Lawn Sprinkler Repair Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my lawn sprinklers turn on? The reason why your lawn sprinkler system will not turn on can be determined by two quick tests. First, locate one of the irrigation valves and turn the solenoid counter-clockwise. If the valve opens and sprinklers turn on, your valve is working and you’ll need to check the controller and wiring. If the valve did not turn on the sprinklers, the water to the valves is still off and may require further service. For that, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a licensed irrigation contractor.
Why won’t my lawn sprinklers turn off? Lawn sprinklers that won’t turn off is very common problem. When valves wear out, they can stick open, stick closed or they can leak. Good news is, you can shut-off the water line that supplies the irrigation system without shutting-off water to the whole house. To do this, locate the main water shut-off for your house. There should be a separate pipe that branches off from the main water line. That pipe goes to the valve box containing your irrigation valves. It should have its own shut-off. Turn the handle to the off position. That will stop your irrigation system from running and allow you to contact a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.
How long do sprinkler systems last? How long your lawn sprinkler system lasts depends on a couple factors. A sprinkler system, properly installed by a licensed irrigation contractor, using high-quality components and receives regular maintenance in the spring and fall should last 15 to 20 years before requiring any costly repairs. Afterwards, with regular maintenance, homeowners report as much as 40 years service.
How long do lawn sprinkler heads last? Lawn sprinkler heads can last up to 20 years, however, it’s common to experience minor breakdowns along the way. To minimize the cost of breakdowns, it is highly recommended you schedule an inspection of your sprinkler system in the spring to ensure top performance, and in the fall to prepare your sprinkler system for winter.
How much does lawn sprinkler repair cost? The cost to repair your lawn sprinkler system is $75 to $500 — with most homeowners paying $212. Most sprinkler repairs involve replacing sprinkler heads or replacing valves. Your total cost will be the cost of parts, sprinkler heads, valves… etc, plus the cost of professional, skilled labor of a licensed irrigation contractor.
How much does it cost to replace a sprinkler backflow? It costs $300 to $500 to replace a sprinkler backflow preventer. Depending on the size and type of the system, most homeowners pay between $500 and $1,000 which includes the device plus professional labor costs.
How much does it cost to install a new lawn sprinkler system? The cost of installing a new lawn sprinkler system will vary considerably based on local ordinance requirements, soil composition, the size / area and the number of irrigation zones to be installed. In Coppell, an average 2,500-square-foot front yard, the cost of installing a new lawn sprinkler system is $2,500-$3,500 — while a sprinkler system for 5,000 square feet (front and back yards) costs from $3,000-$4,500.