigation provides sprinkler repair and maintenance throughout Wylie, Murphy, Sachse, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Garland, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Parker, Lucas, Fairview, Royse City, Saint Paul, and the the area. Same day service available, upfront pricing, and a one year warranty on all repairs.

Most sprinkler system problems do not appear overnight. They develop gradually and often go unnoticed until the lawn starts showing visible damage or the water bill jumps unexpectedly. In Wylie, TX and across the area, the combination of extreme heat, clay soil, and winter freezes means irrigation systems take on a lot of stress over time.

Knowing the early warning signs can help you catch a problem before it becomes an expensive repair or leaves your lawn without water during the hottest months of the year. Here are the five most common signs that your sprinkler system needs professional attention.

1. Dry patches or dead spots in your lawn

If you have areas of your lawn that stay brown or dry even when the rest of the yard looks healthy, the sprinkler system is not covering those spots properly. This is one of the most common signs of a sprinkler problem and one of the easiest to miss because it develops over weeks rather than overnight.

Dry patches can be caused by broken or clogged sprinkler heads, heads that have settled or tilted out of alignment, zones with low water pressure, a valve that is not opening fully, or simply gaps in coverage from a system that needs adjustment. In many cases, the fix is straightforward once the cause is identified.

2. Soggy or waterlogged areas that stay wet

The opposite problem is equally telling. If you have areas in your yard that are always wet, stay soft underfoot, or develop puddles long after the sprinklers have run, you likely have a leak. Common culprits include a sprinkler head that is stuck in the open position, a valve that is not closing completely, a cracked underground pipe, or low-head drainage pulling water downhill to the lowest sprinkler in a zone.

Persistent wet areas near fences, foundations, or sidewalks deserve prompt attention. Extended moisture near your home’s foundation can create bigger problems over time, particularly in the area where foundation movement is already a concern on clay soils.

3. Zones that won’t turn on, or won’t turn off

A zone that refuses to turn on is usually caused by a bad solenoid, a broken wire, a failed valve, a tripped fuse in the controller, or water in the valve box. A zone that won’t turn off is most often a stuck or damaged valve, debris caught in the valve diaphragm, or a solenoid that is holding the valve open electrically.

Both issues should be addressed promptly. A zone that won’t water means part of your lawn is going without irrigation. A zone that won’t stop can waste hundreds of gallons before anyone notices, particularly if it happens overnight.

4. Low water pressure or weak sprinkler coverage

If your sprinklers are barely reaching their normal spray distance, or rotors are moving slowly and not covering the full arc, you have a pressure problem. Low pressure in a single zone usually points to a leak, a partially closed valve, or too many heads on that zone. Low pressure across all zones may indicate a pressure regulator issue, a problem with the backflow device, or a supply line concern.

Weak coverage means parts of your lawn are being underwatered even when the system appears to be running normally. Over the course of a hot Texas summer, that can add up to significant lawn damage.

5. Your water bill has increased unexpectedly

A sudden increase in your water bill without a change in your watering schedule is one of the clearest signs of an underground leak or a zone running longer than it should. Underground leaks in irrigation systems can go undetected for weeks if the leak is slow and the water drains away from the surface.

If you suspect your irrigation system is using more water than it should, a professional system check can identify leaks, misfiring zones, incorrect run times, or programming errors that are driving up consumption. In Wylie and across the area, water rates make undetected leaks genuinely costly over the course of a summer.

What to do if you notice these signs

Most of these problems are repairable, often in a single visit. The key is not to wait. A small leak becomes a bigger one. A dry patch becomes dead turf. A zone that barely reaches its target wastes water while still underperforming.

New Life Irrigation provides sprinkler repair and irrigation service throughout Wylie, Murphy, Sachse, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Garland, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Parker, Lucas, Fairview, Royse City, Saint Paul, and the rest of the the area. We include a free full system check with every repair visit so you understand exactly what is happening across the entire system, not just the spot that prompted the call.

Repair or replace your old sprinkler system is one of the most common questions homeowners ask when their irrigation system starts leaking, losing pressure, missing zones, or watering unevenly. The right answer depends on the age of the system, the type of problems you are having, how often repairs are needed, and whether the system can still water your lawn efficiently.

For many homeowners in Wylie, Murphy, Sachse, Lucas, Allen, Plano, Garland, Richardson, Rowlett, Rockwall, Fairview, McKinney, and nearby areas, a full sprinkler system replacement is not always necessary. In many cases, targeted repairs and maintenance can extend the life of the system and improve performance without the cost of starting over.

How to decide: repair vs. replace

The decision usually comes down to one question: is the system still structurally sound, or are problems happening throughout the entire system? If your sprinkler system has one broken head, a leaking valve, a bad wire, or a single pipe issue, repair is usually the best place to start. If the system has constant leaks, poor coverage across multiple zones, outdated parts, and repeated failures every season, replacement or partial replacement may be the better long-term investment.

Signs your old sprinkler system can probably be repaired

Age alone does not mean a system needs to be replaced. A 15-year-old irrigation system may perform well if the pipes, valves, heads, and controller have been maintained properly.

One or two zones are having problems

If only one or two zones are not working, the issue is usually isolated. A zone may not turn on because of a bad valve, damaged wire, faulty solenoid, or a controller programming issue. These problems rarely require replacing the whole system.

You have broken or damaged sprinkler heads

Broken heads are one of the most common irrigation problems. They can be damaged by mowers, vehicles, foot traffic, shifting soil, or normal wear. Replacing a few broken heads is simple and affordable, and it can immediately improve water coverage and reduce dry spots.

The controller needs programming or replacement

An older controller can cause watering problems even when the rest of the system is fine. Incorrect run times, wrong start times, or seasonal settings can make the system seem worse than it is. Sometimes the controller only needs to be reprogrammed. Replacing it with a newer smart model can significantly improve both convenience and water efficiency.

The system has minor leaks

Small leaks in heads, fittings, valves, or a single pipe section are usually repairable. A leak does not automatically mean the system has failed. What matters is whether the leaks are isolated or widespread.

Signs your sprinkler system may need replacement or major upgrades

Repairs are needed over and over again

If your system needs repairs every few weeks or every season, it may be time to look beyond quick fixes. Constant repairs can be a sign that multiple components are wearing out at the same time across the whole system.

Pipes are failing in multiple areas

A single broken pipe can usually be repaired. Multiple pipe failures may indicate aging material, poor original installation, root intrusion, or soil movement. If you have repeated underground leaks in different locations, the cost of locating and repairing each one may begin to outweigh keeping the existing layout.

The system was poorly designed

Some problems are not caused by age. They come from poor original design. A system with too many heads on one zone, mismatched spray heads and rotors, incorrect nozzle types, or zones trying to water different plant types at the same time will underperform regardless of repairs. In these cases, a partial redesign may be needed.

Your landscape has changed significantly

Many older systems were installed before the current landscape existed. Trees grow, shrubs mature, patios are added, and pools are built. If your yard has changed significantly, the old sprinkler layout may no longer fit, and modifying or replacing certain zones can make more sense than continuing to adjust a system designed for a different yard.

Common sprinkler problems and the best fix

• Broken heads — Replace individual heads. This is normal maintenance, not a system failure.
• Leaking valves — Valves can often be repaired or replaced individually. If multiple valves are failing, a valve box rebuild may be recommended.
• Low water pressure — Diagnose the cause first. Leaks, clogged nozzles, broken pipes, or too many heads on one zone all cause low pressure. The fix depends on the source.
• Controller problems — Usually solved through reprogramming, wiring repair, or controller replacement. A smart controller is often a worthwhile upgrade.
• Dry spots — Often fixed with head adjustments, nozzle changes, or pressure correction. Replacement is only needed if the layout genuinely cannot provide proper coverage.
• Constant leaks in multiple areas — May point to a larger pipe or system problem where partial replacement becomes more cost-effective than continued patching.

How long should a sprinkler system last?

There is no single lifespan. It depends on installation quality, soil movement, water pressure, maintenance, tree roots, weather, and how often the system runs. Sprinkler heads, nozzles, valves, controllers, and sensors typically wear out before underground pipes do, which is why many older systems can be improved significantly through component replacement rather than full replacement.

A well-maintained system can often continue working for many years with the right repairs and tune-ups.

Water efficiency matters in the area

Texas summers are hard on irrigation systems. Poor coverage, leaks, and overwatering waste significant water and money. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends deep, infrequent watering with early morning start times to reduce evaporation and encourage stronger root systems. A properly repaired system helps you water more efficiently, reduce runoff, and protect your landscape.

At New Life Irrigation, repair comes first

We focus on sprinkler repair and maintenance rather than pushing unnecessary replacements. If a repair can solve the problem, that is where we start. We will always give you an honest assessment of whether repair or partial replacement makes more sense for your system, your lawn, and your budget.

We serve Wylie, Murphy, Sachse, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Garland, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Parker, Lucas, Fairview, Royse City, Saint Paul, and all surrounding communities.

A sprinkler leak can waste a surprising amount of water and quickly lead to dead grass, muddy areas, foundation concerns, or an unexpectedly high water bill. Many homeowners in Wylie, TX first notice a problem through soggy patches in the lawn or a sudden spike in their monthly bill.

If you are dealing with a leaking sprinkler head, valve, or underground pipe, knowing what causes the problem and how to respond can prevent additional damage. New Life Irrigation specializes in sprinkler repair and drainage solutions throughout Wylie and nearby communities.

How to handle a sprinkler leak in Wylie TX

If you notice water pooling around a sprinkler head, water spraying incorrectly, or a zone continuing to leak after the system turns off, the first step is to stop additional water waste.

Steps homeowners should take

1. Turn off the sprinkler system at the controller.
2. Shut off the irrigation water supply if the leak is severe.
3. Identify which sprinkler zone appears affected.
4. Look for visible broken heads, cracked pipes, or soggy areas.
5. Avoid running the affected zone until repairs are completed.

Some leaks are caused by simple issues such as a damaged sprinkler head. Others may involve underground pipe damage, leaking valves, electrical problems, or pressure-related failures. Shifting clay soil, freezes, lawn equipment, and aging irrigation components are all common causes.

Can a sprinkler leak happen even when the system is off?

Yes. This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask after noticing constant dripping or water pooling around a sprinkler head even when nothing is scheduled to run.

Common reasons sprinklers leak while off

• Faulty or worn valve diaphragms
• Debris stuck inside the valve
• Low-head drainage from heads at lower elevations
• Underground pipe cracks
• Pressure imbalances in the system
• Backflow device issues

Sometimes homeowners assume the controller is malfunctioning, but the issue is often mechanical. If water continues leaking after the system is off, the system should be inspected to prevent ongoing water loss and possible landscape or foundation damage.

Common signs of a sprinkler leak

Homeowners often miss early signs of irrigation problems until the damage becomes more visible. Watch for these warning signs:

• Soggy or muddy lawn areas that stay wet
• Sprinkler heads still dripping after shutoff
• Brown or dry grass patches alongside wet areas
• Water bubbling from the ground
• Sudden spikes in your water bill
• Low sprinkler pressure or uneven coverage
• Water pooling near the foundation

Catching a sprinkler leak early can reduce repair costs and prevent larger landscaping or foundation problems down the road.

Why sprinkler leaks are common in the area

Local weather places heavy stress on irrigation systems. The combination of extreme summer heat, hard freezes, and the region’s notorious expansive clay soil creates conditions that are tough on pipes, fittings, and valves.

Common local causes include

• Expanding and contracting clay soil
• Summer heat stress on components
• Winter freeze damage to exposed fittings and valves
• Tree root intrusion around older pipe lines
• Lawn mower and equipment damage to heads
• Aging sprinkler components past their service life
• Pressure fluctuations in municipal supply lines

Even small underground leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time and lead to soft spots in the lawn that are easy to miss until they become larger problems.

Do plumbers fix sprinkler leaks?

Some plumbers may handle certain irrigation-related issues, but most sprinkler leaks are best diagnosed and repaired by irrigation specialists. Sprinkler systems involve irrigation valves, controllers, wiring, zone pressure balancing, backflow components, underground piping, and drainage considerations that are specific to irrigation, not general plumbing.

New Life Irrigation focuses specifically on sprinkler repair and drainage solutions, which means we understand how all components work together as a complete system, especially in the area conditions.

Professional sprinkler repair in Wylie and surrounding areas

If your sprinkler system is leaking, not turning off correctly, or causing soggy areas in your lawn, New Life Irrigation provides professional repair services throughout Wylie, Murphy, Sachse, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Garland, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Parker, Lucas, Fairview, Royse City, Saint Paul, and surrounding cities.

Our sprinkler repair services include

• Sprinkler head replacement
• Valve and solenoid repair
• Pipe leak detection and repair
• Controller troubleshooting and replacement
• Zone diagnostics and pressure balancing
• Wiring repair
• Backflow device inspection and replacement
• Drainage solutions for soggy or pooling areas