How to Tell If Your Sprinkler System Needs Repair

Your sprinkler system plays a critical role in keeping your lawn and landscaping healthy—especially during Georgia’s hot, dry summers. But like any other home system, sprinklers can develop issues over time that go unnoticed until they cause visible damage to your yard or water bill.

At GCO Landscaping, we specialize in sprinkler system repairs and can quickly diagnose and fix issues to keep your irrigation running efficiently. Here are the most common signs that your sprinkler system might need professional attention.

1. Uneven watering or dry patches in the lawn

When your sprinkler system is functioning properly, every section of your lawn should receive even, consistent moisture. But if you notice that some areas are green and lush while others are dry, brown, or dying, it’s a clear indication something isn’t working as it should.

Common causes of uneven watering:

• • • Clogged or broken sprinkler heads – Debris, lawnmower damage, or natural wear can block or destroy heads, preventing water from reaching certain areas.
    • Misaligned nozzles – Sprinkler heads that have shifted or tilted may be spraying in the wrong direction, watering sidewalks or fences instead of grass.
    • Low water pressure – Pressure issues can prevent heads from reaching full range, leading to dry corners or poor coverage.
    • Zone valve or controller malfunctions – If certain zones aren’t activating properly, portions of your lawn may go unwatered entirely.

Why it matters:

Inconsistent watering not only creates an unattractive patchy lawn—it also leads to stressed plants, compacted soil, and increased vulnerability to pests and disease. Over time, your entire landscape can begin to suffer.

At GCO Landscaping, we offer professional sprinkler inspections to identify and resolve these issues quickly, helping homeowners in Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, and beyond keep their lawns healthy and even all season long.

2. Soggy spots or standing water

If your lawn feels spongy underfoot or puddles are forming in certain areas after your sprinkler runs, you may be dealing with a serious irrigation problem. Overwatering is just as damaging as underwatering—and more expensive.

Signs of excess water:

• • • Constantly wet or muddy grass in certain sections
    • Water runoff along sidewalks, driveways, or patios
    • Overflowing garden beds that erode mulch and expose roots

What it could mean:

• • • A broken underground pipe may be leaking water continuously
    • Sprinklers may be running too long or watering areas with poor drainage
    • The system may be unbalanced, with one zone outputting significantly more than others

Excess moisture encourages root rot, fungal disease, erosion, and even mosquito breeding. It can also put your hardscaping and home’s foundation at risk.

GCO Landscaping offers both sprinkler system repairs and custom drainage solutions, including French drains, dry creek beds, and downspout extensions to redirect excess water and restore balance to your yard.

3. Sudden spikes in your water bill

A significant and unexplained increase in your monthly water bill is one of the most overlooked signs of a hidden irrigation problem.

Likely culprits:

• • • Hidden underground leaks that allow water to flow constantly without surface evidence
    • Valves that won’t fully close, leading to slow, wasteful leaks between cycles
    • Faulty timers or controllers that run the system too frequently or at the wrong times

Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. By the time the damage is visible, you’ve likely already paid for it multiple times over.

Our team can perform a full irrigation system audit to locate leaks, adjust run times, and recommend repairs or controller upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

4. Sprinkler heads won’t pop up (or stay up)

Pop-up sprinkler heads are designed to rise during operation and retract when not in use. When they get stuck in either position, it usually means something is wrong with the internal mechanism or water pressure.

Causes to look for:

• • • Clogged heads from dirt, mulch, or lawn debris
    • Damaged seals or worn parts that prevent full extension or retraction
    • Low water pressure preventing heads from fully activating

These issues can result in poor coverage, dry spots, and wasted water—especially if heads are stuck spraying sidewalks or driveways.

We often recommend replacing older or damaged heads, adjusting zone pressure, and releveling sunken sprinklers to restore performance and ensure full lawn coverage.

5. Inconsistent timing or controller failure

Your sprinkler controller determines when, where, and how long each zone runs. When it malfunctions, your entire system can go off schedule—resulting in both over- and under-watering.

Signs of controller issues:

• • • Zones not starting or shutting off properly
    • Unusual run times, like the system turning on at night or running too frequently
    • Blank displays or power loss after outages or surges

Many older controllers simply wear out or lose programming after power disruptions. Others may not be equipped to handle modern water-saving features.

At GCO Landscaping, we offer controller repairs and upgrades to smart irrigation systems. These WiFi-enabled controllers use local weather data and soil moisture readings to automatically adjust your watering schedule—saving you time, money, and water while keeping your lawn healthy and consistent.

Real example: Sprinkler repair in Peachtree City

A homeowner in Peachtree City noticed dry patches forming near the edges of their lawn. After a system inspection, we found that two sprinkler heads were misaligned and one zone had a clogged nozzle. We replaced the faulty components, adjusted the heads for full coverage, and recalibrated the timer. Within a week, the lawn began greening up evenly again—and the client avoided overwatering other areas in the process.

Areas we serve

GCO Landscaping proudly provides sprinkler system repairs and landscape services to homeowners and commercial properties in:

• • Sharpsburg
  • Peachtree City
  • Senoia
  • Newnan
  • Tyrone
  • Fayetteville

Whether you need a quick fix or a full irrigation system evaluation, our team is ready to help.

Don’t Let a Broken Sprinkler Ruin Your Landscape

Restore your sprinkler system before summer takes its toll.
If you've noticed dry patches, soggy areas, or unexpected water usage, now is the time to act. GCO Landscaping provides expert sprinkler system repairs and irrigation adjustments to help your lawn stay green, healthy, and water-efficient.

Call us today or request a free estimate to schedule your sprinkler inspection. We proudly serve Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, Senoia, Newnan, Tyrone, and Fayetteville with trusted, professional landscape solutions.