Are you frustrated with brown patches in your otherwise lush Florida lawn? Or perhaps your water bill has mysteriously skyrocketed? The culprit might be lurking just beneath your grass – your irrigation system. At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, we’ve helped countless Central Florida homeowners troubleshoot and repair irrigation problems that were damaging both their landscapes and their wallets.
Florida’s unique combination of sandy soil, intense heat, and seasonal downpours creates special challenges for irrigation systems. Understanding these common irrigation issues – and knowing how to address them – can save you water, money, and the headache of watching your carefully cultivated landscape wither away.
Why Florida Irrigation Systems Face Unique Challenges
Florida’s environment presents irrigation challenges that homeowners in other regions don’t face:
- Sandy soil that drains quickly, often causing water to disappear before plants can absorb it
- Intense heat that increases evaporation and plant water needs
- Seasonal heavy rains that can oversaturate systems
- Water restrictions in many counties that limit when you can irrigate
- High mineral content in water that can clog systems over time
Robert Warren, our irrigation technician at We Do It All Trees & Landscape, explains: “What works for irrigation in other states often fails in Florida. Our soil conditions, weather patterns, and water quality create a perfect storm for irrigation problems that require specialized knowledge to solve.”
10 Most Common Irrigation Issues in Central Florida
1. Uneven Water Distribution
The Problem: Some areas of your lawn receive too much water while others remain dry, resulting in patchy grass with both soggy and brown areas.
Common Causes:
- Improper sprinkler head spacing
- Mismatched sprinkler heads with different precipitation rates
- Incorrect water pressure
- Obstructions blocking spray patterns
DIY Solution: Check for consistent spray patterns by running your system during daylight hours (get a watering variance if needed). Adjust sprinkler heads to ensure proper overlap and even coverage. Remove any obstructions like overgrown grass or shrubs around sprinkler heads.
When to Call a Pro: If adjustments don’t solve the issue, you might need a system redesign with properly matched heads and appropriate spacing – something our team specializes in throughout Polk and Hillsborough Counties.
2. Clogged Sprinkler Heads
The Problem: Sprinklers spray irregularly, mist instead of stream, or don’t pop up properly.
Common Causes:
- Sand, dirt, or debris in the system
- Mineral buildup from Florida’s hard water
- Lawn mower damage to sprinkler heads
- Insects nesting in sprinkler heads
DIY Solution: Turn off your system and carefully remove sprinkler heads. Clean out any debris and rinse thoroughly. For mineral deposits, soak heads in vinegar for several hours before rinsing.
When to Call a Pro: If multiple heads are consistently clogging, you might have a system-wide issue that requires professional flushing or the installation of a backflow device with a filter.
3. Leaking Valves and Pipes
The Problem: Soggy areas in your yard, unexplained increases in your water bill, or water pooling around valve boxes.
Common Causes:
- Damaged valve diaphragms
- Cracked pipes from root intrusion (common with Florida’s aggressive tree roots)
- Loose connections
- Damage from landscape work or construction
- Faulty solenoid in the valve
DIY Solution: For visible leaks at connections, try tightening fittings. Check valve boxes after running your system to spot leaks. Look for water bubbling up from underground, which indicates a pipe leak.
When to Call a Pro: Underground leaks, damaged valves, or cracked pipes require professional repair. At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, we can locate and repair hidden leaks without unnecessarily tearing up your yard.
4. Irrigation Controller Problems
The Problem: System doesn’t run on schedule, some irrigation zones don’t activate, or controller displays error messages.
Common Causes:
- Power surges from Florida’s frequent lightning storms
- Incorrect programming
- Battery backup failure
- Wiring issues
- Controller malfunction
DIY Solution: Check that the controller has power and reset it if necessary. Verify programming settings and replace backup batteries annually. Make sure the time and date are correct, especially after power outages.
When to Call a Pro: If zones won’t activate or the controller continues malfunctioning after a reset, you likely have electrical or wiring issues that require professional diagnosis.
5. Low Water Pressure
The Problem: Sprinklers barely pop up or produce a weak spray that doesn’t reach intended areas.
Common Causes:
- Too many sprinklers on one irrigation zone
- Municipal water pressure fluctuations (common in rapidly growing Florida communities)
- Partially closed valves
- Leaks in the system
- Clogged filters or pipes
- Improper irrigation design
DIY Solution: Check that all manual valves are fully open. Run fewer zones simultaneously if your controller allows for this adjustment. Inspect for leaks that could be reducing pressure.
When to Call a Pro: Persistent pressure problems often indicate design flaws or hidden leaks that require professional evaluation. Our team can perform a pressure test to identify the exact cause and recommend appropriate solutions.
6. Excessive Runoff and Water Waste
The Problem: Water runs off onto sidewalks, driveways, or streets instead of soaking into your lawn.
Common Causes:
- Watering too quickly for Florida’s sandy soil to absorb
- Compacted soil from foot traffic
- Sloped terrain
- Overwatering
- Poor irrigation efficiency
DIY Solution: Program your controller for “cycle and soak” watering – multiple shorter watering cycles instead of one long one. This gives water time to penetrate Florida’s challenging soil.
When to Call a Pro: If runoff persists, you might need system modifications like pressure-regulating heads, drip irrigation for slopes, or soil amendments to improve absorption. An irrigation efficiency evaluation can identify ways to reduce water waste and money.
7. Irrigation and Landscaping Conflicts
The Problem: New landscaping or hardscaping interferes with existing irrigation coverage.
Common Causes:
- Newly planted trees or shrubs blocking spray patterns
- Added garden beds or hardscaping without adjusting irrigation
- Growing plants that now block sprinklers
- Poor irrigation design
DIY Solution: Adjust sprinkler heads around new landscape features or add extension risers to raise heads above growing plants.
When to Call a Pro: Significant landscape changes often require irrigation system redesign or the addition of specialized zones for different plant types. Our team can integrate your irrigation with your evolving landscape vision.
8. Poor Irrigation Scheduling
The Problem: Your lawn shows signs of stress despite regular watering, or your water bill is excessively high.
Common Causes:
- Incorrect irrigation scheduling
- Not adjusting for seasonal changes
- Watering during rainfall
- Ignoring water restrictions
- Irrigating at improper times of day
DIY Solution: Follow local water restrictions and adjust your controller seasonally. Water in early morning (4-6 AM) when evaporation is minimal. Install a rain sensor to prevent watering during or after rainfall.
When to Call a Pro: Smart controllers that automatically adjust based on weather conditions can optimize your irrigation scheduling. Our irrigation experts can install and program these devices to maximize efficiency.
9. Backflow Device Issues
The Problem: Water leaking from the backflow device, reduced water flow, or failed inspection.
Common Causes:
- Freeze damage (even in Florida, occasional cold snaps can cause problems)
- Worn internal components
- Improper installation
- Debris in the device
- Annual testing requirements not met
DIY Solution: Check for visible leaks or damage. Ensure the device is properly insulated during cold weather.
When to Call a Pro: Backflow devices are critical safety components that prevent contamination of drinking water. Repairs should be handled by licensed professionals, and annual testing is required by most Florida municipalities. Our team can perform these services to keep your system compliant and functioning properly.
10. Zone Valve Malfunctions
The Problem: Certain zones don’t turn on or off, or you hear a clicking sound but no water flows.
Common Causes:
- Faulty solenoid
- Damaged diaphragm
- Electrical issues
- Debris trapped in the valve
- Zone valve box flooding
DIY Solution: Check for debris in the valve box and ensure it’s not flooded. Verify electrical connections if you’re comfortable working with low-voltage wiring.
When to Call a Pro: Valve repairs typically require professional expertise. Our technicians can diagnose and repair valve issues quickly, often without needing to replace the entire valve.
Special Considerations for Florida’s Seasonal Changes
Florida’s distinct wet and dry seasons require irrigation system adjustments throughout the year:
Dry Season (October-May)
- Increase watering frequency while staying within water restrictions
- Check system more frequently for dry spots
- Consider soil moisture sensors to optimize watering
- Monitor water flow to ensure efficient distribution
Rainy Season (June-September)
- Reduce watering frequency to prevent overwatering
- Install a rain sensor if you don’t already have one
- Check for proper drainage to prevent root rot
- Inspect system for storm damage after severe weather
As one satisfied customer from Valrico noted: “After We Do It All adjusted my irrigation system for seasonal changes, my water bill dropped by 30% and my lawn has never looked better, even during the hottest months.”
Troubleshooting Your Irrigation System: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re experiencing irrigation problems, follow these steps to identify the issue:
- Perform a visual inspection: Walk your property and look for obvious issues like broken sprinkler heads, leaks, or dry spots.
- Run a manual test: Activate each irrigation zone individually and observe for:
- Sprinkler heads that don’t pop up
- Uneven spray patterns
- Leaks or water pooling
- Low pressure or weak spray
- Check your controller: Verify that programs are set correctly and the controller is receiving power.
- Inspect the water source: Make sure the main water supply to your irrigation system is fully open and check for adequate water pressure.
- Look for obstructions: Clear any grass, mulch, or debris covering sprinkler heads.
- Check for leaks: Look for unusually wet areas or water bubbling up from underground.
- Test the rain sensor: If you have one, verify it’s working by wetting it and confirming the system shuts off.
- Examine valve boxes: Open valve boxes and check for flooding, debris, or visible damage.
This systematic approach helps identify the most common irrigation problems before calling a professional.
When to Call the Professionals
While some irrigation issues can be handled with DIY solutions, others require professional expertise. Consider calling our team at We Do It All Trees & Landscape when:
- Your water bill suddenly increases without explanation
- Multiple sprinkler heads fail simultaneously
- You hear your irrigation pump running when no zones are active
- Your system needs to be updated to comply with new water restrictions
- You’re planning landscape renovations that will affect your irrigation needs
- Your controller consistently malfunctions despite resets
- You suspect underground pipe leaks
- Your backflow device is leaking or due for annual testing
- You want to improve irrigation efficiency and reduce water waste
- You need help designing or installing a new irrigation system
Robert Warren, our irrigation specialist, has over 20 years of experience diagnosing and repairing irrigation issues specific to Central Florida. As he explains, “What looks like a simple sprinkler problem can often be a symptom of a larger system issue. Our comprehensive approach ensures we fix the root cause, not just the symptoms.”
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Florida Irrigation Systems
To avoid common irrigation problems, follow these Florida-specific maintenance tips:
- Monthly visual inspection: Run each zone for 2-3 minutes to check for proper operation and water distribution
- Quarterly head cleaning: Remove and rinse sprinkler heads to prevent mineral buildup
- Seasonal controller adjustments: Update your watering schedule based on seasonal needs and local water restrictions
- Annual backflow testing: Required in many Florida counties and crucial for system health
- Spring system check: Before the hot season arrives, have a professional perform a complete system check
- Filter cleaning: If you have a pump system drawing from a well or lake (common in rural Florida areas), clean filters monthly
- Zone-by-zone evaluation: Test each irrigation zone to ensure proper coverage and identify potential issues early
- Sprinkler head alignment: Check and adjust sprinkler heads that may have shifted due to foot traffic or lawn maintenance
- Valve inspection: Periodically inspect valve boxes for signs of leaks or damage
- Controller battery replacement: Replace backup batteries annually to ensure your program settings aren’t lost during power outages
Regular maintenance not only prevents costly repairs but also optimizes water use, saving you money while keeping your landscape healthy.
Upgrading Your Irrigation System: When and Why
If your irrigation system is more than 10 years old or consistently problematic, consider these upgrade options:
Smart Controllers
Modern smart controllers adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and evapotranspiration rates. They can reduce water usage by 20-50% compared to traditional timers.
High-Efficiency Sprinkler Heads
Newer sprinkler head designs distribute water more evenly and reduce misting and evaporation. They can improve irrigation efficiency by up to 30%.
Drip Irrigation
For plant beds and gardens, drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff. It’s particularly effective in Florida’s sandy soil.
Rain Sensors and Soil Moisture Sensors
These devices prevent unnecessary watering during or after rainfall and ensure irrigation only occurs when soil actually needs moisture.
Pressure Regulation
Pressure-regulating devices ensure optimal water pressure throughout your system, improving efficiency and extending equipment life.
An irrigation system upgrade typically pays for itself through water savings within 2-3 years, while also improving landscape health.
Why We Do It All Trees & Landscape for Your Irrigation Needs
At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, we understand the unique challenges of maintaining beautiful, healthy landscapes in Central Florida. Our comprehensive approach means we don’t just fix your immediate irrigation problem – we ensure your entire outdoor space thrives.
Our irrigation services include:
- Irrigation system troubleshooting and repair
- New irrigation system design and installation
- Backflow testing and repair
- Controller upgrades and smart irrigation solutions
- System modifications for landscape changes
- Seasonal adjustments and maintenance
- Water efficiency evaluations
As one customer from Lakeland shared: “After struggling with patchy grass and high water bills for years, I called We Do It All. They identified issues I didn’t even know existed and fixed everything in one visit. My lawn has never looked better, and my water bill is finally reasonable.”
A Healthy Irrigation System for a Thriving Florida Landscape
Your irrigation system is the lifeline of your Florida landscape. By understanding common issues and addressing them promptly, you can maintain a beautiful, healthy yard while conserving water and saving money.
Every irrigation system requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs, especially in Florida’s challenging climate. Whether you’re facing an immediate irrigation emergency or want to ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency, our team at We Do It All Trees & Landscape is here to help. With our expertise in Central Florida’s unique environmental challenges, we provide solutions that last.
Don’t let irrigation issues drain your time and money. Contact us today for a comprehensive irrigation system evaluation.
Ready to solve your irrigation issues once and for all? Call us at (813) 588-0121 or request a free estimate today. Our experienced team serves Lakeland, Valrico, Lithia, and surrounding areas throughout Polk and Hillsborough Counties.
